The Trader Joe’s Thread

[SportyGirly125]

I know we have threads dedicated to specific beauty brands but I didn’t really see one dedicated or updated for all things Trader Joe’s. It could be beauty, skincare, haircare, household or grocery items. Post your finds here so others could be on a lookout of what to find or is newly released at their local store. It could also be something you think people should try. Their beauty section is so underrated and most people don’t even know they have a beauty aisle.  Their candles and seasonal items are amazing and they always have unique snacks. 

[makeitup305]

@itsfi I need to swing by and try some more of their stuff. I just get overwhelmed at TJs with all the options.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@itsfi looks yummy!

[itsfi]

@greeneyedgirl107, it was delicious. 😋 

[SportyGirly125]

@itsfi @Did you see all the Ube items they had in store? It’s so popular at my store they have to put limits on them. 

[itsfi]

@SportyGirly125, they had the ube pretzels and cookies (I think they're cookies?) on the shelves, but the ube mochi ice cream hasn't found its way to the frozen ice cream section yet though as I think about it, I'm not actually sure the store closest to me stocks that flavor. Hmmm... The ube items don't seem as popular at the store closest to me as some other locations, so there hasn't been a limit on them. 

[CookieGirl1]

@itsfi funny, I was at TJs today and saw those for the first time!  I had no idea that it was such a hot item.

[itsfi]

@CookieGirl1, that is funny. 😆 I know that there was a controversy surrounding them when they first became available (last year, I think) and I can understand how there are mixed feelings. This is the first time I've had frozen kimbap that needed to be microwaved 🤔, so I had some skepticism going in, but I was presently surprised. Have you had kimbap before? Either way, if you're interested in trying TJ's version, they are worth checking out. 

[CookieGirl1]

@itsfi I actually haven't ever had it before; I guess I need to actually look at what it is and then consider picking up a box next time I go.

[itsfi]

@CookieGirl1, that sounds like a good approach. I’ve had a couple of discussions (yep, food is a big topic of conversation 😆) with friends and family about these treats and similar ones, including freshly made kimbap, and we were all impressed with many components of the TJs version.

[blackkitty2014]

Oh I need to visit my local TJ soon @itsfi . I love these kinds of snacks from TJ 🥰

[itsfi]

Oooh, I'd love to hear what you think of the TJ version @blackkitty2014! 

[SportyGirly125]

@itsfi @How does it taste?  My Dad loves Kimbap. 

[itsfi]

@SportyGirly125, it's delicious! I was impressed. I think Koreatown in SoCal has some amazing food so I can't say how it would compare to the kimbap you might find there, but these Trader Joe's kimbap were excellent. There's a Korean market here and they have some good kimbap but I actually think the TJ one was better. I don't think it was because I was really hungry either. But, let your dad be the judge! Especially if he loves kimbap. Would he be up for a blind taste test?

[SportyGirly125]

@itsfi @I think so. We have so many Korean restaurants and grocery stores around us that sell it fresh too. 

[missjeanie]

I have a love of Trader Joes, maybe because I love a gent in a hawaiian shirt, maybe because I love food, maybe because I don't have one close... maybe I'm just loving middle age and grocery stores are the new cool place to be???

My father goes south every winter and is close to a TJ's.   I sent him a list of some things to look for at the TJ's there to bring home.  He drives a small sports car and I had to laugh at the four full bags of groceries I'd requested.  Some of the beauty products I had bootlegged across the border.... 

Look I'm just addicted to these dried mandarins!

Can't wait for a spring/summer road trip south to visit all the fun grocery stores! lol

[makeitup305]

@missjeanie have you tried the dried pineapple (the one that's plain not candied)? It's one of my favorite snacks. So chewy, sweet and tart! 

[missjeanie]

@makeitup305 I have not!  I'll have to add it my list to try on my next visit!  Love this idea!

[makeitup305]

@missjeanie They have it sometimes at other health food stores, idk about Canada. I don't buy it often because I'll eat the whole bag in one sitting! 

[itsfi]

@missjeanie, grocery stores can definitely be a fun destination spot. Seeing your groceries here has made me add those dried mandarins to my list. 😃  

[missjeanie]

@itsfi I have to hold myself back every time I open a bag from eating the entire thing in one sitting. 

[itsfi]

Completely understandable @missjeanie! I feel that way with a lot of Trader Joe snacks. Same with the actual fresh fruit. Love mandarins. 🧡🍊