Foods you love at Trader Joe's that got discontinued? [OLD]

[mollyomormon]

That other foods you love...thread I started has gotten unwieldy. Anyway, I was just at Trader Joe's this morning and I fear they've discontinued the cereal I love! It's Trader Joe's label with dried cranberries, granola clusters and flakes. Sad :(. Other things I'm sad they no longer carry: the 4 oz. packages of snackmasters turkey jerky, the awesome bloody mary mix they once had and the pumpkin butter (I know it'll be back around in the fall, but I wish this one wasn't seasonal).

[twodales]

Jasmine Pearls Tea

[erdelyi]

Found out recently they discontinued the apple strudel. Orig. it came frozen as one long strudel, after a couple years they cut it in two pieces. But I would bake it with a little butter, add a few walnuts and a couple additional cloves and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Honest- it tasted faithfully homemade. Now it's gone.....boo-hoo.

[davehubert]

The all time best product that disappeared quite a while ago was a large canned porcini mushroom tomato sauce from Italy. It used to be one of their regular popular sauces in a can. When I saw they stopped carrying it, I saved a can for years. I tried it the other day and it did not let me down. I now wish there was something available from Trader Joes that is anything like it. So far no luck.

[goodhealthgourmet]

just a heads-up that this thread is a couple of generations old...new one about discontinued products here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/826153

[ofijr]

just wondering: what's wrong with older generations??? Some people may want to see what greatness has been lost. Of course from now on I'll be visting and/or posting in the new threads.

Food for thought, however:

“Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.”

Edmund Burke quotes (British Statesman and Philosopher, 1729-1797)

[goodhealthgourmet]

there's nothing "wrong" with older generations...but take note of the [OLD] designation in the title of the post - there's a reason for it. TJ's threads get tons of activity, and the company introduces & discontinues products at a really rapid pace...so we discovered some time ago that it was far more efficient and useful to start a new thread each quarter, otherwise they become unwieldy.

it's great to *read* the old threads and stay informed, but not really all that useful to post on - and thereby resurrect - them...unless it's to announce the good news that a beloved product discontinued long ago has returned ;)

[twodales]

Happy to see Edmund Burke pop up.

[heyfred]

anyone else miss their original 'Wasabi Rice Crackers' in the 6.5 oz. bag ?
All of the others they carry just don't match up...

[greygarious]

PLEASE note, for the benefit of those whose computers cannot open gigantic threads, that this cumbersome, 4 yr old one says "OLD" because there is a current, manageable one: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/791033

[shibadoc]

Spelt dinner rolls. I cannot find anything similar anywhere else. and they were the best dinner rolls I have ever had. AND I cannot eat wheat so this is doubly depressing.

[marissaj]

I miss:

Their honeyed plaintains- I had a salad specifically calling for these and it's not like i can get them anywhere else :(

I also miss their baked onion rings. So much healthier than funnyuns and the like.

I love TJ's but the sheer lack of consistency is really starting to piss me off.

[barb2007]

I was at Trader Joe's in Hyannis, MA on Monday, 3/14/11. They have discontinued their Soy Vanilla ice cream. The service desk informed me all the soy ice cream they carried is discontinued and will be replaced by another brand. I think she said Breyer's but I am not sure about the name or when it will be available. I am really disappointed. The discontinued brand was delicious.

[PantomimeLion]

I am livid. Apparently they have thrown out all the soy ice creams except for cherry chocolate chip. They discontinued the half soy vanilla, half mango sorbet quarts, which were such a great dessert. I can't stand this discontinuation of everything I like.

[Iswari]

Anyone know if they've discontinued the Vegetable Bird's Nests? Haven't found them in months...

[TerryG]

They used to have a fantastic chocolate orange cake. Once we found it, we served it often and everyone loved it. Then poof. It disappeared. Think it's been about a year. Keep hoping it will return.

[littleflower]

I am mourning the takeaway of the Milk Chocolate Butter Biscuits (butter cookies lightly drenched in milk chocolate made in France). I ate boxes of these and have sadly run out of the stash that I kept when I saw the price drop from $2.99 to $.99 (sure bet that they would be disccontinued). The manager confirmed that they have been pulled from the shelf.

[EAH]

They had a fantastic chocolate hazelnut spread. So creamy...absolutely delicious. Then it disappeared. Apparently they reformulated it and it is /was not nearly as good. But my real heartbreaker was when they discontinued the Neiman Ranch uncured hot dogs. Those were to die for. On the very rare occasion I would allow my self to eat a hot dog, that was the bomb.
God forbid they get rid of my Neiman Ranch uncured Bacon.

[lboogiedc]

I am now mourning the loss of the Rolled Chicken Taco. My life will never be the same again.

[jrmd]

Dark chocolate pretzel bark--so cheap and SO delicious. Frozen green chickpeas.

[goodhealthgourmet]

LOVED those frozen green garbanzos.

[Tripeler]

Haven't seen their canned Greek olives in quite a while. I guess they won't be back...

[ofijr]

Yeah, that's another heartbreaker. That is an item they carried Forever too. Very sad. In other observations, I discovered they no longer sell a cheese I got addicted to. The Port infused Irish cheese. I thought maybe it was seasonal but the holidays have come and gone and the cheese never returned. I guess at least TJ's knows how to keep us on our seats, eh.

[LeftCoastRider]

Puffs 'n Honey cereal made by a now-defunct company called The Breadshop that was located in Santa Cruz, CA. They sold out to the Hain group of natural foods, and now the label only makes granola cereals. Too bad, because Puffs 'n Honey was the best cereal I ever had, and I used to buy it at TJs all the time back in the 1990's.

[Midlife]

Very dismayed to find all my local TJs out of the packaged corned beef hash that I've come to enjoy so much. Manager said it's only temporary, so there's hope. ;o[

[shaebones]

Nope. Out permanently on the hash. :( My TJ manager said their supplier in Brazil significanly increased the price so they will not purchase any more. Drats!!!

[PantomimeLion]

Someone upthread mentioned two of my favoites: The Pistachio Mousse Cake from Italy, and the Spinach-Tofu Rolls, which were OUTSTANDING and even were great after being freezer-burnt and microwaved -- don't know how they achieved that. I agree with the other poster than people saw "tofu" and were spooked, but it was not like block tofu at all, and was just like a spinach-cheese roll. Amazing. The vegetable rolls they replaced them with, well, suck. I don't understand how these could possibly be better sellers than the spinach-tofu. I've been bitching to TJs about getting rid of the spinach-tofu rolls for a few years now, and it seems like a lonely cry in the wind. I don't think I've ever been so bummed out about a discontinued product anywhere.

[HungryPixie]

Ooooooooh i L O V E this thread so much i joined just so i could post :)

i miss the yogurt cheese soooooo much. The black pepper cashews. The mario batali fennel pasta sauce. The dried tamarinds, admitadly an aquired taste but oh so yummm. My guy misses the sliders in the refridgerator section. The cornmaiden tamales, so good, they are at the santa monica farmers mkt every sunday, and i suppose you can order online, but not as convienent as a craving that you satisfy with a quick trip to TJs.

Btw, totally stealing "TJ'd" !!! genious!!!!!!

