Your choice for Trader Joe's BEST item

[rsafady]

What is your very favorite item from Trader Joe's and why? My choice is their Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onions appetizer in the frozen section. Trust me.

[hysmith]

Late to the thread, but I really miss TJs since we moved away from close access to one. I make a monthly pilgrimage to pick up staples that we just can't get anywhere else:

Chicken/beef/veg stock--boring, yes, but their price beats any grocery store and the TJs stock is better tasting. I use it as soup base, sauce base, in a ton of dishes.

Green olives--Maybe it's the brine, or just a better class of olive, but the colossal garlic stuffed green olives are the best around

Mochi--I turned the kids on to these bite size frozen treats. Now I can't keep them in the house long enough to enjoy one myself, and it's not like I can hide them in my desk drawer or anything.

Kauai coffee--same part of the world as Kona, at a fraction of the price.

Marcona almonds--first ran into these at TJs and have never found an equal anywhere else. Fortunately, the kids *don't* like these, so more for me.

Fortune cookie crackers--little rice wafers that taste like fortune cookie. A huge weakness for me, and the first bag often doesn't last the trip home.

Pureed garlic--the first garlic-in-a-jar that tastes like garlic, not like chemistry.

[GraceW]

The garlic marinated mushrooms in a jar--delicious!

[shorty68]

My favorite item is the Super Spinach Salad. I love it because it tastes great and contains good things like edamame, spinach, pumpkin seeds and quinoa.

[armagnac]

One more taker for the vegetable masala burgers - not veggie burgers at all, you don't want to put them in buns, but deliciously seasoned vegetable patties that make a perfect side dish for almost anything.

[DaisyM]

The frozen brussel sprouts! They are freguently out of stock, so when I saw them yesterday I got 10 bags. (People must have looked at my cart and thought I was nuts). Also, the garlic chicken burgers. And the Dorot frozen cubes of garlic. Love, Love , Love that product.

[les345]

And after today, I am now 100% addicted to the marcona almonds with rosemary and the chili lime mixed nuts. I am going to have to make my husband hide them from me. We also tried the tempura shrimp. Coming from the coast where I am used to eating shrimp that had been caught that day, I'm obnoxiously picky about seafood. I actually enjoyed the tempura. I baked it and it came out very crispy withouth that nasty fishy flavor that non-fresh seafood has. The sauce that comes with it was awesome.
Has anyone had the korean boneless shortribs in the refrigerated section? I bought them on a whim and have read mixed reviews, but most of the bad reviews were about frozen bone-in ribs.
Had some hot apple cider watching the snow fall this afternoon and was in heaven!

[ratbuddy]

The low fat rice and bean burritos are awesome, especially doctored up with a bit of salsa or hot sauce. Mmmm.

[les345]

We had one of the marinated roasts last night that had amazing flavor. Probably would've been better on the grill, but that's what you get with condo life... We tried the frozen mac and cheese as well. OMG! Cooked it in the oven while the roast was resting, stirred, topped with some panko, put back in oven for a few minutes, and YUM!!!
I resisted the orange chicken for a long time, thinking there was no way frozen chicken would be crispy or that I would actually find white meat under the breading. I was WRONG! I'm pretty picky about frozen meat, but I've bought this at least once a week for the past month!
LOVE the Powerberries, but have to hide them from my husband. The choc-covered pomegranate seeds are good too.
The Chili-Lime chicken (cooked and in refrig section) made amazing quesadillas on their tortillas.
Frozen party meatballs are awesome and easy to throw together for a snack or football app!
My discovery of TJs has ended my culinary hobby for now. It's cheap, fresh, and tastes just as good as restaurants - if not better!

[Tony Miller]

Lately they've been featuring "Power Berries" at the cash register. They're dark chocolate balls with various centers made from cranberries, blueberries, pomegranate and acai berries. These should be prescription only, as they are seriously addictive!

[emily]

Agreed on the Tarte d'Alsace. Love it.

Close runner up are the frozen croissants.

[nhbalex]

I really enjoyed their Chicken Chili.

[yfunk3]

I vote for the Tarte d'Alsace. Unhealthy as all heck for you, but soooooo delicious. I know you're not supposed to eat the whole dang thing in one go...but I totally do. Heh heh. I've tried recreating it on my own with the same ingredients, and it's close...but never as perfect as the TJ's version.

[Transplanted Texan]

Frozen chocolate croissant dough.

Full fat Greek Yogurt. It is almost impossible to find full fat Greek yogurt anywhere!

[janbo19]

Blueberry green tea
Those round tins of dark chocolate they keep by the cash registers
Blueberry bars
Peanut butter (crunchy)
PEPPERMINT JO JO's (maybe they're in already!)
Arancini (in the frozen food aisle)
Alsace pizza (we keep 3 or 4 on hand)
Sea salt & pepper crisps made w/ rice (1 bag = 1 serving, I think!) originally bought w/ our GF friend in mind, but WE love them so much now, we buy them for ourselves.

[dkennedy]

I can't believe no one mentioned the sun dried tomato hummus, it is a great binge item!

I also couldn't live without their fresh pizza dough, which I use to make flat bread. Super easy to do: take out of the package to rise in a bowl, pour some good quality olive oil over it (I infuse mine with thyme and rosemary), and then break into pieces, flatten them out, and grill on the BBQ. Top with good quality sea salt and pepper, and your favorite seasoning. Your family will love it. BTW, the dough also makes fantastic garlic knots with very little effort.

If you have a gluten free person in your midst, as I do, try the GF frozen pancakes, they are a staple in our house.

The pumpkin pancake mix is wonderful, but I miss their chocolate pancake mix they discontinued some time back.

Frozen puff pastry - seasonal - so stock up!

I had forgotten about the flavored green teas, those are also very nice.

Coffee yogurt.

Canned tuna in olive oil. Outstanding quality and can't beat the price. I will look for the Thai tuna packets, they sound wonderful. Never seen them. Maybe they were discontinued?

Lot's of great suggestions above, I will take my time next shopping trip and study all the selections to see if I can find all the gems mentioned.

As for the prepared meal items, I am still waiting to be wowed.

[goodhealthgourmet]

question about the GF frozen pancakes...do they contain soy flour?

[jadekarrde]

Tarte d'Alsace

/thread

[SpicyCuisine]

1. Cilantro & Jalapeño Hummus
2. Veggie Pad Thai (frozen)
3. True Thai Tom Yam Soup (frozen)
4. Biryani Rice (frozen)
5. Spanikopita (frozen)
6. Goddess Salad Dressing
7. Spiced Chai Tea
8. Variety of Trail Mixes
9. Breaded Eggplant Cutlets (frozen)
10. Pesto Sauce

Yum - cannot wait until my next Trader Joe's trip!

[missjennifer19]

Top five....
1. Orange Cranberry Bread -- to die for!
2. The spinach puffs they used to have :(
3. Thai spiced cashews
4. Chocolate Truffles
5. Figs (packaged)
6. Packed microgreens - makes any appetizer you are serving look amazing and restaurant quality!
7. 100 pack chocolate chips..OMG is all we can say around our house!
8. TJ's sparking water....all flavors..cheap although it is super bubbly when you first open it so watch out for spray
9. Cranberry/Blueberry muffins - so delish
10. The new Applesauce Crushers - great for kids!! they love them! if you have kids, get these for sure.

[givemecarbs]

The chocolate truffles are ridiculous! I have already purchased and consumed one box of them. I only had a little help. Nothing like beating the holiday rush!

[ArrowSmith]

I *heart* their stir-fry veggie mix and pre-cut mushrooms! Wonderful stuff, I just threw it on a skillet with some canned chicken and PRESTO dinner and breakfast!

[ArrowSmith]

I like most of their vegetables especially the shredded cabbage. Love the dairy products. The middle eastern flatbread. The "Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon.

[Ewilensky]

Everytime I say I love something at TJ's they discontinue it.

So today I tip my hat to the long departed salmon chorizo.

It looked like a turd, but oh my god, my wife and I still crave this some three or four years after the fact. For a while they repackaged it as "Salmon Chorizo Fajitas" but we think that was just to bury it in a bag of peppers and onions in an attempt to hide how bad it looked. We'd buy it anyway and throw the frozen veggies out.

I have my current favorites, but I know TJ's is watching so I'll just be quiet ;-)

[swtcrm]

can i pick the cashier?

[lauramich]

The smoked trout, which I use in place of tuna in a white bean and tuna salad recipe that I got from the NYT last summer.

Dark chocolate wedges with cinnamon and chilies. If TJ's ever discontinues these, I will cry.

[goodhealthgourmet]

i *love* those chocolate wedges!!

[laliz]

Joe's O's
Brittany Blend Frozen Veggies
TJ California Olive Oil
eggs
dried pasta
marinara sauce
TJs Asian Ginger Salad Dressing
cream of tomato soup
sundried tomato pesto
TJs blue cheese dip
Lemon Bread
bananas

[biga290]

Niman Ranch St. Louis Style barbecue ribs!

