I'm Canadian so I can't speak to the prepared foods or frozen because when we're in the US to visit TJs we don't have a kitchen to use those, but when we go we stock up on:

* seasonings - some great and unusual blends, and super affordable.

*crackers and cheeses and snack type items for the hotel room.

*their nuts are divine - the truffle marcona almonds OMG.

People already said it; with two teen boys you need to double everything and serve a lot of sides.

The inside-out gnocci are great; get 2-3 bags and also serve salad.

The potstickers are great; get 2-3 bags and also some frozen edamame and maybe rice

etc.

Their rolled oats are the best price for organic and gluten free.

Great prices on frozen fruits and vegetables

Good trail mix and nut prices.

Contrary to popular belief, you CAN get healthy foods there.

Anonymous wrote:We have a new Trader Joe's that just opened in Springfield. What are your favorites there? How often do you shop there? My impression is that it's all snacks and individual meals. We have a family of 4 with 2 teen boys - any reason for me to make it a regular stop?

(yes I know there was just a TJ vs costco thread, but I don't want to wade through the whole thing for shopping suggestions)

I live in walking distance of mine and buy all chicken, beef, cheeses, jarred sauce, nuts, dried fruits, beans, olives, snacks, eggs (organic pasture raised), naan, flowers, yogurt, oatmeal, and pasta there. They're known for not having good produce, but I have success with raspberries, romaine, English cucumbers, and their 79 cent bag of carrots. I probably go once or twice a week. Yes, you can feed teen boys from there.

Their frozen foods make reasonable family meals when you're too tired to cook.
Frozen turkey meatballs
cauliflower rice
cauliflower crust pizza
brocolli and cheddar soup

I like the instagram account called something like trader joes meals with five ingredients, obviously you would be doubling or tripling byt still some good quick recipes. My kids really liked the pasta with unecpected cheddar spread.

Not a ton of individual meals per se but most of their frozen meals serve more like 1.5 to 2 regular people and half a teen boy.

Good prices on nuts and trail mix, olive oil, cheeses. Interesting variety and good prices on dry staples.

Their ancient grain lentil soup in the prepared foods section is a weekly dinner in my household and a nice meatless option.
We also love their-
Spanakopita
eggplant dip (in a tin)
Peanut butter pretzels
Chocolate Covered almonds

For the love of god, do not take your entire family grocery shopping there. And shop like you drove (drive right, pass left), pull over if you need to park your cart somewhere.

And then get the apple cider donuts.

Just go once and see what you think.

I use TJs for:

Trying new international foods (Even if TJs products may not be the most authentic versions, they a good way to dip a toe in the water)

Emergency freezer meals to keep on hand. Their frozen stuff is above average with a few truly excellent items

Less expensive meat and cheese than my regular grocery. Some deals on produce too.

Specialty products not available at my other stores
-Tuum (garlic dip/ spread)
-Unexpected Cheddar
-A bunch of snacky items, like you said
-Salad dressings (true buttermilk ranch, maple-mustard)
-Lemon curd (regular stores have this, but TJ's is better and cheaper)
-Refrigerated pastas (ditto to above)

I would say I do 25% of my shopping there, but I enjoy going, I like almost everything I buy there, and the value is great.

Family of 4 (two teens)- I’m a big fan of their teeny tiny avocados because each avocado is the perfect size for one person.

I like their cereals and nuts, dried fruits.
The frozen foods are convenient for a busy night dinner. And instead of going out for Chinese we just make a few bags of the Trader Joe’s frozen Chinese foods.

You don't need it to be a regular stop if it wasn't already part of your life.

Ground flax seed.
The teas are lovely.
Varied produce I don’t see anywhere else.
Soy milk is the best and very cheap.
Vegan Parmesan and feta cheap and good.
Beefless ground is good.
Kale pesto good.
Breads - crumpets, olive focaccia, others that are seasonal.
Cruciferous crunch salad mix very good….loved the carrot miso dressing with it but haven’t seen it lately.
Toiletries are awesome, truly. Lotions, shampoos, etc.
Love the linen aprons and towels, reusable sponge cloths.
If you have dog or cat, they have dehydrated chicken treats that are popular with pets.

We have a new Trader Joe's that just opened in Springfield. What are your favorites there? How often do you shop there? My impression is that it's all snacks and individual meals. We have a family of 4 with 2 teen boys - any reason for me to make it a regular stop?

(yes I know there was just a TJ vs costco thread, but I don't want to wade through the whole thing for shopping suggestions)