[yummfood]

I really liked their frozen seafood sausage....I went to TJ's to pick some up the other day, but apparently they've discontinued those as well! Had I known, I would've stocked up on them. ho hum

[Midlife]

Uh oh!!! My local TJ's didn't have instant steel cut oatmeal today (just the regular kind in the can). The floor guy thought they were just out of it for now, but I'm a bit nervous. This is my go-to quick breakfast during the winter and I'm not gonna be thrilled if I have to do the 20 minute kind or deal with warming it up from pre-made batches of the regular. !*%$#!@!

[Leepa]

If you go into withdrawal, you can give Coach's Oats a try.

http://www.coachsoats.com/

[Steve Green]

I really like the TJ frozen steel-cut oatmeal. It comes in two-serving boxes for about $1.60. Just cut the wrapper open, put the frozen cylinder in a pyrex custard cup, and nuke for 3 minutes. Stir and let stand for a couple of minutes, and you're set. Almost as good as fresh-made, and a lot better than instant, IMO. No sign of it being discontinued, so far.

[Mr Taster]

Or, make your own and freeze it in ziploc bags. Quick, easy, and much cheaper.

Mr Taster

[twodales]

Crumpets.

[alkapal]

last year at christmas they sold a small box of around 25 assorted fruit-infused belgian chocolate "fancies," in orange, pom, cran, raspberry & cherry. everyone raved. sadly, they are no more....

i think this thread needs to retire at year's end, and we start a new one for 2011.

[Fritz]

Muhammara

[annulla]

Freeze dried mangosteens. They were light, sweet and crunchy, a wonderful snack. Miss 'em!

[foodiemom10583]

The PB & J bars, though they were inconsistent (the inside wrapper was twice as long as the bar itself and some had a decent layer of jelly and others were lacking), but it you got one with the right ratio, they were gorgeous. Also, the Tikka Masala crisps. I still look for them.

[JamesPapa]

I spied some PB & J Cookies the other day when I was here FM. They had a layer of PB, and I think some Jelly too. Cookies possibly was of short-bread type but I am not 100% certain. I didn't buy though..

[foodiemom10583]

WHAT? Ooh, ooh, I'm there. Something about that congealed jelly (like the Joya rings from my childhood) with peanut butter just gets to me. I hope there's chocolate involved. Many thanks, JamesPapa!

[chinchi]

Is the turkey sausage stromboli still around? I don't remember seeing any packages in the freezer case lately, and it was a quick and tasty product I enjoyed.

Also, in the fresh section, there was a fig and caramelized onion flatbread pizza that was around for awhile. I miss those a lot...perfect quick dinner when paired with a salad.

[maianajewel]

Well, they went and did it. They finally discontinued my precious dark chocolate raspberry sticks. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Nasty letter writing time...

[queenscook]

I felt the same about the Chocolate-Orange Sticks, as I posted above. I did write to them, and received the following response:

Thank you for your feedback. We have not discontinued our
Orange or Raspberry Sticks. However, our supplier had excessive price
increases so we were forced to find a new manufacturer. We have sold
through all previous inventory and they are just temporarily unavailable
as we await the new production from our new supplier and they will be
returning shortly. Please keep a look out for their return to your
local store.

Regards,
Nikki
Customer Relations

I really hope they return soon, and for personal reasons, I hope the new supplier is also a kosher one.

[bluesman]

Running low on shrimp cocktail sauce, also low on Tomato Chutney. Hum same color I'll mix them, Yum Yum wow note to self, do that again. Off to TJ's for more Tom chutney and Cocktail sauce... OUCH! No, discontinued you gotta be kidding :-\ . As larasg3 said I've been TJ'd again.
Next Gripe: Not discontinued but change of manufacturer.

Carb Safe Sugar Free Milk, and Dark Chocolate Bars: Pretty good for the price and takes care of my Choco fix. Back to TJ's for more, wait a minute these don't seem to be the same. Oh new name on the label "Simply Lite" definitely not as good but edible (barely) at first. Last time I bought some a few months ago the Dark Choco was so bad it might as well be flavored chalk. TJ'd again. Off to Coat Plus World Market (where I've been finding myself instead of TJ's) for Guylian Belgian No Sugar Added Choco (the best I've found so far)at twice the price of TJ'd oops I meant TJ's. I could go on but if your here you already know also if you noticed this topic is over three years old and still going strong.

[maianajewel]

Hi and thanks Queenscook,

I recently found on a pre-Christmas trip to TJ's that although they had sold all of their seasonal Candy Cane Joe-Joe's (which, the hell? It was a week before Christmas! You'd think they would have them stocked through the holiday!) they had brought back the orange and raspberry sticks. BUT: They are no longer dark chocolate - and decidedly just not as good with milk chocolate. Bummer.

[jilli42]

I so miss the red curry tuna in the pouches, it's one of the things that hooked me into visiting TJ's regularly, even when I had to travel 30 minutes to get there (thankfully now I have one 10 minutes away). I have one pouch left and it expires this December. I guess I should eat it soon...

[chinchi]

As mentioned in another thread, the red and green curry tuna pouches are back!

[Mr Taster]

Just had it for lunch yesterday and it was as fantastic as I remember.

Mr Taster

[woodleyparkhound]

Thanks to this thread I gave the green curry tuna pouch a try today. I am very leery of TJ's prepared foods as I've been burned more than once. I wouldn't have tried it if I hadn't read about it here. This stuff was really good, considering it comes in a pouch. It's supposed to be one serving, but I put it on rice, so one pouch lasted me two meals. I also bought the red, but haven't tried it yet.

[greygarious]

TRAGEDY has struck!!! The Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Mini Bites are gone. The clerk said they didn't sell well. They were SO good, and had only a few ingredients, which were all recognizable and non-chemicalized.

At least they still have the All Natural Dog Treats, which came back after an absence of several years. When I mentioned that she said they were withdrawn because they contained wheat gluten from China, where melamine contamination led to many American pets dying from kidney disease. So TJ's stopped offering them until they could come up with safer sourcing.

[LuckyCharm]

This is awful. I was there today looking all over for my cookies but couldn't find them. I found a similar cookie, chocolate chunk with almonds, and they taste almost the same.

[greygarious]

I was too disgusted to look at the alternatives. I was happy with a portion of just 4 mini cookies. I can bake an outstanding oatmeal chocolate chip cookie from scratch, but they call to me incessantly! I hope TJ's will try out some other cookies without white flour. What does the chocolate chunk with almonds contain?

[Wildtowner]

Does anyone remember TJ's Sourdough Crackers?! (RIP since 2006) They had a really strong, wonderful sourdough taste (very adult!) and a brisk crunch. More importantly, does anyone know of another similar product out there?!

[larasg3]

I'm calling it "getting TJ'd" - when Trader Joes gets you addicted to an item and then suddenly stops carrying it.

[HastaLaPasta]

There was a vacuum sealed lasagna (not frozen, not refrigerated, just on the shelf next to other dried pasta) that you microwaved and was absolutely divine for store bought.

They also had chocolate covered pistachio nuts with toffee - I think they still have the dark chocolate ones maybe, but the milk chocolate ones got replaced with some sort of chocolate pistachio bar - haven't tried those yet but I LOVED the originals.

[Emme]

i swear i saw the lasagna last time i was there... are you sure they discontinued?

