🚌 FIELD TRIP: TRADER JOE'S

Adventure Awaits!

Listen, I’m not about to suit up for a wild ride up the 303 (or any other road in Arizona for that matter), unless I know it’s worth the “adventure.”

Trader Joe’s (“TJ’s”) is one of those places that’s worth the trip! If you’ve never been, the holiday season is the best time to experience TJ’s because they have so many unique treats that are only available at this time of year!

Before, when we lived in Orange County, I would make multiple trips a week to TJ’s and when we moved here, giving that up was hard. It didn’t take long though before I got used to going to Aldi (as I’ve written about before here), but there are still some things that can only be found at TJ’s, so I now visit about every 4 weeks. Plus, I have found TJ’s prices to be on the lower side on most things, so I like to stock up on essentials like beans and olives, which are about 50% cheaper than at regular grocery stores. Plus, I think the quality is better too!

Best Experienced In Person

Since TJ’s is best experienced visually, today’s story is going to be heavy on the photos so you can get an idea of what it’s like if you haven’t been. If you’re already familiar with TJ’s but haven’t been lately, you’ll love seeing a few of the new, fun things that they have out right now.

When I was preparing for this story, I was planning on showing you all aspects of the store. But, as I started to assemble the pictures, I realized there’s no way I can show you everything without this turning into a novel - I took so many photos yesterday! But, here’s a sampling:

A Few of My Regular Favorite Things

Below are some of the things that I think are best purchased at TJ’s because they have the best quality & the best prices on these items:

• Spices: If you know me, you know I live on bagel seasoning! And, although you can now buy bagel seasoning everywhere, it originated at TJ’s and theirs is better than the kind you buy at the regular store! It’s only $1.99 and a jar lasts me at least a month or two! (Less if I’m on a poké bowl kick - that stuff is sooo good on poké.)

• Greeting Cards: Their greeting cards are clever and only $0.99! For these alone, it’s worth the drive and for that price you can stock up! That’s what I do! Especially great cards for children’s birthdays (you know moms, for all those parties you attend every weekend)!

• Nuts & Raisins: Nuts are expensive but I think they have the best prices on them - ranging from $2.99 (for sliced toasted almonds) to $8.99 (16 oz. organic dry roasted cashews). They have a wide variety and different flavor combinations that I’ve never seen anywhere else. I like the salt & pepper pistachios!

• Orchids & Flowers: When I lived in California, it was mandatory that I had orchids in my house because they make me so happy! I’m not sure they are the best flowers for here because they require high humidity but they make great gifts and they range in price from $9.99 on up. I also regularly buy the cut flower arrangements for my kitchen counter and those start at $6.99.

• Canned Tuna: There is nothing better than TJ’s canned tuna! Even the premium canned tuna at the market doesn’t compare to this. The last time I tried a can of tuna from the market, I had to throw it out because it tasted like cat food. Try this!!! $1.99 each (including Albacore)! [Pictured below in “haul” photo.]

A Few of My Favorite Holiday Things

There was so much great holiday stuff there yesterday! A wide variety of new things that I had never seen before! Plus the Christmas displays were 🤯 ! Totally impressed by the “Trader Joe’s Express” train of treats (pictured above) assembled from cardboard boxes. So creative!

The Advent Calendar for Cats is $1.99 and I also got a few regular advent calendars for my big kids (actually “adults” but I’m in denial). Those are $1.29 and nearly sold out.

The holiday item I love the most that I got yesterday is the giant chocolate gold-foiled coin (like those chocolate coins that come in little bags but this one is 5” in diameter). I also got several other great stocking stuffers: Clif Bars ($1.39), ZBars ($0.99), Hot Chocolate Spoons ($0.99) and Gummy Fruit Mix ($1.99). [All pictured in my “haul” photo below.]

As I’m going over my receipt, I’m reminded that I also got the seasonal Cedar Balsam Candle ($3.99) - I love that scent and I buy one every year! (Going to light it right now for just the kick I need to finish this article!)

Yesterday’s Haul

I intended to list and tell you about every single item I bought until I unloaded everything and it was so much that I couldn’t even fit it all in one picture! So, I’m going to have to pick a few of my favorites (which I am having a hard time choosing…):

• Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers (and the regular Corn Chip Dippers): I bought Fritos last week for the charcuterie board I made for Maggie & Tony’s party and I wish I could have used these instead. Trust me, they don’t even compare to Fritos! And, the best part? They are only $2.49! (That’s why I bought both kinds!)

• Wild Caught Ahi Tuna Steaks (Frozen): Mr. Buzz is a wonderful cook and he makes the best fish tacos using this. In fact, that’s what we had for Thanksgiving Dinner! We haven’t found frozen fish comparable to this and only buy this fish frozen at TJ’s. $8.99 per package (1 lb).

• The Dark Chocolate Lover’s Chocolate Bar - 85% Cacao ($1.99) & the 3-packs of the 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bars ($2.49): If I live on bagel seasoning, Mr. Buzz lives on these for his nightly treat! In fact, when we start running low is when I know it’s time to go (to TJ’s)!

   

• Coffee: I have been having trouble with the k-cup version of coffee from TJ’s, so this time I bought the beans but sent them through the grinder at too-course of a grind = really weak coffee. So, I can’t properly comment on the taste of this one (“Organic Five Country Blend”) yet, but it smells good! Instead of disposable k-cups, my intention is to use the ground version in one of these that my friend, El Jefe, gave me.* (That reminds me, Kris do you have a grinder? 😆)

The Buzz

Bottom line: Make plans to visit over the holiday season! But go early, it gets busy!

Buzz Rating: 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 [5/5 Products] | 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 [5/5 Prices]

Tips for a Smooth Trip

In case your directions tell you to take the 303 to Grand, use this route instead. The Grand exit is under construction and there have been an overwhelming number of accidents at and around that off-ramp because of it.

And, of course, if you go, please let me know!

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Do you have a favorite person, place or thing you’d like to see featured here? Email me the details @ [email protected]