[yahooer]

Can't believe nobody's mentioned the tempura shrimp. Convenient and almost as good as neighborhood Japanese restaurants. Also oriental dumplings (shrimp and pork), pizza dough and fresh mozzerella from San Francisco. Fresh naan was good but not as good as our Whole Foods which is just a couple of blocks away. We also keep a supply of frozen sole fillets on hand. Very good and cheap, too, at least in NC.

[Meg]

My latest obsessions:

- the peach, mango, orange juice. better than regular ol'orange juice anyday. can't start the day without it.

- their salted pita crackers. a perfect app. with TJ's brand goat cheese and the roasted red pepper eggplant dip.

- their dark chocolate covered caramels. OMG! I may have to stop now on the way home. I lucked out on my last visit. I got home and somehow there they were in my bag. I didn't buy them. I know, I know, I should have taken them back and paid for them. Instead I just devoured the whole container in two days!

[oc500]

My favorite TJs items are:

-cinnamon almonds (sweet but not too sweet, crunchy and YUM!)
-the cheap but tasty Orange Juice (1.99!)
-frozen brown rice.
-plantain chips (cheaper and nicer than the ones at Whole Foods)
-The flatbread crackers (again, 1.99 and YUM...I can't remember their name exactly but they have honey and flaxseeds)
-Vanilla Almond Granola clusters
-Lite feta cheese
-Green tea with pomegranate juice (cool and refreshing with ice)
-The most yummy organic ginger cookies, which are incredibly moreish and have not an additive in them, just ginger, butter, flour and a couple of other ingredients.
-The red pepper spread is lovely, and I also love the jars of roasted red peppers which I just cut up and toss on pasta with garlic, parsley and lemon juice.
-The pre-packaged beets (pickle 'em in balsamic, they're yum)
-The cheap bagged spinach
-The microwaveable fingerling potatoes. Easy peasy.

For me the only downsides of TJs are the fresh produce. A lot of it is conveniently packaged, but I have noticed the fruit is generally not very good tho the veggies are OK. The biggest drawback is the herbs are overpriced and often wilting. I get my herbs at other stores, plus stuff that TJs doesn't have like kale and cartoned coconut milk. If they expanded and improved their fresh produce section it would be the best grocery store in America, hands down! Cheap, healthy and convenient food. Yahoo!

[swtcrm]

the Pomegranate Green Tea is great, not too sweet

[foxy fairy]

I'm excited to try that pomegranate green tea. Sounds refreshing for summer!

[swtcrm]

it is very refreshing. it comes in a big (64 fl oz) plastic bottle.

[operagirl]

Agreed! We served the pomegranate green tea at my recital reception earlier this year. Went over very well.

[iloveyogurtstanley]

the good stuff:)

french village yogurt
peppermint jo jos
fresh naan
vegan pad thai
mediterranean hummus
mediterranean feast platter
eggplant parmesan
tzatziki sauce
roasted vegetable pizza
frozen edamame beans
coffee blast ice cream
carrot cake rice ice cream
ginger chews
cranberry- hibiscus juice
peanutbutter filled pretzels
pistachios
abc's pasta
peanutbutter cups

[neonknight]

The gallon jugs of the kettle-brewed black unsweetened iced tea! Big glass, a few ice cubes....maybe a squirt of Monin fruit syrup....nothing more refreshing than that!

[givemecarbs]

Thanks for the rec neonknight! Got a jug chillin' in the fridge right now. It is fine tastin' stuff.

[mosquito22]

The turkey meatloaf in the prepared food section is better than mom EVER made

[yankeefan]

I think Im officially off TJs or picking items that I like the best.

Every.. single... no fail.... gets discontinued. Im fed up.

[hhc]

I just discovered Saint Andres triple cream cheese from France. It's pretty creamy & tasty. About $5 a block.

I love their hummus though it's salty. I like it better than other brands.

[Patrincia]

Has anyone mentioned the carmelized onion, pancetta, and gruyere tart yet? I need one immediately!

[madgreek]

I have a feeling that every product they offer is probably listed above-lol. TJ's is (deservedly) much loved. I just wish it were much closer (1 hr drive), but it could be worse.

Many of the above are great recommendations, btw. I especially love the vegetable masala burgers, and the frozen seafood trio (along with about 95% of the products I've ever tried from there).

[tastelikechicken]

I didn't read all the posts here so i don't know if someone has already mentioned these.
The age balsamic at @$4 is a steal. It's 10 years old!. Try to find it anywhere else under$15.
The EVOO(I hate using that term, reminds me of that bubblehead on TV) is also a steal i think the last price I remember is $8
I think my favorite has to be the Pound Plus Chocolate bars. It's imported from Belgium. I think it rivals the big name chocolates. I use them for deserts and baking as well as just popping a sqaure in my mouth and letting it slowly melt

[yankeefan]

The garlic naan is back. Thank you TJs, youve got me back.

Im astonished and extremely irked that theyve discontinued selling the balsamic vinegar in spray bottles- it was a perfect designed product. please bring that back.

[Meg]

I have to agree with others on the steamed lentils. My favorite new meal from TJ's: steamed lentils, bag of baby spinach, and TJ's goat cheese (best value around). Salt and pepper some lentils, top with a handful of spinach, pour some olive oil and white wine vinegar on top and microwave. Stir until the spinach is wilted, then add dollops of goat cheese and stir again. It's divine!

Also just tried their baby red beets. Delicious on a spinach salad with some goat cheese. Mmmmmm.

[kimquyen8]

I'd recommend these b/c they are delicious! =)

garlic Parmesan flat bread
Quiches
Yogurts
Mediterranean Hummus
Tomato & Pesto Torta
Holiday Dark Chocolate Peppermint Candy
Blissful Icecream
Frozen Pizzas: 3 Cheese/ Margarita
TJ wines
TJ Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Garlic Naan (frozen/fresh)

[hannahmom]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the:

Veggie Fried Rice
2 (or 3.50!) Buck Chuck wine in Cincinnati
Frozen Haricot Verts

Cannot wait to try the Frozen Garlic Naan, the Frozen Orange Chicken and the Greek Yogurt.

Going to Trader Joe's just makes me feel H*A*P*P*Y !!!!

[SunnysideUp]

It always changes, but recently my favorite item is the Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels.

[NickyPicky]

I finally tried the cheese filled frozen pastry bites and wished I'd bought them earlier. They are divine.
Hard for me to choose one favorite......I always purchase Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice from the dairy case. It is always delicious and less expensive than supermarket Tropicana.

[Jeanne]

Wasabe mayonaise
Chili-lemon pistachios (addicting)
Habanero-lime pistachios
chicken empanaditas in frozen section
frozen biryani rice
frozen pesto pizza
frozen supreme pizza
dark chocolate almond bark
chocolate covered liqueur cherries from Hungary (last 2 holiday items, I believe)

[pickledeedee]

LOVES:
Peanut Butter Crack Balls (okay they're malt balls but careful they ARE habit forming)
Thai Chili Lemon Cashews AND Pistachios
Capitola Cashew nut mix with chili and dried fruit and seeds
Balsamic frozen vegie blend (save some of the sauce patties for your meat)
Lava Cakes.......such a great back up for dinner parties. Come in 2 packs
Balsamic Glaze (haven't seen this one on the shelves in a while
Stilton with Apricot or Cranberry
India Relish!! Mix it in soups or try with Apricot Preserves in Meatloaf.
LIKES:
The frozen brown rice is fluffy and nutty. Better than what often comes out of my rice maker
Pineapple or Mango Salsa
Mango Chutney
Tarte D'alsace
Panko breadcrumbs
cuban black beans

DISLIKES:
Orange Chicken, even though others are raving about it, It is dark meat and tastes greasy to me. I prefer Costco's version
The Frozen Indian entrees taste watered down and bland
The frozen Thai bowls..ditto

NON FOOD HAVE TO HAVES:
Chewable Melatonin (for some reason the chewable works better but I double the dose they recommend)
Pine Kitty Litter. Good for the environment (you can use it for mulch) and keeps the odor at bay.
French Lavender Soap bars
Oxi clean granules (aside from laundry,cleans moss off your roof and driveway),

[travelchow]

Belgium dark chocolate covered almonds with sea salt and Turbinado sugar-they are amazing!

[onefoodguy]

One of my new favorite Trader Joe's items is the chocolate covered pretzel balls. I keep them in the fridge, they are soo good.

[mollyomormon]

Oh, explain more! I love the chocolate covered regular pretzels and the chocolate covered peanut butter-filled pretzels so it sounds like I'd like these too...

[dreamsicle]

I think they're the dark chocolate covered pretzel bites, which are coated in nonpareils. Haven't tried them personally, but I usually see them above the freezer next to the bags of chocolate-covered pretzels.

Here's a review of them on "Baking Bites": http://bakingbites.com/2007/08/dark-c...

[hungrycomposer]

Thank god we finally got a TJ's in Manhattan... blocks from my home!
My faves:

Tarte D'alsace

Thai tuna curries (made in Thailand!)
"Indian Fare" products (made in India! I like Jaipur vegetables, but they're all good)
Both of these products are best when you actually boil them in the bag, as the directions suggest - one of each and some of their jasmine rice cooked up in a good rice maker is simple and tasty.