[HastaLaPasta]

I haven't seen it in any of my local stores in months and when I asked, the clerk had no idea what I was talking about. So I don't know officially that they got discontinued, but it was my strong suspiscion. If you still find them at your local store, then they've probably still got 'em :)

[tolsonhouse4]

Was it the chicken lasagna in the deli section? That stuff was good!! We haven't been able to have any of that since going gluten free, so I couldn't tell you if I have seen it recently.

[jadekarrde]

most importantly Chocovic's Ocumare chocolate bar, a few months before it was discontinued it was declared by the LA times to be the best chocolate bar you could buy at a regular store in LA. I was crushed when it went away

Trotolle pasta, my supply ran out a while ago The best dried pasta I've ever had ever. It worked great with every conceivable sauce and accoutrement. devastating to see it go away.

Vanilla Paste - it's a pain in the ass to go to surfas for this and its damned incredibly expensive there and they're almost always out anyway. :(

Bucatini pasta (so much better than spaghetti)

First Lady Reserve Olive Oil (back when it had the cool rubber stopper) it made a nice reappearance last year but wasn't quite the same unfiltered glory I remembered. this six dollar olive oil was better than any fancy or plain olive oil I've tasted anywhere else. Nothing else compares.

Full Sour Pickles in the refrigerator section the only pickles that stand up to my homemade.

Porcini Ravioli - So tragic! I bought them once and was in heaven. went back the next week with the plan of buying two or three packages and they were GONE! I was shocked and appalled, one of the single best things I've ever had from TJs.

Horseradish Cheddar - inconvenient, but TJs had a really good version.
Red Dragon cheese - again, inconvenient, and harder to justify at other sellers prices.

all the varieties of individual vaccuum sealed cuts of meat that debuted and vanished last year. so uber convenient for a single person
cubed steak
Individually frozen australian ribeye steaks
Buffalo burgers with onions and cheese
turkey burgers with pesto
Argentinian red shrimp (randomly appear from time to time)
canned smoked salmon (omg)

tuna curry pouches.

crustless quiche :(

and so much more.

The ocumare and trotolli and olive oil hurt the most though

[mjoyous]

Just got home from the nearest TJ--1.5 hrs away. Was there 2 weeks ago and tried the black cocoa almonds which I immediately fell in love with. None today, so asked and was told that they were discontinued 5 days ago. Drat!!!!!!

[chez cherie]

ahaha--are we related? i still mourn the vanilla paste! and the trotolle was amazing! ANd the bucatini, AND the first lady olive oil... and for me, the puff pastry was a big blow for me.
but still, so much to love.
oops--meant to post under jadekarrde's post.

[queenscook]

I was just told this afternoon that the Chocolate-Orange Sticks (chocolate-covered orange flavored jelly candy) are discontinued. I didn't see it on the shelf, but I'm on the other side of the country from where I live and thought it might be somewhere else, so I asked. The guy who went to find out about it came back to me and said, "You're not going to be happy about this, but it looks like it's been discontinued." I'm quite sad!

[st1023]

These may be back! I just came from TJ's and noticed there was a label for this product up at the front, along the register line. Sadly, I also found out that they've discontinued the Organic Chicken Stock, and all stock for that matter. WTF? And the Blueberry Green Tea. So sad...

[yeshana]

Not in Hartsdale, NY. Plenty of stock there. they had trouble this weekend with deliveries due to the snow- it was as if the store had been molested. Only turkey stock on shelves. they said next couple of days- delivery promised back on schedule/

[queenscook]

Yes, I saw them recently too. However, they are now under a different kosher supervision, which I haven't ever heard of, and have to run it by my rabbi before I can eat them again. This will obviously not affect most people.

[GourmetLight]

Not true. Just came from the TJ's in Lynnwood/Edmonds, WA and asked specifically. Plenty on the shelves and no plans to discontinue, per Manager.

[st1023]

Ah, I hope that's true, though no restocking yet in the DC area. Maybe it's a regional discontinuation, because managers at a DC and a NoVa store both confirmed it was discontinued. Still making the broth, but not the stock. Maybe they'll reintroduce it...

[karrill]

The cheese bread. I'm not sure what it was called or what kind of bread it was, but it was a large oval shape, maybe an inch high, with lots of white cheese melted across the top. When it was slightly re-heated, the cheese would get nice and melty. Everyone I know loved that bread - I'll never for the life of me understand why they would stop producing it.

[SuperGrover]

I miss the round scones. Now they have triangle shaped ones that are too thin to split well to put jam or butter on.

[ofijr]

been shopping at tj's for 20 years here in the Long Beach area of SoCal. I've seen alot go, become replaced, etc. Reading this i am still amazed at how many items really have come and gone...

the items i had grown to depend on that have left me feeling like they severed my right arm are:

1) the tj's own brand of canned smoked salmon--wild caught and cheap for quality stuff
2) the reduced sugar marionberry jam...i just opened my last bottle this month =(
3 the "cheese" style greek yoghurt -- this caught me off guard...it was nice not having to go to another market to get this but oh well....

I still love the frozen cioppino...i freaked out once they'd gotten rid of that but knock on wood, so far so good

for good measure one new item they now stock that I adore are those canadian maple leaf cookies--SO good!

[dustchick]

I thought we were the only folks who mourned the reduced sugar marionberry jam. That was awesome.

[zammdogg]

These amazing buffalo chicken breasts, kind of like a cordon bleu, stuffed with cream cheese. Locally made. Oh man. I miss those. I'd make a hoagie with one of them in the middle, and damn.

[SuperGrover]

I've come to the point that just going to TJ's pisses me off. It seems like every time I like something I can't find it any more. No more vanilla almond bars :(

[missjennifer19]

the spinach puff appetizers were the best....why oh why did they take them away!! :(

[DanaB]

They recently discontinued my favorite coffee that I'd been buying there for years and years ... the moka java whole bean coffee.

[mollyomormon]

This one is tragic: the whole gran chocolate chip cookies were the best store-bought cookies I've ever had and were packed with fiber and were just discontinued.

[adalou]

I miss Prelude to a Quiche...they were mini quiches that were just perfect for entertaining. They were good and inexpensive. Please bring them back!!!!

[cabie]

MOCHA CHAI ALMONDS!!!

DARK CHOCOLATE CHILI MANGO SLICES!!!

[mollyomormon]

i still have containers of the dark chocolate mango slices that I'm hoarding. so very sad those were discontinued :(.

[LAWoman]

I feel your pain. Just opened my last precious, hoarded jar of tomato chutney.

[MisterBill2]

So, based on my visit to TJ last weekend, it appears that the frozen almond and puff pastry dessert they were selling is now discontinued. My daughter loved that stuff, she would bake it and then eat it for breakfast as a substitute for almond croissants during the week.

I was still upset about their no longer carrying burrata, but since I found some at Costco last weekend (at a cheaper price) I am less upset, although I am sure that Costco won't have it the next time I look.

[sparkareno]

OMG--I didn't know the burrata was gone. It seems like it just got there. And this is Burrata season (tomatoes) for me. I have never seen it at Costco--will have to check that out. The problem is that it has such a short shelf life and is so fattening that I hate to buy a huge quantity. Is the Costco a ginormous tub?

[MisterBill2]

It's a pound container for $6.99 at Costco (vs $4.99 for 8 ounces at TJ), so it's not that bad. I bought 3 containers since they were dated 7/25 and I know the odds of it being there when I return are slim. Also I figured if they sold more, maybe they'd keep carrying it.

