Help make out my Trader Joe's shopping list

[Anonymous]

Generally, frozen entrees are looked at as being unhealthy because of all the sodium and other preservatives. What makes TJ's frozen entrees better?

[Anonymous]

I have already posted, but I forgot to add nuts. I love the raw almonds and raw cashews available at Trader Joe's.

And two of my favorite guilty pleasures are the Milk Chocolate Clouds and the Put the Almond In the Coconut chocolates.

[Anonymous]

The frozen mac and cheese is really good. It like 5 different cheeses and a great I just don't feel like it side dish.

Also the mini tacos and the dumplings

they also have some premarinated meats that are really good on the grill.

And a wonderful selection of juice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Generally, frozen entrees are looked at as being unhealthy because of all the sodium and other preservatives. What makes TJ's frozen entrees better?

Most Trader Joes stuff is preservative free (I don't know if it all is).

I've found a lot of their stuff to be healtier in that it has healthier ingredients (more whole grains, etc).

[Anonymous]

As for the fish, I never have bought the breaded kind We buy Mahi, Tilapia, Shrimp and Swordfish. We have been pleased with all of it and the price is great!

[Anonymous]

OP - I felt the same way you did a couple years ago - why bother? Now i love it. I think it has to do with finding those things you do like and having less time.

For me, the "must have" is their frozen green beans. I usually dislike frozen veggies, but these taste fresh. I found thier other veggies to be good also.

I also love their cheese and hummus - have no perservatives (I think) and no hormones for cheaper price than other grocery stores.

Frozen mexican food. Good to have on hand.

Frozen stir-fry stuff (again, prior to kids I wouldn't bother with frozen veggies, but great to have for those desperate times - especially since my kid only eats it if I overcook the veggies anyways).

And well, I'll admit it, they have "healthier" cookies, so my 3 year old is willing to go and behave in exchange for picking out a "treat".

What I don't buy there - fresh whole fruit - it goes bad on the car ride home. But I do like their presliced fruit (why it stays good longer, I have no idea).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you lack self-control do not - DO NOT! - buy the sweet and salty trail mix that has peanut butter chips, choc chips, dried cranberries, cashews, etc. I swear to god, it's a 1lb bag that turned into 10lbs on my ass because I could not put it down. It's the perfect mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy. If you can't resist, dole out small portions to bring with you to work each day. Don't let it sit around where you can grab handfuls without thinking about how much you're eating!

And the mini peanut butter cups. They are way too good. They will ruin all other peanut butter candy for you! Do not buy them!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

various simmer sauces (they are usually all great and make an easy dinner in the crockpot)

I've never used "simmer sauces" before. Is that what they are called or just the name you've given for them. What should I look for, is there a line that they carry of these sauces? Is it something that I can just pour in a pan and cook fish in and serve over the frozen rice? If so, that could be perfect for a quick but not totally "defrosted" meal.

And how do you use with a crockpot (which will be the next thread I start). I don't have a crockpot but I want to get one, I just have no clue how to use them.

I just bought two things of simmer sauce. It is called simmer sauce and the directions say to basically cook meat (or veggies) with the sauce on top of the stove. I have yet to try it in my crockpot, but certainly plan to try it. I assume you just dump it in with meat and/or veggies and cook. But the simmer recipe looks to be pretty darn easy.

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure if it was called simmer sauce or not, but something like "Punjab spinach [simmer?] sauce" is great with chick peas. My toddler ate that a lot for a while. You can add some TJ's frozen spinach and some rice and it's another quick meal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Generally, frozen entrees are looked at as being unhealthy because of all the sodium and other preservatives. What makes TJ's frozen entrees better?

Also, TJ's sells products that don't have as much extraneous added sugar as regular grocer store products. For example, most spaghetti sauces and canned beans have added sugar, but you can find products at TJ's without added sugar.

[Anonymous]

I tried a simmer sauce and it was just kind of meh. I'm probably in the minority because I've heard others rave about them before. But I wasn't that impressed.

[Anonymous]

This might be TMI but their High Fiber Cereal is the only thing that keeps me regular and I like the taste.

[Anonymous]

frozen turkey meatballs (my son eats them all the time)
nuts and dried fruit/cheaper than elsewhere
chips/crackers
bags of salad/spinach: cheaper than elsewhere
brown rice/pasta
pizza dough
used to live on their punjab sauce but it's discontinued, others are ok but have not found a real substitute
frozen waffles
cheese is cheaper
frozen veggies
have to pick and choose among prepared foods/some are good, some are not
fresh fruit not generally good, don't think the frozen fish is either, i do buy their organic chicken
cookies for kids are good (cat cookies)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:frozen turkey meatballs (my son eats them all the time)
nuts and dried fruit/cheaper than elsewhere
chips/crackers
bags of salad/spinach: cheaper than elsewhere
brown rice/pasta
pizza dough
used to live on their punjab sauce but it's discontinued, others are ok but have not found a real substitute
frozen waffles
cheese is cheaper
frozen veggies
have to pick and choose among prepared foods/some are good, some are not
fresh fruit not generally good, don't think the frozen fish is either, i do buy their organic chicken
cookies for kids are good (cat cookies)

Those are very good! I also like their gingersnaps that have little bits of ginger in them.

[Anonymous]

cornbread mix is great