Almond bark (seasonal for the holidays and very addictive)
Salted chocolate covered caramels (same warning as above)

Best of all, THEIR RETURN POLICY!
amidst the gems there are some clinkers, but you can always get your money back.

[coney with everything]

I just had the frozen Biryani rice last night and thought that it was pretty good. Nice flavor, no chemically aftertaste--it would go well with your Indian fare.

[Jeanne]

I had the frozen Biryani rice last night also - I thought it was great. Had a friend over and he loved it - could have eaten the whole bag himself!

[I Love TJ]

Man I love this post. I just read the entire thing at work and now I want to make a trip to TJs for the second time this week!

My favorites:
Gnocchi Sorrento (sp?) - so cheesy and yummy.
Loaker Lemon cookies
Thai Shrimp Dumplings (frozen foods)
Australian strawberry licorice (worth the $3.99)
Karat Cake
Fire roasted vegetables with balsamic
Sushi
Vegetable Chips & Sweet Potato Chips

I loved the Thai Lemongrass Rice Bowls - but my TJ's stopped carrying them.

[BlueMountain700]

I read the replies and want to cry!! Our closest TJ's is 200 miles and they don't do on-line ordering/delivering! The pecan pralines are to die for and who can browse and not go home with a basket full of outstanding foods. Northeast Oregon can be the pits at times.
BlueMountain700

[babaoriley7]

A few of my favorites:

Cheddar Cheese crackers (like cheez-its but SOOO much better flavor)
Fresh Mozzarella in brine(?) - super cheap and delicious
Thai Tuna packets
Jarred Klamata Olives
Chocolate Mochi
Coconut Sorbet
now discontinued but I will never forget- White Cheddar Hawaiian Style Potato Chips

[yankeefan]

Frozen garlic naan have apparently been discontinued here in Jersey, very upsetting. Papadum chips also but wasnt as big a fan of these- the frozen naan was great though.

[avyy]

i just saw this in the westfield location today.

[Meg]

FYI - they're discontinuing their Edamame. In fact all food from China. I'm hoping they can find a substitute suppllier soon.

But my favorite item - love the roasted red pepper and eggplant spread (in a jar and bright orange/red). It's amazing on a cracker atop goat cheese. A simple and impressive app. Not to mention cheap! It's under $3 a jar.

Just tried their frozen asparagus risotto last night. Really liked it, esp. connsidering how much time it saved me from the real stuff.

[polish_girl]

It would be quite a list, but if I have to list only 1- probably harricot verts (frozen tiny french green beans). But I also have to mention frozen roasted corn, british cheddar with carmelized onions, greek yogurts, hummus and multigrain pancake mix.
BTW, they used to sell the most wonderful Mascovy ducks- lean and flavorfull-they dissapeared a couple of years ago and I am upset ever since...Anyone knows what happened?

[brendastarlet]

Friends, I just purchased the dark chocolate covered caramels topped with sea salt (flat box in the refridgerator section of my T.J.'s.) They are out of this world. The caramel is melty, not solid, so be careful as you bite into them. The quality of the chocolate is amazing and the salt is an extra bonus.

[choctastic]

I was shoveling down this green olive tapenade at this fancy Hollywood party the other week and found (to my utter surprise) that it came from Trader Joes and is about $3 a jar! Dangerous information. At the party, they also had TJ's black olive tapenade and it didn't taste as good (at least to me).

[Linara]

Carrot muffins. They taste and smell so good after they have been warmed up in the microwave.

[Kaisgraham]

TJ creamy peanut butter with salt. It is the absolute BEST tasting peanut butter. I send it to my daughter in Alaska where there is no TJ; her family begs for it. They also love the peanut butter filled pretzels with salt.

[choctastic]

Love them peppermint Jojos and noticed yesterday that they are back!

[brendastarlet]

I just this noon tried the frozen fettucini with mushrooms. I mixed in some TJ's chopped frozen spinach to get some greens, and microwaved it together. Not bad at all!

[Tony Miller]

Just tried these for the first time and they ARE good! Wonderful lingering minty aftertaste.

[mollyomormon]

And now they have peppermint jo jo cheesecake in the freezer section!

[jcoz23]

Hands down, the "Trader Giotto's" bruschetta in the refrigerated section next to the pasta. It's unbelievable!!! After that, I would say the Korean bulkogi beef...

[Chew on That]

Mochi ice cream that comes in four flavors: green tea, strawberry, mango, and chocolate

Or, their frozen four cheese macaroni and cheese that's made with gouda, swiss, havarti and cheddar.

I love 'em both!

[mariannas]

Well, I tried to resist but I finally gave in to the siren song of the Mandarin Chicken.

Oh my gosh...it was delicious. I also bought a few packs of the veggie fried rice and prepared it in a skillet with a couple of eggs scrambled into it and it was delicious. Much better than most takeout I've had.

My top other top faves:
Frozen Mac and Cheese
Pre-sliced Havarti slices
Par-boiled cornmeal pizza crust - where did it go? *My* TJ's doesn't carry it anymore... :(

[Bob W]

I made a quick stop at TJ's last night -- got some of their oyster crackers. The twins love TJ oyster crackers, which are fatter than Nabisco, etc. Big box for $1.59.

[AmyH]

Their Everything Cracker is also excellent. I think they're new. Really tasty with a bit of cheese on top.

[Bob W]

Ditto for the Wisecrackers. As Andy Griffith used to say, "Goood crackah!"

[tachis]

Call me crazy, but I like their plain flour tortillas--not the "handmade" looking ones, the ordinary ones that go for about a buck-fifty a dz. I grew up on really thin flour tortillas (like paper thin, almost translucent), and since I moved to l.a. 14 yrs ago, I've never been able to find any thin enough to my liking. That is until I discovered TJ's version. Now that's the only brand I'll buy, at least until I make a trip to Phx to get a stash at Carolinas!

Also, while I managed to avoid buying it each year, this year I finally succumbed to all the glowing recs on this board about the pumpkin butter and pumpkin ice cream. Now I'm addicted. Thanks a lot, you evil people! ;-)

Other faves:
Peppermit Joe-Joes
Greek yogurt
Assorted cheeses
Green chile-cheese tamales in freezer section
Family pack of cheese enchiladas in freezer section
Frozen veggies (esp. the french green beans)
Rosemary demi baguettes

Oh there are so many things I like there I could go on and on!

[wine4me]

I loved their Granny Smith Apple chips, lightly salted and sweetened, these were the best, notice I say were, I found out this week they discontinued them a month or so ago and I can't tell you how sad I am.

[yankeefan]

Please tell me your kidding?!! Those are by far my favorite thing in that store. They are delicious with absolutely anything, especially pudding and ice cream.

Im going to make a run there for lunch, I really hope they are still in stock.

[wine4me]

I wish I was kidding, I went to the Point Loma store here in San Diego, CA and I asked the assistant manager, apparently they had distribution isues? I can eat a whole bag in one sitting and not feel guilty.

[yankeefan]

The shocking thing to me is that they list that thing as 3 servings I believe. Screw eating a bag, I could sit down with some good peanut butter to dip in and put away two bags easy.

so delicious. went there yesterday and lucky to see they still had it. Just in case, I bought several bags.

[mrbigshotno.1]

The half sour kosher pickles, armenian flatbread in the bakery section and the nice small packages of fresh produce. Unfortunatly, I live in a state that is a culinary disaster area and can only enjoy TJ when I travel. Another really great chain are the Sunflower Markets in AZ & CO, very inexpensive.

[jroxybabe19]

oh bummer! let me know if you need someone to ship things out to you!

[Miss Clare]

The two Trader Joe's items I adore the most are the Chicken Tamale Pie (chunky chicken in spicy sauce topped with black beans topped with a cheesy slurry topped with poufy, tender cornbread) and the Triple Ginger Snaps. The Ginger Snaps in particular I can't keep in the house, or I will eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.

What are these Peppermint Jo Jos? A cookie? A candy?

[Steve Green]

Peppermint JoJos are cookies--sort of a peppermint Oreo, although JoJos are already way better than Oreos. The peppermint JoJo gets my vote as all-time best item. Too bad they're seasonal.

[foxy fairy]

Can't wait to try these Peppermint JoJos -- I am a huge fan of any chocolate/mint combination.

We perused this thread prior to our last TJs run (one hour from home, so not tooo bad) -- so we walked in armed with an extensive list. That Mandarin chicken is indeed exceptional -- wow! Much better than the orange chicken at many take-out Chinese places, and you know you can eat it piping hot when you're heating it up yourself!

We are big fans of the mushroom turnovers, veggie egg rolls, coconut chicken sticks, and the tart with ham and Gruyere... we heat up a few of each for "TJs Tapas Nights" -- these are quick dinners, indulgent :) and perfect for curling up to watch a movie.

I make my own quick dipping sauce for the egg rolls and chicken sticks -- spicy Thai paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, one clove crushed garlic. We serve chicken sticks and egg rolls with this sauce and the TJs sweet and sour -- which stains our plates, by the way... an excellent combo of sauces to accent these treats!