[sparkareno]

thanks--I was at both TJ's & Costco last night & saw it both places. I like that you are helping with the demand!

[MisterBill2]

You TJ's had it? I've looked at a couple of stores and did not find it. Not that I care so long as Costco has it.

[Cathy]

Bought some on Saturday in San Diego. Cashier was also manager who asked if we really liked it because they were thinking of discontinuung it since it has such a limited shelf life and people were not buying it fast enough. (said they just tossed a whole batch two nights prior)

I explained what it was, how it is made and why it had a short shelf life. Manager said she was going to have to try it...

[MisterBill2]

Maybe it's a west coast thing because I've looked in several stores in the NY area and none have it (burrata) anymore.

[MisterBill2]

Burrata is back at the NY area stores. Lower price, too - $4.49 vs $4.99. Naturally it is gone at Costco again.

[MisterBill2]

The Almond Puff Pastry dessert was back at TJ's today. The crew member we spoke to said they had some supply problems but they are solved and they should have it regularly again. Sadly we were not going home for a few hours so I only bought one since I did not want to take a chance of them melting (one I figured would be baked right away).

[Fritz]

muhammarah. man that stuff was good.

[Ashley12]

I really miss the Greek Yogurt Cheese in the yellow tub near the other Greek Yogurt!

[bulavinaka]

Me too! Excellent product that we picked up almost every week. It's somewhat hard to find - only found similar products (it's basically labne) at the ethnic stores or Whole Foods (would be a great place to shop if many of the shoppers and the clerks liked themselves.)

[Ashley12]

You can make it by straining Greek Yogurt with cheesecloth overnight. Made it recently and was so happy with the results!

[bulavinaka]

Thanks for the tip. Which Greek yogurt do you use? Full fat, 2% or nonfat? TIA

[Lauracooks]

You can use anykind you want. Full fat is nice but 2% works fine. You can flavor it pre-drip too. Dried chives are nice or lemon zest.

[Ashley12]

I use FAGE most of the time - it is the absolute best. You can get away with using the 2% or even nonfat with that brand.

[lem9579]

The burger patties that had cheese and onions in them

[spicelmf]

I used to love, love, love the Gardenburger BBQ Riblets and then they vanished. TJs was the only place I knew that stocked them so I called Gardenburger and found out that Kellogg's who now owns them were rebranding/repackaging it as Morning Star and it should be back soon. They gave me a coupon for a free Morning Star item, which was nice.

That said, it took them a year to rebrand it and get it back out there. To boot, my TJs isn't stocking them at all anymore. I found them at my local Pathmark at 5 bucks a box (2 riblets inside). I bought it out of nostalgia and they were great. Since it took so long though, I found a recipe to make BBQ Baked Tofu that tastes similar and is wayyy cheaper.

[bulavinaka]

Has anyone been able to find the fried onions in the can with the green plastic lid lately? I'm fricken' going nuts trying to find these. Please don't tell me they did away with these as well. I'm too afraid to ask the service counter folks for fear i've been dumped again! They're the perfect garnish for so many things!!

[goodhealthgourmet]

aren't those a seasonal item? i thought they only appeared during the Thanksgiving-Christmas holidays.

[bulavinaka]

Ah nuts. LIke many, when we find something we really like at TJ's, we buy as many as the expiration dates will allow. We just used up our last can and now we're all long-faced. :( At least there's hope in - SIX MONTHS?! Thanks for the clarification.

[werewolf]

"Yep, almost everything I love gets discontinued...
Yet pretty much everything I have tried that I didn't like, is of course still there"

All part of Murphy's Law. If something is really really great, they'll discontinue it.

[bulavinaka]

This Murphy guy is a total sadist. :)

[goodhealthgourmet]

don't quote me on that - i just assumed, because it's one of those ingredients everyone really only seems to break out for the requisite holiday green bean casserole ;)

[greygarious]

Are you near any Asian markets? They carry plastic jars of fried shallots and fried onions that are pretty much the same, though in smaller bits than the TJ's, but like TJ's, way better than French/Durkee fried onions.

[bulavinaka]

We've tried some of these products from the Chinese supers in the past and found the quality to vary quite a bit. Thanks though for mentioning this - we will revisit these products at places like 99 Ranch and Hawaii Supermarket. Duplicating this product at home can be done but it is such a pain considering how relatively inexpensive the TJ's stuff was.

[Midlife]

I need to try 99 Ranch for this too. I've found crushed fried onions to be a really good coating for some types of fish, though I usually use panko instead due to cost. Smaller bits would not be a problem.

[bulavinaka]

Let me preface this by saying we've only tried a few brands of the fried shallots/onions at the Chinese supers. The problems we encountered were that some were pretty oily. Most didn't keep very well - probably low quality oil or maybe we didn't store them well? The products are imported from Asia - time in cargo containers crossing the Pacific should be time spent on the shelf. But this was 8-10 years ago, so we will have to give it another try.

What I really like about TJ's product is the container keeps the unopened product ultrafresh. And once opened, it still stays good in our cupboard for at least a couple of months (if we don't plow through it before that time). I think it's probably a domestic product, and the oil used must be pretty good stuff.

[bluesman]

Although I don't like shopping at WalMart ( due to the low wage & benefits for employees ) I found fried onions in white bags ( 2 sizes) there. The price is better than TJ's also ( I still feel guilty supporting this "sweat shop")

[bulavinaka]

Walmart has been doing a lot over the past few years to paint a different public face - I am sure some of it actually good - but I don't shop there because there are none around where I live. I think big box stores in general have a place in the market. Like you, I think they as do all businesses have a social responsibility to give back to the community (directly or or through other groups who may be able to do it more effectively). At the same time, if a community allows a big box to move in, they'd better be prepared for the huge changes that will occur in doing so.

[Dnanana]

Yep, almost everything I love gets discontinued...
first it was the tuna curry packets
then the spinach artichoke chicken burgers that they replaced with the smaller and not very tasty roasted chicken patties
Now its the amazing sundried tomato bruschetta that i used as a spread on every sandwich
They had the most amazing granola bars, nice and tart, also gone
I'm sure there is more I have forgotten or blocked out
Yet pretty much everything I have tried that I didn't like, is of course still there

[SuperGrover]

I haven't seen the vanilla almond bars lately. Hope they're not gone too :(

[MisterBill2]

So the answer is, when you find something you really like, buy a case. Wish I'd done it with the Thai peanuts!

[missinglink]

tuna curry is back, spread the word

[goodhealthgourmet]

considering how popular it appeared to be among Hounds, it might be worth a separate thread to announce that!

[Mr Taster]

Indeed!!! I just picked some up yesterday, packed it for lunch today. Am going to eat it over the multigrain blend, cooked in chicken stock and butter.

Mr Taster

[yeshana]

is it frozen marinated tuna? in the frozen fish section?

[goodhealthgourmet]

nope, not frozen. it comes in a pouch and you'll find it on the shelf in the same aisle as the canned fish and packaged grains & legumes.

after all the love it got here in CH i had to check it out when i was at TJ's last week...i took one look at the sodium content and put it right back on the shelf :)

[bulavinaka]

A little goes a long way...

[chez cherie]

no, it's in a foil pouch. shelf-stable.

