You also have to check ALL of the expiration dates. We found a hunk of mold in the middle of a bag of DD's soy cheese. That shit is nasty to start with, but mold just grossed me the hell out. |
Incidentally, MSG occurs naturally. I don't get the fear of it, seriously. |
So too is Safeway |
I've learned the hard way to check all expiration dates, seals, and produce carefully, no matter which store. Any produce that is on sale is doubly suspect, since they are trying to move it quickly. |
. clearly you've never been to the 17th Street safeway - I wouldn't buy anything in that dump. Additionally, safeway and giant are expensive (though maybe there's an upcharge in the District?) I just try to drive to wegmans when I need a big shopping trip, but TJ's is cheaper for basics for most people like me (live in the city, don't have much storage space for Costco-sized items, etc) Also, TJs will take anything back. Even if you buy something and don't like it, they'll give you a refund. If you buy vegan "cheese" with mold in the package, just bring it back. I'm sure it's gross, but they do have helpful customer service. |
I was over Trader Joe's when they had the eColi recall and it was revealed that they use the same beef supplier as Walmart and Sam's club.
They do have delicious junk food though! However to consider the food somehow superior in a healthy whole kind of way simply shows that you are easily influenced by their excellent marketing tactics. |
I go to the one on Wisconsin and several people have commented on our neighborhood listserv on how quickly their produce goes bad, so I avoid it. I always look at it when I am there - the starwberries were always in bad shape this summer, same thing with sweet potatoes now. |
Their produce is the worst. I only get the bagged arugula or the pre-cut squash. |
The quality of these items is often better at TJ's, and for the quality, they are cheaper. |
I am in NYC and have the same issue. I buy mostly packaged and frozen, and only fresh when I'll use it right away. |
Trader Joe's bread has to be eaten that day! I think it might not have as many preservatives in it (though homemade would last longer). It does mold right away but that's the only item I had a problem with. |
We have had a lot of issues with kosher chicken going bad before the expiration date. Probably every 2nd-3rd time we buy it. I used to love TJs but I am not such a fan these days.
They are really good about taking stuff back if you have the time. |
I love the TJ's junk food too. I rarely get there anymore but this thread reminds me of the awesome and cheap junk food they have -- choc covered everything, big vats of animal crackers. Yum. Would never buy fresh foods there though. Like others have already said. Want good produce? There's this store called Whole Foods that sells it. |