[gordeaux]

Hells Yeah, Foxy Fairy! Coconut chicken sticks all the way!!! Throw these in the oven when you are making the run to pick up thai or viet take out. They are prob better than a lot of thai places' fried egg roll renditions I've had. These are right up there with some of the homemade lumpia I've been lucky enough to have a few steady sources for. I can't praise these things enough. Probably be pretty good combined with tj's thai peanut sauce if it's any good. I also dig on their spinach / feta puffs. Not nearly as salty as most prefab brands.

[pamd]

Oh the peppermint Jo Jo's are the best--so good! I actually ran this thread on the HC board a while back.... http://www.chowhound.com/topics/345160

[MartiniQueen]

Frozen chicken shumai
Frozen shelled edamame
Unsweetened chai mix
Gyoza dipping sauce
Sprouted wheat pappardelle
Gourmet fried onion pieces (fabulous on almost everything)
Mango-pomegranate juice

[GreenEyeStan]

Trader Joe's is a very dangerous place for me! After even if I tell myself that I'm only going in there to look, I walk out with a plastic totebag full of stuff. I seriously love alot of their products, and have eaten just about everything they have. So far these are my all time favorites:

(Holiday) Peppermint Joe Joe's
Peanut Butter cups
Chocolate Soy Milk
Chocolate Croissants
Peach Blueberry Panna Cotta
Rice Crispy Treats
Crab Cakes( frozen, refrigerated, and mini)
Cat Cookies
Raspberry & Brie Phillo Dough appetizers
Masala Burgers
Spa Salad
....

The list goes on and on! At this point it's a miracle I haven't just moved in next door to my local Trader Joe's

[Querencia]

Definitely the frozen fruit. I am there every week for fruit. I pay $1-$1.50 less per package than in the chain markets, and TJ carries black raspberries, which I have never ever seen frozen in any other store. Also, their pineapple is sweet and doesn't make your mouth burn. I always have fun at TJ and stagger out with a load of stuff but it's their fruit that's a staple for me.

[jungirl]

i bought the tropical mix and raspberries a while back, after reading that their frozen fruit is good. but what do you do with it?

[trhirsh]

Pumpkin Pie!! It's that time of year again. Trader Joe's frozen Pumpkin Pie - First ingredient is whipping cream, then pumpkin. I've never really been a lover of pumpkin pie, but this one is light while rich and flavorful. Price is $4.49.

[yankeefan]

WOW. Hard to choose one, glad to see this post started up again.

Dried apple crisps
Freeze dried mangosteen/mango/
Pumpkin butter
Frozen Naan bread
Greek yogurt
Lemon paparadelle
Pappadum chips
Frozen cioppino
Balsamic vinegars

much much more.

[AmyH]

Thai birds nest appetizers (frozen), easy to back and delicious.
Little rolls of guava paste, individually wrapped, 10 in a box, great sliced on a piece of cheese on a cracker.
Dynamo mixed fruit juice, 100% fruit, lots of vitamins, no HFCS, and delicious.
All the simmer sauces.

[avena]

An Australian wine I really like: Rosemount Estate Traminer Riesling is light and crisp. I've only seen it at the 2005 Disney World Epcot Food & Wine Festival and at Trader Joe's this year. I had been looking for it since the festival and was so happy to see it at TJs this year!

[avena]

Frozen Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas---I just ate some. My favorite!!!

I just got the dark chocolate edamame, and I think they are pretty awesome too.

Another favorite is their soup bases. The chicken broth, and the roasted corn and pepper soup. They come in resealable boxes.

[missmodular818]

Double Rainbow Mango and Vanilla Soy Cream is a dream! So so good! Castoro Cellars Cabernet Sauvingon is a staple around my house. The white stilton with cranberries is yummy.

[janbo19]

I can't wait until the Peppermint Joe Joe cookies come out againg for the holidays. My absolute TJ's fave!

[foxy fairy]

Last holiday season they sold these long columns of chocolates -- very unusually shaped packaging, and fun for gifts!

[koshie]

Dried Wild Bluberries! I'm eating them right now. You can put them on so many things, cereal, yogurt, salads...and a great healthy snack.

[Dandel]

i was not able to find many of the items mentioned here, at the NYC trader joe; like the tuna and green curry, indian simmer sauce, brown rice ball, ready to cook plantains etc.

[hitachino]

based on recs here, on our trip to indy i tried the turkey meatballs and the chicken drummies. i loved them both but my son did not like the chicken at all. (keep in mind we only had a microwave to heat them)

i also loved a bag of green veggies i grabbed - can't remember the name - it had edamame, asparagus, spinach, broccoli and green beans in it.

i tried and liked the ham/onion/creme fraiche pizza tart thing - again, had to nuke it - i imagine it's much better baked properly.

i liked the TJs lowfat yogurt, but it wasn't to die for. (i guess i shoulda grabbed a fage just to try it)

i wanted to try the shrimp and the tilapia, but that would have been too much food (we had to eat out a bit too!)

overall, i liked the store very much - although the beer selection wasn't the greatest.

[pitu]

but they *do* have both red and white hitachino, at least in the NYC store

[hitachino]

i'm sorry, i don't understand your point. both red and white what? (i never commented on wine)

[pitu]

you commented on the beer selection
they have hitachino beer - there is a red rice and a white ale
your avatar is on the label . . .

[hitachino]

OH, ok - i see! ;0)

no, they didn't have hitachino in indianapolis.

even so, i can get hitachino here in FL and i was more interested in midwestern or northeastern microbrews that i can't get in FL. (of which there are a ton)

i think i was expecting TJs to have a large selection, like whole foods does.

[soopling]

frozen turkey meatballs
frozen spinach
thai spiced cashews
tuna in green curry (packets)

i pack lunches all the time straight from the freezer of brown rice, spinach, and a few meatballs. the tuna in green curry is awesome over rice or when drained, as a sandwich filling. and i had to stop buying the cashews, I was eating too many of them at once. all their nuts seem to be pretty good, and generally much cheaper than you can find them elsewhere.

i like their celery hearts too, in the produce section.

oh and their gingersnap cookies! i brought a tub into the office once, and people couldn't stop eating them.

[soygirl2]

I second your opinion of the tuna in green curry. So good for lunch! It's a bit weird squishing all that fish out of a vacuum sealed package, but definitely worth the strange looks I get from coworkers.

[hitachino]

man, now i'm just bummed -- after reading thru this thread i went to peruse this website:

http://www.traderjoesfan.com/

and even though i'm excited that i get to try many of the things on our trip to indy, i know it's going to now be even harder not having a TJ in FL.....

sigh.

[archangelcat]

-Belletoile Triple Cream Brie is wonderful, affordable at TJ's.
-Also their French Supreme Brie yumm, have to truly make myself not eat this every night with fresh strawberries and vodka/club soda/cranberry cocktail.
-French Apple Tart
Just the Leaves Green and Romaine lettuce

[UDHRfan]

Five Cheese Italian Blend (which i use for pizza) I moved to a state that doesn't have a TJ's and haven't been able to replicate it (at least not for the price :).

[archangelcat]

I used this last night on top of stuffed peppers, it's great...oh man, I didn't go try TJs at first, somebody I knew didn't like it, so it was such a pleasant surprise when I did go there. I don't know why they don't open more stores midwest and east, they get mobbed when they do. I hear NYC has check out lines that snake around the store. Hope you get one near you soon.

[UDHRfan]

Thanks!! :) We are driving through Chicago on our way to moving to upstate New York and i'm so tempted to buy a ton and keep it in a cooler on ice!

[hitachino]

in FL, there are no TJs near me -- but we're flying to indianapolis next wk for the F1 race and i was very happy to see that there is a TJs quite near where we're staying -- and we'll have a mini kitchen so this thread has been invaluable with the frozen entree, microwaveable, and snack items. thanks!

[foodcritik]

hey rsafady

great thread/

I think my favorite is the cheapest '$5.99 red wine "merlot" surprisingly good

[Querencia]

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the frozen flounder filet stuffed with crabmeat. Is it just regional? In Chicago it's usually sold out. At $2.99 it's an entree that would cost about $18 at any local restaurant. Also, the frozen chocolate lava cake is wonderful. And the dried Montmorency cherries. And the peanut butter, so good that I've stopped making my own.

[DiningDiva]

- Fage yogurt
- Frozen Hariot Vert (BEST frozen green bean hands down)
- Raw mac nuts, raw cashews, and pecans - great for candy making where skinned, raw, unsalted nuts are often used.
- Dipper cookies, the cranberry oatmeal are really terrific (these cookies look a lot like a flat biscotti and come in a variety of flavors. The chocolate chip is pretty good too)

[Sugar Jones]

Vegetable Masala Burgers....mmmmmmm!