[gmm]

Does anyone know the brand name of the tuna curry? I've seen so many people raving about it, and now that it's back at TJ's, I'm living in a city that won't have a TJ's until sometime next year.

[Steve Green]

It's Trader Joe's brand.

[lougae]

Pappadum's -- they rocked!

[MisterBill2]

We may need to add Burrata (a curd-filled mozzarella cheese) to the list (they were selling a container of 2 for $4.99). There was none on the shelf at the Paramus NJ store today. I asked an employee if they had any in the back. He checked and told me that they were looking for a new supplier. If the company that was making them (which I suspect is a place in Wisconsin whose burrata I've bought on the rare occasion that Costco has it) really has stopped making it, I am not sure that there's another option.

On the bright side, when I was talking to the guy I said "it's disappeared like the Thai chili lime peanuts" and he said "have you tried the new lime & chile mixed nuts. I had not, so I checked the shelf and got the last bag. The good news, it's a combination of almonds, cashews and peanuts, and it has the lime leaves and chiles like the old peanuts did. The bad news: it's $4.99 for 10 ounces, which is the same price as they get for a full pound of the Thai chile lime cashews (which I have not bought because I don't really love cashews). I actually got the last bag of these from the shelf today but at this price I doubt it will be a regular purchase.

[SmartCookie]

The smoked cojack cheese; it was wonderful for making southwestern-style pizza.

[jeabram]

It seems every time I find something at TJs that I love, it gets discontinued shortly thereafter, with absolutely no notice. I loved their Hot and Sweet Mustard and it's gone now. And then there's the issue with the frozen boxed brown rice. Its so rarely in stock that I have to get a few boxes if I do happen to see it in the frozen section.

[greygarious]

See this section of the traderjoesfan.com (not part of TJ's) site for empathy:
http://www.traderjoesfan.com/option,c...

[holly_wench]

Soy nut butter - they said they didn't sell enough - now I am stuck buying it at Whole Paycheck! Also I miss the key lime pie, it was delish.

[goodhealthgourmet]

holly, i've seen soy nut butter at other chain supermarkets. you might be able to do a little comparison shopping and find a better price than WFM. you can also check your local health food store, and i think even some supplement places like Vitamin Shoppe or GNC might occasionally stock it.

[andieb]

they just discountinued their beef boullion packets. they still carry the chicken-but no more beef! :(

[ALITIN]

For Months the Dried unsweetened Pineapple was unavailable but last week it was back on the shelf.

Recently they changed the brand of pizza dough the were stocking. I prefer the old brand.

[opehlia payne]

The roasted vegetable pizza. It was the only vegan pizza they carried, and I haven't seen it at our Chicago store for a few months now. We've seen a similar pizza at other stores, but with slightly different toppings and a much sweeter balsamic sauce. It's good, but it's not quite the same thing.

[LAWoman]

Add tomato chutney to the casualty list. I can't imagine what I'm going to do w/o this stuff.

[alkapal]

was that the one with indian flavors? i think patak's has a tomato relish that we discussed a while back as a potential substitute.

[goodhealthgourmet]

i remember that one - i bought a jar of it several years ago and IIRC it contained a lot of sugar and i think it was a bit too sweet for me. but you can probably make a reasonable facsimile at home relatively easily. if you post the ingredients list i'm sure we can all help!

[Encinitan]

For about a year or so they carried Carnegie Deli (a famous Jewish deli in New York and Las Vegas) pastrami. Since I live in Jewish deli deprived San Diego, I really miss being able to obtain high quality pastrami.

[goodhealthgourmet]

i feel your pain, neighbor - i'm in Solana Beach :) oh, how i wish we had NYC-quality nova & sable around here!

you could always take a road trip to Langer's in LA for the pastrami...

[swtcrm]

my dad really liked the canned sweet potato and butternut squash puree and I went to buy him some BUT, alas, no more

[missinglink]

I really miss the Tuna in Curry Sauce. The Tuna in Red Panang Curry, the Tuna in Yellow Curry (with potatoes). Didn't much care for the Tuna in Green Curry, but had it from time to time too.

Came in a shelf stable foil packet, which could be boiled for easy heating. Tuna was usually pretty tender, and it made for a quick meal mixed with pasta or over rice.

I can't imagine it was discontinued due to poor sales, as they flew off the shelves at the local TJs. When I found out they were disappearing, I bought 15 of the last pouches they had.

[mollyomormon]

I was also very bummed about this. It made for such and easy and relatively healthy lunch.

[alkapal]

maybe they couldn't secure the supplier at a good enough price.

[Fritz]

chicken chorizo sausages

[Babyducks]

I haven't found their sharp provolone cheese in ages.

[ErstwhileEditor]

Balsamic Glaze (yeah, I hoarded the last bottle THAT long).

Apricot Sauce--so much nicer than the ubiquitous applesauce.

Puff Pastry--what happened to that? It was sooooo much cheaper than what one could buy (with butter) anywhere else.

WHAT has happened to the dried Blenheim apricots? They were lovely and tangy. The new Patterson variety is MUCH too tart--and I like VERY tart things. Ugh for eating.

Longer ago: the frozen apricot tart from France.

The good news: I had been told their gingerbread had been discontinued. On a whim, I decided to check whether it was back as a seasonal item--and it is! it is so moist and yummy. (Try layering it with a pumpkin pie type filling, whipped cream and candied ginger for a nice trifle-type of thing.)

[greygarious]

If you are up for a splurge, order dried Blenheims from apricotking.com. I discovered these folks when looking for dried pears. The small, tree-ripened Blenheims are packed with flavor, but my favorite, available only sporadically, are the large dried pit-in Blenheims. The pit contributes a hint of oaky amaretto which is hard to describe.

[goodhealthgourmet]