[Densible]

The Margharita Pizza
Canned marinara (green label)
Frozen thai dumplings
jarre Pitted Kalamata Olives
The italian Yoghurt that comes two little jars in a package-Apricot whe they have it
Biscotti
Eggplant Parm (baked not fried)
Pommegranite Seeds
Ready to cook whole plaintains
Salsa Especial (killer)
french Onion Soup (frozen)
Oatmeal (frozen)
Flowers!
Agree about the wine-two buck Chuck? ewwwww

[kibiscuit]

Hmmmm, let me see.... Everything they carry are the best quality for the best price there is.
Love the beef tenderloin ends, believe they make a fantastic filet steaks. The thick Greek yogurt, which I found only at T.J's. The French "Madrange" hams. The frozen Onion and Ham Tart. The breads, the cheeses. And agree with everyone's selection. Great Store and great service. Although I have not won yet their $ 50 shopping gift card, only carry my own bags for grocery shopping.

[foxy fairy]

how do you win their $50 shopping card????? how? how?

[meatn3]

If you bring your own bags they give you a ticket to put your name & phone# on. I think each store has a weekly drawing for the $50 shopping card. Sometimes you have to ask your cashier, but most of them offer it to you when they see your bags.

[foxy fairy]

WOW! I'm ever-striving to remember to tote the bags to the car on my way there... even more motivation :)

[CrazyOne]

If only I would win one time, but yeah, this incentive is good. Much more interesting than Whole Foods' 5 cent rebate per bag. That's no fun.

[maestra]

It's only $15 at my local store! The heck?!?!

[goodhealthgourmet]

thank goodness it's $50 here in l.a...even that doesn't get you much anywhere else in this town besides tj's!

but i'm beginning to wonder if they really ever do those drawings. i've been filling out that little ticket every time - at least once a week - for years now, and still haven't won...

[Milt]

Interesting! It is $25 where we live. Is that Captain's discretion, regional management, or what?

[ilsescully]

Wow, tough choices. I'd have to say that I love frozen mango chunks (though the supply is erratic). Also the red enchilada sauce makes any quick nacho snack taste pulled together and I have am addicted to the thai lemongrass rolls (freezer section). Great with the mango too.

I tried the mini chocolate bundt cakes with chocolate chips and they were horrible!

I greatly miss the mini sesame fortune cookie discs they used to have next to the chips and crackers. Wish I could find those somewhere else. I loved the size and the sesame seeds and they were just the right flavor.

[rothchild]

Sundried tomato in oil
Vanilla cuties
BBQ hawaiian potato chips
Herb pizza dough
Turkey meatballs
Ciabatta bread
Pastry bites with feta and caramelized onions
Trek mix with almonds, white chocolate and cranberries
Turkey bacon
Chicken apple sausage

I think that I can keep going on and on as I cannot simply choose one BEST item. Everything there is great..My favorite store.

I do want to try their macadamia cashew nut butter but I am afraid that I will love it too much and eat the whole jar in one sitting.

[EAH]

Ran in tonight to pick up dinner (bagged Herb Salad, Margharita Pizza, and Pear and Champagne vinegar salad dressing) and they were sampling a new item; Lemon Tart. They carry it in their bread section ( next to muffins). It was DELICIOUS! Shortbread crust and really good tart lemon curd.

[cafecreme]

Thanks for the lemon tart tip--will try that. this is seasonal, but I adore their holiday marzipan stollens. Great with coffee. Second (third?) the peanut butter cups and also the frozen choc. chip cookie dough is a must-have. They're already in ready-to-bake little portions. Addictive.

[Sugar Jones]

I still mourn the loss of a pair of lemon tarts they used to sell about 10 years ago in the refrigerator section. They were divine! Not too tart, not too sweet. Maybe the new tarts will make me forget all about the old tarts...

[choctastic]

speaking of lemon curd, their bottle of lemon curd is better than anyone else's i've tried, outside of britain at least. and cheap!

[KamJam]

Yep that chx apple sausage is among the most natural tasting and least processed.

And now to my few of many favs:

Frozen:
Wild Mushroom Rissotto goes well w/....
Rack of Lamb
Ahi Tuna Steaks (a bit thin but can'tbeat the price)
S.W. Chix burgers
Organic Spinach
Chinese Chix w/ rice noodles. -- try it romaine leaves

Condiments:
Aged balsamic..a steal
Spray Canola and Olive Oils

Sweets:
Their oreo-type cookies..and no transfats. Nabisco is jumping on that bandwagon.
Angel Food Cake

stop me now...

Oh wait..don't forget the great service. One of the most interesting corporate cultures. Never questions asked when you need to return something. Bravo.

[Furgs]

Hmmmm....

Frozen sugar snap peas
Frozen large raw shrimp
Thai spiced peanuts
Cheeses
Frozen fruits (berries, etc.)
tzatziki
simmer sauces
wasabi mayonnaise
Olive oils

[Atomica]

My very favorite item is the (non-marinated) tri-tip.

[mainstreetgourmet]

my personal favorite is the fire-roasted red peppers. restaurant quality in my opinion. but what about the wine. does anyone else think the wine buyer intentionally buys impressive label wine that is beginning to turn or was never any good to start with. too many dissappointments,

[brendastarlet]

Here's my list:
1) Frozen brown rice
2) Greek salad (but be sure to check the expiration date. Sometimes the cucumbers are soggy)
3)Shredded wheat
4) Just a handful packets, especially the new dried cranberry/cashew/almond ones (I take these on business trips)
5)frozen basil and cilantro cubes
6)100-calorie packages of cookies and crackers
7)frozen mini beef tacos, which seem ridiculous and are quite tasty
8)the new "artisanal" breads especially the mini baguette
9) frozen fruits
10) sparkling lemonade and limeade
11) candy coated peanuts. You can eat the whole box in two sittings
12) frozen chocolate chip cookie dough (but be careful, those little balls are 120 calories each!)

One thing I've had lots of problems with is their milk. It goes bad after only a few days, well before the sell-by date. I'm not crazy about the TJ brand yogurt, the Total is better.

[aching]

"Nuts About Antioxidants" trail mix! Okay, the name perhaps could use some work, but I just love it on any cereal, especially granola. The cherries, the goji berries, the slivered almonds - so good! And guilt-free, or so I tell myself - in fact, with all the buzz about antioxidants, I have actually convinced myself that I am doing myself a favor every time I eat it!

See also this similar thread for other TJ's advice: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/326682

[cafecreme]

Yes, love this Nuts about... stuff. Put it on the Greek yogurt with some honey, and it's a breakfast and or dessert.

[kenito799]

Thai peanuts with lemongrass, chilis and curry leaves...a TJ worker at checkout told me that she grinds these up, mixes with coconut milk and uses it as a coating for baked fish...gotta try that!

Their chewable melatonin is essential for dealing with jet lag.

[lenguajoy]

There are so many favorites for me. Lately, its been TJ's Green Plant Drink (16oz.)with 4 TBSPs of TJ's Oat Bran stirred in. My daughter is nuts about TJ's Figments (dk. chclt. covered fig bits)!

[Aleena]

mmm, i love those little chocolate chip cookies that come in the plactic containter... mmmm... childhood fav.

[EAH]

Their frozen roasted corn and frozen Haricot Verts ( french green beans) are excellent, as is their Tarte D' Alsace, Handmade French Apple Pie with Rainbow Vanilla Ice Cream, Organic cold pressed olive oil, Grilled Vegetable Tapenade in the glass jars on the condiment aisle, I love their prepackaged herb salad, refrigerated ( new item) sun dried tomatoes, Niman ranch uncured bacon and hot dogs (YUM!), frozen chicken gyoza, Plugra butter (great price), The BBQ potato chips ( in a red bag I think) rock and the Trader Joe's version of Nutella, can't remember what it's called now, is waaay better than Nutella. As has been mentioned before their Triple Gingersnap cookies are awesome. I love the Grana Padano cheese that comes in the twist and grate tube, freshly grated Grana Padano that doesn't turn hard and stale, great product. They also have come out with a new Chili Lime Chicken Burger in their frozen food section that is wonderful! Great flavor, absolutely NO preservatives! I regularly stock up on the frozen organic brown rice, balsamic vinegar ( small red bottle) Vodka marinara sauce, organic chicken stock in a box.

[othervoice]

Finally got to try the tamale's. So far I've had the green chili and cheese and the beef. Both were excellent and made a great lunch. I think the beef are more authentic to the ones I use to eat in California. Those were homemade by a friends Mexican mother. Trader Joe's were very close. I haven't tried the chicken ones, my son stole them out of the freezer before I could get to them. Kids!!! Anyway, I added a little salsa, sour cream and cheese and they were wonderful. I also tried the chicken and green chilis burittos and they were also good. You can't beat the price for a great lunch or hearty snack.

[food lover]

rack of lamb
mushroom turnovers
thai chicken sticks
frozen edamame
frozen haricots verts
two buck chuck, shiraz and sauvignon blanc
pork potstickers
precut fresh butternut squash

[violet heather]

I can not leave TJs without BBQ Soy Chips.

[wonderdog17]

i love the coffee i can get there. i get 3 pounds for a dollar more than i pay for a pound at DD, and it tastes so much better. i am working my way through a bay blend tub right now and it is delicious. also a big fan of the frozen fish and the vegetables when they are in season are great.

[mlgb]

No one has mentioned Uncrystallized Ginger? Love it!
And the Dry Roasted (green) Edamame
Agreed about the frozen Green Garbanzos, too.

[CrazyOne]

I have a new favorite in the new items: Vegetable Masala Burgers. These things are amazing! First tried yesterday. There's no meat and NO SOY in these at all, just vegetables and roughly Indian seasoning. Hardly need to put anything on them. I wanted to see what it tasted like then happily ate mine plain (on a whole wheat Pepperidge Farm english muffin, which is our house standard "bun" for veggie burgers). In the frozen section, package of 4 for $2.49 in our store, which is much cheaper than the everyday non-sale prices of any veggie burgers in our local supermarkets (usually $3.99). Try these!

[Oh Robin]

Frozen mandarin orange chicken. If they're not sold out.

Ditto for string cheese. Yum!

[duckduck]

Dried fruit and nuts and their peach salsa which is not nearly as good out of the fridge so we just eat the whole jar each time we open one.

[PurpleTeeth]

1. Mediterranean Hummas (sooo much better than their original Hummas)
2. English Coastal Chedder
3. Dried Mushrooms
4. Precooked Lentils (in the Veggi Asile)

[Dommy]

Yup! I love that Hummus, but it's a bit richer too... I have to keep it at work so I don't pig out at home... LOL!

--Dommy!

[missmodular818]

OH oh, the mediterranean hummus ISSSS the best. I will never buy store bought hummus again unless it is this one.

[abbefaith]

i miss the blue jalapeno corn bread. did anyone ever try it?

i also like:
mini whole wheat pita rounds with their hummus.
balsamic vinagarette
glazed pecans
dark chocolate chip cookies with almonds...healthy right? ;)
veggie chips (their version of terra chips can't remember exactly what they call them)
boxed indian cuisine

[Gin and It]

I just got a bottle of TJ's new California Grapefruit Vinegar, and it's a winner. I used it in a vinaigrette with avocado oil, really good.

[bkhuna]

I really hate you people ! Just kidding :)

I'm stuck in Florida and only get Trader Joes at Christmas (care packages from those on the left coast) and on rare trips back to San Diego. I hope they find their way to the Orlando area soon.

[ElsieDee]

I spent seven years in Orlando - every trip "home" (to northern CA.) or when family/friends would come to visit, involved a long list of "gotta purchase at TJ's and ship to Orlando" items. Pre-9/11 I'd also fly back with an ice chest (checked through as baggage) full of their frozen items.

Depressingly, I ended-up on their "Fearless Flyer" mailing list, and when that'd arrive in the mailbox I'd sit and salivate and feel grumpy and exiled - all at the same time. I was pathetic.

[coll]

My latest is the packets of dried wild mushrooms, only $1.99, I'll never use fresh mushrooms again..until they don't have them next time. I used to love their frozen mushroom mix, but this is even better.

[Kaisgraham]

I love the TJ brand of creamy peanut butter. My son in law loves their peanut butter filled pretzels with salt.

[avancuren]

Without a doubt, the best thing at Trader Joe's is the peanut butter-filled, chocoate covered pretzels. The problem is that they make me sick...when I eat a whole bag at one time.

[WineTravel]

> Honey Whole Wheat Pretzel Sticks
> Cashews

[piccola]

has anyone tried the spicy dried mango slices? not my #1, but on the short-list...

[litchick]

I have recently discovered their "Ginger Spread" in the jam area of the store. WOW. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW! It's entire ingredient list: ginger root and cane sugar. It is soooooo good. Very spicy, slightly sweet. I've been adding it to everything, and have found it's excellent stirred into a bowl of plain oatmeal, and also great as a "tea": one spoonful in a mug of hot water is more gingery and better than any bagged ginger tea I've had.

[Pat Hammond]

That sounds like something they called Ginger Puree. They stopped carrying it, and as usual I hadn't bought more than one jar. I used in the ways you described, and also as part of a rub for pork or chicken. I'll call my TJ's tomorrow, to see if they have Ginger Spread.

[Pat Hammond]

Just bought two jars of the Ginger Spread. I'm so happy to have found this product and wanted to say thanks. I'm heating some water right now, for a cup of gingery tea.

[Amuse Bouches]

It's excellent in Greek yogurt.

[pitu]

It's the same as Ginger People's Ginger Spread, with a TJ label.
great!

but my personal hands down one item only favorite:
PEPPERMINT JoJo's, a seasonal item

[choctastic]

Oh man, I hope they bring those pepperming JoJo's back this winter. I need them.

But my favorite is still those little caramel chocolate tartlets. Others on this board say they're too sweet but I just love one with a cup of tea.

[lconnor]

The roasted 1/2 salted cashews, almonds, shelled pistachios, and the dried montmorency cherries. Can't live without them.

The house-brand olive oil.

[tktchr]

Love Trader Joe's. We just spent $163.00 there before sending our daughter back to college. Some of the things we bought are:

Frozen edamame
Frozen green beans (yum)
Frozen brown rice
the mozzarella balls in herbed oil (mix 'em up with chopped tomatoes and you have an instant caprese salad)

and... don't forget... the Avocado's Number guacamole!

[marmite]

Coconut cashews.
Frozen pizza Margherita.
Frozen soy nuggets- I ate them every day for lunch for about 2 years. I even convinced a hard-core carnivore to try them once, because they smelled so yummy.
The vast juice selection.

[MissMayo]

Mini peanut butter cups (but I never buy them because I might eat all of them in one sitting)
Chocolate-orange sticks
Wood-fire pizzas
Low-fat chicken chow mein
Mapel pecan clusters cereal
Most of the cheeses
Frozen French onion soup
Most of the frozen appetizer things

[choctastic]

the mini peanut butter cups sound dangerous. i have resisted the temptation so far.

i love:
chocolate caramel tarts,
frozen organic blueberries and frozen cherries
frozen japanese scallops
cherry chip soy delicious ice cream
most of their chocolate bars
cheap butter
cheap vitamins
organic pasta
kosher ribeye steaks

-- some more that i forgot
morningstar veggie corndogs (frozen)
frozen profiteroles with chocolate sauce

[rebecca2180]

i totally second the frozen corndogs - they are amazing!

along with the "go bananas" choc covered frozen bananas. they totally rock.

also, their french orange blossom hand soup smells oh so nice!!

[Tony Miller]

Not quite sure what to do with "hand soup". Slurping or scrubbing?

[sku]

Frozen escargots in croute.

[PaulF]

No way, you made that up.

[sku]

Not at all. They are escargot in a little pastry shell, with a garlic butter sauce. Totally delightful. They don't always have them though; they seem to pop up around holiday time, which is when I stock up.

[ArtemisNYC]

TJ's green curry sauce is amazing, and makes for some incredibly delicious, quick meals.
I also like their fruit and nut granola bars.

[braineater]

I work at TJ's, so I tend to eat a lot of the food, between grocery shopping, quick lunches at work, and regular tastings of new products. The most crack-like items I regularly devour are: the frozen mac 'n' cheese, wasabi tamari almonds, triple ginger snaps, Moroccan oil cured olives, and TJ's Vintage Ale. I probably spend more of my paycheck at work than I'd like to know.

[snl1129]

Hmmm...
tomato Bruchetta in the jar
cheddar cheese with carmelized onion
fantiago cheese
Grated parm & romanos
fresh Mozzarella
fresh Pizza Doughs
Froz mashed potatoes
froz mand orange chicken
emergen-c packets
mojito simmer sauce
olive oils
balsamics
I could go on and on....

[Dommy]

Yes! The Bruchetta was the first things that came to mind for me too!

[Sugar Jones]

I forgot about their chocolate chips. They are the best best best I've ever had. Even if I have to bake 300 cookies, I would rather use the 12 oz bags of TJ's over any other chip. (even better when made with Plugra butter)

[kura kura]

The best thing they had was Ginger Joe Joes, but they don't make them anymore.

As others have said, the microwavable brown rice packets are convenient and good.

I like the Assam tea in bags.

[cookgirl]

The cilantro and jalapeno hummus! And the green chile and cheese tamales. Cheap!

[missfunkysoul]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the refrigerated Genova (? I think the 'v' should be in there...) Pesto. I always keep a stash in the freezer - it's great over pasta as a quick dinner when I don't feel like cooking.

The meatless meatballs are amazing. Generally fakemeat repulses me, but these are to die for.

Also, the petite peas! So little and wonderful and cheap!

[Sugar Jones]

I'll second that vote for the pesto. I use it all the time and it's divine. Also, love the 100 calorie packs of Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies, Hummus, Hand Made Wheat Tortillas (my all time fave TJ item), fresh medium salsa, Egg-less Egg Salad, Orange Juice (really the best!), Tangerine Juice, Blood Orange Juice..oh so many more that I can't even remember them all! The one I miss the most was a package of 2 lemon tarts in the refrigerator section. They were discontinued years ago, but I still miss and crave them.