"Balsamic Glaze (yeah, I hoarded the last bottle THAT long)."
~~~~~~~
when i discovered that they discontinued the pomegranate glaze *again* last year, i bought out the stock at a local store. currently hoarding my remaining 6 bottles :)

[coney with everything]

I've seen the puff pastry recently as well--I think it's seasonal

[Jacey]

You must really like apricots!

On another note, we should start a thread about rumors of soon-to-be-discontinued you items. Thus, if you're a fan of something, you can stock up before it's gone.

[goodhealthgourmet]

unfortunately there's usually no warning - things just suddenly disappear from the shelves. i really lucked out when i figured out they were once again yanking my beloved pomegranate glaze *before* they ran out - i bought every bottle left in the store!

[greygarious]

Once when I griped to a stocking clerk about how often products disappear, he pointed to something on the shelf label that was an indicator that it was going to be discontinued but for the life of me, I don't remember if it was a code/ color/ or whatever. And it could have been he meant discontinued in a seasonal, rather than permanent, sense. I once asked a different staffer, on a later visit, and got a blank look.

[goodhealthgourmet]

ooh, i'll have to as someone at one of my local stores to see if they know...although twice in the past 2 weeks i've been given incorrect information - at 2 different stores!

[annapurna7]

I just found out the TJ's discontinued their BBQ shredded pork and chicken. :/ They were great with the broiche rolls.

[azcanadienne]

If they ever bring back the ginger jelly, I will buy it by the case!

Also miss the herbed dipping oil they had - heaven!

[modfood]

I am still mouring the Mojito Simmer sauce. It was incredible in he crockpot with pork loin & the cuban black beans on the side. I was sure they had gotten rid of the rosemary ham in the deli section, but it reappeared in new packaging a couple months ago.

Also their frozem white & brown rice in the frozen section is hit & miss. I am not sure if it's just really popular or they are phasing it out...

[alkapal]

yeah, we were mojito simmer sauce fans, too -- even though ostensibly it is so easily "copied" from scratch....

we'd just toss some leftover cooked chicken into it, doctor it a bit, and serve it with rice.

[maianajewel]

I had to join just so I could pipe in here. I love Trader Joe's but I have become so frustrated with them constantly discontinuing my favorite things! They had a flourless chocolate cake bite that was out of this world and the perfect portion size. It was an intense hit of dark chocolate - bliss! Giant Grocery store has something similar in their Simply Enjoy line but it's not the same.

Then, they discontinued the Tuna in Yellow Curry Sauce that I used to make a nice Tuna Nicoise over their frozen potato medley with some Moroccan oil cured olives and shallots in a balsamic vinegar. YUM. I was really bummed about that.

I nearly had a heart attack when I was convinced for a few weeks that they had discontinued the chocolate raspberry sticks but they were just out of stock for a while. Whew!

[PantomimeLion]

There is a flourless chocolate cake in stock as of January 2011 in Media, PA. Don't know if this is the same one you mean. They used to have a frozen one I tried that was under a brand name other than TJs and was so bitter I actually got my money back. The one they have had more recently is on the table with their other baked goods at room temperature. It is definitely dark chocolate but not at all bitter and outstanding. Which of course means it will probably be discontinued in 5 minutes. LOL.

[goodhealthgourmet]

i always just bypass the entire bakery section so i never would have known that they carry *any* GF items over there aside from the corn & brown rice tortillas. is it this one?
http://groopi.es/uploads/products/798...

looks like an *awfully* long ingredient list.

[goodhealthgourmet]

just had to chime back in to say that i somehow remembered to stop by the baked goods section today to look at the label since i couldn't read the details in the online photo... i was pleasantly surprised to see that it's actually not loaded with a bunch of preservatives and other crap. more than half of the space is devoted to parenthetical detailing of the ingredients in a couple of forms of chocolate :)

it may not be health food, but it's certainly a better option than most of the packaged GF junk out there!

[adkatz]

I know it's not a food, but I liked their Refresh citrus body lotion, which I can't seem to find in any TJ in the Northeast.

[goodhealthgourmet]

really? i've seen it in my local North Jersey stores.

when it comes to TJ's, it's always worth a visit to the Customer Service desk to inquire about products that seem to be out of stock or discontinued. they're usually super-helpful.

[givemecarbs]

adkatz I love their Refresh shampoo too. I used to use johnson's baby shampoo but I read somewhere that it is bad for you so I switched. They have it at the TJs near me in the suburbs of Philly. They have the bath and body lotion too.

[RayeHawk]

The "Cheese style" Greek yoghurt - TJ's label. My Hugs loves this stuff.

Unsweetened baking choc. Fabulous flavor, great price, GONE.

Boo HISS.

[nsheth]

Once, just once, they had a Thai chicken fried rice in the freezer section. MUCH better than the standard frozen chicken fried rice they normally have. Alas, I never saw it again.

[revets2]

PECAN STICKY BUNS...in the frozen section. the manager told me they were discontinued due to low sales. we bought tons of the them!

[alkapal]

here's one product that *should* be discontinued: fresh summer rolls. not one bite of flavor in the whole thing -- save the sweet generic dipping sauce.

[CoryKatherine]

maybe you should start a new thread

[alkapal]

;-). i thought about it. but these *fresh* (cough, cough) summer rolls got their own special post!

[Cinnamon]

It's a shame. Great summer rolls are so good. And due to TJs there have to be people walking around thinking summer rolls are terrible. (For me, that's anything wrapped in a lavash currently. I suspect I've just never had a good wrap.)

[alkapal]

speakin' of wraps, cinnamon: one "yay" that i hope they don't discontinue, though, for wraps is the whole grain tortillas. they are a quickie substitute for indian roti bread -- great with curries.

another fave "wrap" (not from tj's, but easily concocted): nice garlic-herb marinated chicken, with that lebanese "toum" sauce (basically garlic, oil and salt, thick and stiffer than mayo), turnip pickles, all wrapped in lavash. the garlic in that combo will make you swoon. well...even the garlic sauce alone is a revelation. so simple. so heavenly!

[berbadeerface]

They discontinued the two things I bought the most.

1: Whole bean espresso. They now have an organic one that's OK, but I now get my coffee from Wegmans (own brand), where it's super cheap and very good.

2. They had this Bulgarian spicy eggplant and pepper dip in a short, squat jar, that I would buy 3 or 4 of at a time. That stuff was so good, and then "poof", just like that, it was gone...

[berbadeerface]

YIKES!!!!

After posting above, I did a quick Google search, to see if I couldn't find any of that dip, and was quite flabbergasted by what I found:

PRODUCT
Traders Joe’s Eggplant Garlic Spread in glass jars. A traditional Bulgarian Recipe of Eggplant, Garlic & Ferreroni Peppers. Net Wt. 12 oz. (340g). Product of Bulgaria, Recall # F-679-5
CODE
Lot #’s: 43009 and 42909
RECALLING FIRM/MANUFACTURER
Recalling Firm: Trader Joe’s, Needham, MA, by email on August 10, 2005 and August 12, 2005.
Manufacturer: Konex-Tiva Ltd, Sofia, Bulgaria. Firm initiated recall is complete.
REASON
The product contains filth.
VOLUME OF PRODUCT IN COMMERCE
123 cases
DISTRIBUTION
CT, DE, IN, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA and VA
RECALLS AND FIELD CORRECTIONS: DRUGS - CLASS II

August 2005 was exactly around the time I remember it vanishing. Crazy. Contains "filth"? Can we be more specific? On second thoughts, perhaps it is better not to know! I ate a LOT of that stuff...

[bulavinaka]

The spread is known as ajvar. I regularly dine at a place in the LA area that is owned by a couple of brothers who are from Serbia (Metro Cafe in Culver City). They produce their own version that is head and shoulders above the TJ version. I bought a jar at TJ's to have it on hand but was pretty disappointed with the flavor. Evidently, this type of spread is very common throughout that general part of Europe. You might try googling the product or call around local shops/delis that offer foods from that part of the world.

[bulavinaka]