[clarity]

Regarding the Genova Pesto, if you make your own pizza, this is what we utilize for the sauce. I can't make pizza with tomato-based sauce since trying this. It makes a GREAT pizza. If you want to try it, we usually put the pesto on a pre-made pizza crust (Alvarado bakery from Whole Foods since TJ's no longer carries), then pesto (after removing excess oil with paper towel), then TJ's sliced crimini mushrooms, onion or shallot sliced thinly, red bell pepper strips, toasted pine nuts, and parmessan cheese. Additional options are small blobs of shevra (goat) cheese, and a sprinkling of finely chopped parsley (before the parmessan). Enjoy.

[geminigirl]

gotta agree on the meatless meatballs, they are really good, I think they taste a little like eggplant and that works for me!

[hungrydyke]

1. D'Aquino organic expresso. 2nd best coffee I've had, they didn't have any on my last visit and I was sad. It is also a full pound as opposed to 13 oz one their other varieties for about the same price.

2. The Thai lemongrass chicken rice bowls. I crave these enough that I will be rude and clear the freezer which I don't usually do with other items.

3. Their whipped cream cheese.

[CrazyOne]

Heh, I like the Thai Lemongrass bowls too, although my current favorite has been the Chicken "Vindaloo". Really, I don't think it's much like true vindaloo, but it makes a reasonable quick lunch at work. Rounding out that trifecta is the Thai Mussaman curry bowl, but I don't like it quite as much as the Vindaloo

The Lemongrass stands out especially for having probably the lowest sodium I've ever seen in such a frozen meal concoction.

I think the "best" item I had, though, was the aforementioned Marcona Almonds with Rosemary. Worth every penny the couple times we bought them (really expensive for that bag, something like 8 bucks, but oh so good).

Other repeat offenders, bought more than once since opening (TJ's only opened here a few months ago, and it's some 30 miles from the house so we only go every few weeks generally) include:

frozen meatless meatballs
any of the imported from Italy frozen pizzas
Dubliner cheese
single servings of plain nonfat yogurt (elsewhere you have to buy this in a big tub)
masala simmer sauce (tried korma too but liked masala better)
frozen panko breaded tilapia (we have the worst trouble cooking most fish at home, fresh, frozen, whatever, but this comes out good)
corn and chile salsa (we use it with the tilapia)
some frozen vegetable mix we keep getting (can't remember what it's called)
"Moral Fiber" lowfat bran muffins (couldn't pass up the name!)

Next repeat offender will be Organic High-Fiber O's cereal (most nutritious Cheerios-style cereal I've ever seen, nice break from all the twigs and such of most high fiber cereals)

None of these in the list are really knockout great fantastic "You must try this!" items. They're just enough different from what we can get in other stores near us, and we like them, so we go there to stock up occasionally. TJ's is near the only Whole Foods in the area, so we usually go to both. (WF again is enough different from other offerings.) We live way out in the north suburbs of Pittsburgh, so there's nowhere out there to shop for this kind of stuff. We await the eventual arrival of a TJ's out there, or something similar.

If TJ's had wine (not possible in PA right now) that would make the list I'm sure.

[clarity]

hungrydyke,
Now that TJs has dropped the D'Aquino organic expresso...... and especially since it was your "2nd best coffee", what is your #1 coffee please? Hopefully, it is organic because that is the only kind I will consider but I would appreciate knowing your favorite regardless.

By the way, if lots of people call TJs corporate and request that they bring the D'Aquino organic expresso back, they PROBABLY will. TJ's Corporate is 626-599-3817. FYI.
Thanks.

[vvv03]

green chile and cheese tamales. Also love the mandarin orange chicken.

[jfood]

Only two items i think are "good". Four cheese pizza and oreo knock-offs. I'll keep trying.

[LMS1108]

Cornbread pizza dough (but are they ever going to get it again?)
Pastry bites with feta cheese and carmelized onions.
Tenderloins - actually more like petit filets
I loved their gyozas but the supplier went bankrupt. Supposedly, they are looking for a new one...
Frozen chocolate chip cookie dough

I was disappointed to find yztziki (spelling?) sauce but no gyro meat at my store...Heck, I used to be able to get that in the 80s at my neighborhood Jewel in N. Illinois...

[scrapple]

Peanut butter

[IndyGirl]

Hard to name just one! The frozen pizzas are good in a pinch.
Love the frozen soy "chicken" nuggets for quick junk-food lunch
LOVE the frozen brown rice
Love the indian simmer sauces with a healthy handful of extra-hot red pepper flakes thrown in
Green garbanzo beans-a new item, great with indian sauces
tomato-vodka sauce (jarred)
whole-wheat penne
coconut sorbet-TDF
garlic naan

We're going to be moving within the year and it just makes me so sad to know there's a good chance I'll get a job in a place with no TJ's. It would seriously be a hard adjustment to make! :(

[Reeter1]

Oh goodness, we live off Trader Joes! Almost all our meat, cheese, milk products and nuts come from here.

BUT, if I had to name one unique TJ product, it's the dark chocolate-covered toffee brittle with pistachio nuts! YOW. When I first tasted the sample at the check-out, I swallowed it, looked up at the cashier and said, "You people are absolutely cruel. WHAT aisle are these on?"

Then I ran back to that aisle and threw them into my order.

[dustchick]

Maple Pecan Clusters cereal. Mmm....

[Jacey]

turkey bacon
jalopena chicken sausages
red pepper spread

[platypus]

i'm addicted to their cranberry rounds cookies. like oatmeal raisin, only with cranberries. Just the perfect amount of chew. mil served them as part of a holiday cookie platter, saying that only one cookie was homemade. the homemade one turned out to be the mediocre lemon squares. i would have sworn the cranberry rounds were homemade.

[nancyhudson]

oh, man...i have so many favs...i'll try and limit to 5!

orange juice
woodfired pizzas (and alsacian tart)
dark choc chunk cookie dough
struedel (berry is best)
raisin bread
vegetarian (non-dairy) enchiladas (frozen)

that was tough (and 6) i could do 6 more!

[Mel]

pizza dough is my favorite, but the runner ups are carne asada, korean beef, museli mix (with the crossword on the front)

[lisaf]

Hard to pick just one.

Yogurt cheese
All the trail mixes, especially the tempting mix with dried cherries and dark chocolate bits
Simmer sauces
dried fruit, pineapple rings are so good

[kiwi]

My current favorite is a cheese. It's called Berganost. It tastes like brie but without the rind and it is not quite as soft.

[yamalam]

Has anyone tried the stilton with apricots or mangoes...yum.

[avena]

I had the stilton with apricots. It was very good. There was also an Irish cheese I really liked...it was sharp....might have been a white cheddar.

[coconutz]

For prepared foods, the Tart Alsace is my current favorite (pastry base, creme fraiche, carmelized onion, ham.)

The nuts are good and well priced. Best price I've seen on pine nuts anywhere and you have a choice of regular or toasted. The sesame cashews are addictive.

[foxy fairy]

We can also vouch for that tart. Mmmmmm. Delicious as a snack, or stretch it into a light dinner for two by adding a big salad.

[janeydee123]

I love the nuts and dried fruits - great prices - and the products move so you know that it hasn't been sitting on the shelf for years. I love to try the more exotic offerings: dried mangoes with chili (not for everyone, but if you love mango and paprika..) and dragonfruit. The no salt options are nice too.

Wine selections are reasonably priced. You can sample different varieties without spending a fortune. I

The olive tapenade (the one in the hexagon jar) is good.

[PaulF]

Frozen turkey meatballs.

We use them for snacks, for dinners, for a quick breakfast, for a protein boost, everything.

The kids microwave them, we toss them in spaghetti sauce, make sub sandwiches out of them ... Very convenient, tasty and healthy, too.

I also like TJs decaf coffee.

[onefoodguy]

I second the turkey meatballs. I find that if you cook them 30 seconds less than recommended on the package, they will come out of the microwave much more tender than if you cook them the full (I think it's) four minutes. They are much much better than the beef meatballs.

[olivertwist]

I can't really pick one favorite, but I recently bought the Marcona Almonds with Rosemary and they are just phenomenal!!

[yamalam]

They are the best for wine adn cheese parties!!!!!!!!!

[Humbucker]

Organic Raisin Bran Clusters- As close to perfect as a breakfast cereal can be. The Organic Morning Lite is also pretty good if you want something less heavy (also makes a great "Rice Krispie" treat).

[tlegray]

cheesecake
chocolate torte
truffles
pesto sundried tomato torte
honey mango shaving cream

I haven't been to a TJ's in at least a year and these are the things I can come up with at the top of my head. I'm sure there are more.

[Gin and It]

Habanero pistachio nuts!

[BellaDonna]

There is not a Trader Joe's in my area...but when I have access to one...I think the dried pasta and EVOOs are pretty decent. I haven't had the opportunity to try much more.

[gobster34]

Orange Chicken, most absolutely. Spicy, Sweet, and delicious.

[Lobstah]

The best at TJ:

Korma Sauce
Frozen Garlic Naan
Onion soup

[kobetobiko]

Second the Naan Bread! Though it is still nothing compared to the fresh ones served right out of the oven in Indian restaurants, this is probably the closest to the "real" naan in the convenient food sections. Heat it up and dip in curry sauce and I am in heaven!