I was in TJ's yesterday - the store I go to (in West LA/Palms) still carries this product. I was pretty tempted to ask the clerk, "hey - what is this sh!#?" :) Also, just to confirm how available this condiment is, I was in a local Latino grocery store - I found three varieties of ajvar in their "ethnic" section. I also found a Greek variation at our local Sunday farmers market in Mar Vista. It's called, aywar.

[berbadeerface]

No...it's similar, but it's not the same as the stuff that was withdrawn. I think they started selling ajvar to replace the filth stuff.

[swtcrm]

filth?! ewww!

[MisterBill2]

Well, the good news is it obviously wasn't fatal (for you, at least).

[greygarious]

It's BAAACCKKK....I bought, and used, it just in the last month or two, not having seen this. "Filth" in the form of insects and vermin droppings having permissible levels in a number of spices and other items, according to regulations, I wonder just what was in it. I guess there's no use getting panicky about this sort of thing, since clearly we are all consuming icky freebies of which we are unaware.

[trvlcrzy]

Miss the sugar free, fat free merengue shells.

[Cinnamon]

Anyone seen organic jasmine rice lately? (Not precooked.) Haven't seen it lately in the L.A. TJs in which I shop. Very good, if yours has it.

[trhirsh]

The Organic Ginger Snaps & the Corn Meal Crust Sausage Pizza (refrigerator case) are gone. According to the Rockridge management they are are both discontinued. Those ginger snaps recently scored 2nd in a San Francisco Chronicle taste test - the non-organic ginger snaps they continue to sell came in 4th.

[CoryKatherine]

Are these different from the gluten-free ginger snaps? Those were amazing and now I can't find them. Tracking down management at my TJs at the time I shop is tough too

[ALITIN]

I saw the Organic Ginger snaps last month

[P Macias]

YES! Last week they advertised 1 liter of Sauza's Hacienda Reposada for $9.99.
Get outta here. I bought 2 to test the waters and went back 3 days later to find they had sold out and probably wouldn't get any more. BOO. I should have bought 4 or 5 and used them as hostess gifts.

I just got 4 bottles of La Loggia Barolo before they were gone. Would have gotten more but don't have the proper storage.

[pitu]

Trader Joe's lessons of impermanence, a funny road to Buddhist understanding.
(ha)

The smoked trout in tins is fabulous, if you like that kind of thing, and seasonal. The shelf season should be ending soon, if last year is any indication.

[swtcrm]

"Trader Joe's lessons of impermanence, a funny road to Buddhist understanding."

Perfect!

[swtcrm]

They used to carry this strawberry fermented soy drink which was great. Also miss the big frozen vegetarian quiches (they had for like half a minute), frozen vegetarian quesadillas and frozen chocolate Celebration cake. Usually if I really like something it's a strong indication that it will soon be discontinued.

[CoryKatherine]

I went tonight to get some pomegranate glaze on the rec of another chowhound and my local (brookline ma) representative told me she thought they weren't carrying it anymore. anyone know if this has been officially discontinued? I've never even tried it!

[Midlife]

The store staff, or better yet the Manager, has access to that information. There could be regional availability situations but, as I said in my post, they seem to be able to special order things that are available to them. Whether that's a regional thing or not should be part of what they can tell you. TJ's staff seems to always be great about this kind of thing.

[CoryKatherine]

The store was (obviously) madness. I asked a girl who worked there and she said that she didn't think they were carrying it anymore and I sort of accepted it. I will be sure to ask the manager next time though. thanks.

[chez cherie]

i have the sad news straight from the corporate office today. pomegranate glaze no longer avaiable to order, west coast, east coast--no coast. so if you see it, snap it up. ain't no more where that came from.

[Midlife]

Looks like we can now add frozen panini to the list. I had become semi-addicted to the turkey panini when my wife bought a package and I found them to come out of the microwave > toaster oven process with a really good crispness and taste. I do doctor them up a bit with other fillings, but they were great.

After not finding them in their regular place for a few visits I asked the manager yesterday. He checked and said that they no longer have the turkey panini on their availability list. They DO have the beef version that can be ordered in but he wasn't going to do that except on special order because they didn't sell when he used to stock them.
:o[

[Midlife]

My local TJs now has the roast beef panini in stock again. Tried them and find them nowhere near as good as the turkey variety. Didn't take time to check with the manager to see if turkey will return as well, but last word was turkey was 86ed permanently.

[chez cherie]

plugra butter DISCONTINUED???? dear lord, it can't be true!

[givemecarbs]

The one near me still has plugra butter, both salted and unsalted.

[chez cherie]

buy it while you can. our captain showed me the bad news in print. "discontinued due to slow sales". i grabbed the last 8 lbs. in our area, and froze them. supposedly they are coming out with their own version of a "euro-style cultured " butter....like they have just donw with King Arthur flour. we shall see....

[BobB]

I think we need to distinguish between items that are discontinued at TJs but still available elsewhere, and those that are not available elsewhere. Plugra butter and King Arthur flour may no longer be sold at TJs but you can get them at other stores, or even by mail order if you can't get to a place that carries them.

Their wonderful hot & sour soup in a jar, which I loved but they discontinued a while back, was bottled just for them and can't be had anywhere else for love or money. That's a true tragedy, not just a inconvenience like the former.

[chez cherie]

sorry--i was responding to the title of the thread.
plugra is discontinued at trader joe's, where i shop for 90% of the food i purchase. it's a bit of a tragedy for me. i will not stop purchasing plugra, but tj's discontinuation will necessitate a trip to another store. i wonder if they factor this in---if i need to make another stop, i'm likely to spend more food dollars at that other store, while i'm there. when they discontinue staple items like this---i've bought plugra for at least 10 years at tj, they are inconveniencing their customers to the point where they will go elsewhere for certain items. not smart. not smart at all, in my opinion, and i''m a huge tj fan. c'mon, joe...

[Midlife]

No doubt these things are annoying. As a company gets bigger it has to come up with a strategy to maximize business given the complexity of blending local demand with volume efficiency. If plugra is a best seller at your local TJs you'd think they wouldn't want to give up that business but they have to make decisions based on criteria on a broader scale. It happens to every consumer product retailer as it grows and is the source of much of the bemoaning of the loss of local merchants in today's world.

Some large retailers find they can work on a combination of national, regional and local demand. Others wind up not servicing the local part because they determine it's just not profitable enough. They have space issues as well as situations where they can't maximize their buying power if they go too local. I don't think they are missing your point on this but they have to decide what works best for them.

I miss my frozen turkey panini, but I understand. BYW, my local TJs manager will special order certain items for you if they are available on whatever master list they have.

[barb2007]

chez cherie

I realize this is an old posting and you may have found the Plugra butter by now. I saw it at the local Shaw's Market in Falmouth MA last week. It was $2.99 a half pound.

[greygarious]

The random-weight, saran-wrapped chunks of dark, milk, and baking chocolate feauted during the holiday season are gone because Ghirardelli no longer wanted to supply it.

[hbpthomas]

This has been a fascinating post for me to read. Am I the first person to mention that Trader Joe's merchandises their stores regionally? And that even in the same county you will find some items at one store and not at another?? An old friend of mine used to work for TJ corporate and told me that himself. I've noticed this merchandising here in CA and when I was living in MA. That might explain why some of you haven't been able to find some things - they could have been moved to another store...

[mjoyous]

Am surprised no one else mentioned this.