[Dommy]

Third the Naan... Better than some Naan I've had at restaurants!

[abbefaith]

are you guys talking about the fresh or frozen naan?

[Dommy]

Frozen, especially when cooked on a Pizza stone

[Tony Miller]

The French Onion soup IS great, and there's a comparable mushroom soup (with cheese melted on top, just like the onion) which is also very good. Both of these are very filling, enough for a light entree.

[coconutz]

I like the onion soup but I found the mushroom inedible and even threw away the second one in the box rather than eat it. Asparagus is also bad.

[ChowFun_derek]

Amazing!1 I did the EXACT same thing!!!
I tossed them rather than imbibing another taste...
I also like the onion soup..

[yamalam]

I second the Onion Soup - and in the same section their Spinach Artichoke Dip beats any other prepared version I've had.

[jan]

Hands down, the carne asada in the refridgerated section. It comes in a package sliced thin, beautifully seasoned and ready for the grill. It is outstanding! They also have a korean beef my husband loves even better.

[okie]

Can't choose just one, so here's my short list:

-Microwaveable brown rice in individual packets
-Cuban Mojito simmer sauce
-Pompadum chips w/ tandoori flavoring
-Woodfire frozen pizzas
-Spicy black bean dip

[Clare K]

Those Pompadum chips are insanely good. And low-fat (that is, if we can believe what the label says!).

[rsafady]

The brown rice was one of my fave suggestions. I've been eating it since you posted - thanks!

[okie]

That is probably the one item I buy more than any at TJ's, because it's good (nice texture to the rice), super easy and goes with so many things.

I try and eat healthy so I typically grill several chicken breasts over the weenkend, then have those throughout the week with some rice and a bit of hot sauce for spice. Easy, delicious, good for you and filling.

Only downside is that the rice isn't always available... I've learned to load up on it when I see it in the freezer case but clearly others do the same.

[234calav]

My must-have at TJ's? Frozen fruits (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, Bing cherries, pineapple chunks, mango chunks) - much much cheaper than at standard groceries and always high quality. Throw into hot cereal to take it quickly down to eating temperature, or just add to plain yogurt. And great for quick snack.

[rsafady]

These are all such interesting, helpful and wonderful suggestions. How fun it will be to shop on my next trip. I also loved the Just Salmon but haven't seen it in months. Thanks so much for all these tasty favorites!

[Jacey]

Things I really like:

turkey bacon (very thick, low calorie and nice smoked flavor)
eggs (super cheap)
balsamic chicken in the prepared section (nice to keep at work at cut up for salads during the week)
red pepper and eggplant spread
jalapeno chicken sausages
honey sesame almonds (i can't buy these or i'll eat the whole bag in one sitting)

[MobyRichard]

Whole bean Dark Sumatra.

[GroovinGourmet]

Have you tried the new Volcano Roast? We are Bay Blend and French Roast fans, but this may be our new favorite.

And we also like the $3.99 German sparkling wine Schloss somethingorotherGerman.

[bourbongirl]

it's a toss up between:
vananna yogurt
or
frozen breaded eggplant cutlets (which are rarely in stock)

[ebina49]

I currently have the eggplant cutlets in my freezer. How do you typically serve them? Do you use them to make a quick and easy eggplant parm? Or do you make sandwiches with them? Do you prep in the oven/toaster or microwave?? Thanks!

[Ozumo]

Hmm, I guess the one thing I have to buy every time is the frozen mushroom fettucine. I cook it longer than the directions state, until the sauce rduces some, then "kick it up a notch" with a good amount of fresh cracked black pepper and red chili flakes. If I served it to you and you didn't watch me cook, you would never know it was pre-made and frozen.

When you're lazy and want something quick, delicious and relatively healthy, it can't be beat! And if I recall correctly, it also contains nothing but real ingredients, not a bunch of additive crap.

[notmartha]

Mini peanut butter cups.

[jessicheese]

I made cookies with these for Christmas, subsituting them for chocolate chips. They were AWESOME!!

[notmartha]

Was thinking about doing the same!

[jessicheese]

Although I usually prefer to eat chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven, I found that these were much better the next day, and beyond.

[pickledeedee]

Try the peanut butter malt balls, I call them "crack balls" they are so addictive.

[Pyewacket]

World-class chimichurri.

[nsheth]

I've been craving that Chimichurri rice, but haven't found it in stock my last 3-4 trips . . .

[Pyewacket]

I never had the chimichurri rice. The stuff I'm talking about is actual chimichurri (refrigerated near the salsas). I bet you could approximate your product with this stuff and some...y'know, rice.

[rsafady]

I bought the rice - it's spicy but family loved it. Still looking for sauce.

[bkath]

Frozen rack of lamb!

[onefoodguy]

I'll second the seasoned frenched rack of lamb, awesome.

[KamJam]

Yes! A steal and almost ready to go into the oven, altho i recommend a coating of dijon mustard and breadcrumbs first!

[janeydee123]

The boneless leg of lamb is good too (as is the lamb in the fresh meats)

[ergozum]

My favorite at TJ's right now is the HUGE prawns in the frozen seafood dept. They are prepped, ready to cook and did I mention HUGE?

[jessicheese]

This is tough!!!! How do you choose????

I'd have to go with the frozen spinach and artichoke dip. And now I have to make some when I go home =)

[Kris P Pata]

Are we talking strictly TJ branded stuff? If so, I'm all about the snackin':

-Sutter's Formula Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Cookies
-Thai Spiced Cashews
-Green Plant 100% Juice Blend

[Tony Miller]

Yesss! Sutter's Formula have been the best cookies I've ever eaten.

Unfortunately, they're a bit uneven from bag to bag. At their best they are chewy and heavily laden with chips; at their worst they're dry and the chips are sparse.

Even at their worst, they're pretty good.

[pickledeedee]

and the Thai Chili Lime Pistachios!

[nosh]

Sorta basic, but what keeps me coming to TJ's two or three times a week is the milk -- at least 50 cents per half-gallon cheaper than the supermarket.

[ChefGirl412]

Frozen Orange Chicken with Frozen Organic Brown Rice - tastes great & it's easy to prepare.

[chemchef]

I do the same thing, but add the frozen peas to my brown rice... DELISH!

[FoodaholicinLA]

Now you are talking! The Frozen Orange Chicken has got the be the # 1 item I get from TJs, in fact I went to two different TJs in two different cities in 1 day and the Frozen Orange Chicken was gone. I think that says it all. My # 2 item would be the chicken taquitos.

[Clare K]

This is hard...only one? Probably tops would be their frozen veggie enchilada (not to be confused with their black bean enchilada). It's cheesy and delicious and actually quite healthy.

Their super thin banana crisps are a close second...oh wait, the steamed lentils. Hm...or maybe it's the Druids cookie??

[Jacey]

Haven't seen the banana crisps around lately. I did hear. though, that the nutritional information was VERY wrong on the packaging. Supposedly for each serving, there is 4X the amount of calories, and 16g of sugar compared to the 1g listed on the package. I knew these things were too good to be true--they tasted so good.

Does it piss anyone else off that TJ didn't double check on this?

[Clare K]

Seriously??? I always thought that it was too low myself. Where did you hear this? Links?

[kiwi]

I posted about it once they got the right labels on it. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...
My honey works for TJ's.

[rsafady]

I just tried these - man, they're good, though!

[NiKoLe1625]

haha i knew that they were too good to be true! I was always a bit suspicious of the fact that all of the other banana chips that they sell are loaded with sugar and calories!!

[tigerd]

Makes me wonder what other nutritional facts TJ's "misprinted" :( There may more more items out there with false labels than you think! What can we do about this people?

[yankeefan]

Not much you can do, agreed that it can be pretty frustrating going in both directions.

I recently borrowed a food scale for baking pretzels and used it to weigh some foods. I realized that you can get screwed in cereals where they dont offer as many as they say but one treat was a loaf of bread that said 5 2oz servings but the thing weighed over a pound. sweeet!

[Snackish]

I eat their Red Pepper and Tomato Soup (the kind that comes in the brick packaging) 4 nights out of 5 for dinner. To me, it is a really great food that I don't get tired of. This routine helps me to keep from gaining even more weight.

[halfpint]

One of my favorites as well!!!!

[pickledeedee]

try adding their India Relish to that soup...Good stuff

[pj chap]

Greek Yogurt!

[monku]

They'll probably move this from the LA Board, but 2 Buck Chuck is my favorite TJ's item followed by the "Fearless Flyer", just love reading the descriptions of everything they have.

[macca]

I, too, love the fearless flyer- I went to their website yesterday, and couldn't find it! Do you know how to access the FEarless Flyer!! TIA

[monku]

This month is their "Holiday Story" flyer, but if you click on it find your state and it will display the flyer. Otherwise that's where the most current Fearless Flyer can be found.

http://www.traderjoes.com/

[macca]

Thanks, I was clicking on the location tab, and trying to find it from there.. Duh!

[rsafady]

I have searched the Trader Joe's website and cannot find the flyer that you say to click on....where is it exactly and on which page? Thanks.

[ericalee]

Curious about this too.........