But here are my "losses", from the western MA area: used to get a refrigerated pesto, made with olive oil. Haven't seen that in a long time, was the best pesto art the price. Now buy a great local product (Buddapesto), but at 3 times the cost.
And recently I fell in love (lust?) with the chili-lemon pistachios, got a few bags on 2 different visits (I live 1.5 hrs from nearest TJ's) but haven't seen them last 2 visits.

[foodiedoser]

At the TJs in Chicago I usually go to, there was this great gourmet popcorn sold by the bag that was relatively inexpensive. Just as good as Garret's, without the waiting in line. They have some unique flavors like jalapeno and cinnamon, but my favorite was always the chocolate drizzle. Unfortunately TJ's seems to have discontinued selling it. Here's their website though: http://www.thebigpopper.com

[chez cherie]

i think that pesto-Trader Giottos Genova Pesto is still available...at least it is in Southern CA. If it's the same one (a) I also love it and (B) perhaps they can order some for you, if it's just a matter of not selling well in your particular store? good luck---cuz it's great stuff!

edited to add--sorry--this was in response to mjoyous's post, but looks like a reply to foodiedoser's...

[CrazyOne]

We've bought pesto from the refrigerated section in Pittsburgh recently. I can't say if it's exactly the same one that you're missing, but it was good and about 3 bucks I think.

[mjoyous]

Thanks to chez cherie; I will ask if my (not so) local TJ can get the genova pesto, as I think that was the one made with olive oil. They do carry another refrigerated version, but at last check it was made with canola oil. Ah well!

[CrazyOne]

That's the one we got, with the canola oil. I never looked before buying, but went to look because I thought we still had the container. Oh well. :-( I suspect this is the only version they are selling now. It does have some olive oil in it as well, but the oil is mostly canola. I can't speak with certainty to the others here, but I suspect this is the version they got as well.

[dpan]

I loved their thai spiced roasted peanuts with the chilis and dry basil. Now they only have them in the cashews.

[BobB]

Hot & sour soup in a jar. Discontinued over a year ago and I still miss it, that stuff was better that many restaurant versions I've had. And just recently, habanero pistachios. Too little demand, they told me. Just when they get me hooked on something...

[ImprovGal]

I was hooked on the habanero pistachios, too. So tasty! I am down to one last bag of them.

[Mattapoisett in LA]

Trader Joe's Just Discontinued King Arthur Flour. Here's a note from the King Arthur flour blog

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2...

"Trader Joe’s mission has always been to offer as many TJ’s branded products as possible. And now they’re ready to offer their own flour. So soon, you’ll see Trader Joe’s flour on the shelves at TJ’s, not King Arthur Flour.

Our long relationship is ending."

Darn!

[mjoyous]

Still on the shelves at the TJ in Hadley MA as of 3/5/09.

[foodlove]

How very sad. They carried at the best price around. We are avid bakers and almost always head for KA products. Has anyone tried the TJ's brand?

[tracylee]

OK, so it's been a couple of year since i've had the opportunity to pop into TJs. Yeah, it's only about 40 miles up the freeway, but it's been an interesting couple of years.

My favorite is missing, and when I mentioned it today, the clerk knew what I was talking about, but it'd been so long (before his time) that he looked at me like I was a freak: fortune cookie crackers. Those things were addictive and I'd stock up on them!

On things that other people have missed in this thread, I didn't take complete notes as I read through the posts on what I saw today, but I did pick up Pork Gyoza, saw frozen green beans, Blue Agave sweetener, Marcona almonds with and without rosemary.

I mentioned this thread to the clerk and he went on about how TJs doesn't have their own farm and has to rely on suppliers, which, being a CH, made total sense to me.

I was still able to pick up 2-buck Chuck, which in Oregon is actually 3 bucks, and a couple of tubs of basil to make pesto. And they had the best price on Cotswald cheddar that I've seen in a long time.

[Linara]

The Calabacita & Cheese Quesadillas! I loved those things but have not seen them in my local Trader Joe's for a few months now.

[Woof Woof Woof]

Ummm I couldn't find Croutons the other day I was in there, I was going absolutely batsh*t looking for them too. Finally asked one of the peons working there and they were like um were out or perhaps that was meant to mean we no longer sell them. I am like how the heck do you have salad and no croutons!!?? He said do you want me to order some?? I am like will they be here before I leave the store in 3 minutes? Golly Gosh..

[oaktowngirl]

As of this weekend, no more sweet hot mustard in the little hexagonal jar. :(

[brendastarlet]

Peppermint marshmallows. They appeared during Christmas 2007 but did not return during Christmas 2008. They were wonderful in hot chocolate.

Also, the gorgonzola and walnut salad disappeared.

[NoNatto]

Hmmm, just got the gorgonzola/walnut salad a week or two ago. Maybe the disappearance you noticed was a temporary one....

Gone to TJ's Valhalla, though, is their Ginger Spread -- just ginger and cane sugar in a ginger-jar-shaped bottle, but very tasty and versatile.

[Caitlin McGrath]

It's no doubt more expensive in the branded version, but that ginger spread is the same as the Ginger People brand's, which you may be able to find at other markets. It's made in China, which is prob. why it's gone from TJ's.

[tickleme]

I was SO unhappy to find that out last weekend. I have this yummy morning routine using the mustard on a toasted onion bagel, tomatoes and voila a perfect breakfast. Alas, no longer. Why do they discontinue a successful product? How cruel!

[CoryKatherine]

I went in the other day (brookline MA) and they no longer had the organic blue agave sweetener (syrup) that I have come to rely on- only have blue agave maple syrup now. anyone know if this is discontinued or out of stock? the store was madness i couldn't find anyone to ask

[melisky]

Just to add a couple from the olden days (well, a few years ago anyway..) --
Cilantro Noodle Salad (yum! with peanuts and a coconut-cilantro dressing I wished they had bottled at least!! no such luck)
Just Shrimp -- fresh peeled shrimp --- they stopped this and added Just Salmon, Just Chicken and Just Teriyaki Chicken (not so much)

[goodhealthgourmet]

CoryKatherine, i doubt they stopped carrying the agave - it's a pretty hot item. look for it the next time you're there.

[isadorasmama]

For the love of god, they just discontinued the Organic Rooibos Orange Spice Tea. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ralix]

My beloved 100 calorie Cinnamon Toucan Grahams are gone. :( I also miss the black truffle oil, the Greens with Envy frozen veggie mix, the sun dried tomatoes (in the baggy, not the oil) and the shaved beef.

[LAWoman]

Apparently, no love for the Toucans. The whole wheat crackers have been gone for some time.

[Woof Woof Woof]

I was just there the other day and I swear they discontinued the NO ANCHOVIES Caesar Dressing. All I saw was some ROMANO Caesar Dressing. The week before was when I saw the NO ANCHOVIES Caesar Dressing. Hmmm :( ??

[mi2ca2mi]

I found out last night that the frozen apple tart that I used to really enjoy has been discontinued. It had nice, thin slices of Granny Smith apple on top of a custardy sauce and there was a small packet of cinnamon/sugar to sprinkle on it once it was baked. It was yummy.

[abs294]

I think my favorite Tarte D'Alsace, with ham and caramelized onions and Gruyere, has been discontinued, or at least I can't find it in MA. My arteries will probably thank me, but it was such a good quick weekend lunch.

[coney with everything]

God, I hope you're wrong about that, abs! One of my favorite always-have-on-hand dinners.

[emily]

Nooooooooo! I hope you're wrong. That and the croissants are my absolute favorite items at TJs.

[abs294]

I found them last week in MA and bought 2 - hoping it was just out of stock temporarily!

[Meann]

There were about 10 in the freezer case in Devon, PA this week.

[BobB]

I don't think these are discontinued - they were a featured item last week at the TJ's in Brookline, MA, they were handing out free samples. I can't imagine they'd do that for a discontinued item.

[onedrummer]

abs294...just had the Tarte d'Alsace last night. I'd never had it before and a clerk was right there stocking the pizzas so I asked him about it and he said it was their 2nd best seling just behind a Margherita. Definitely not discontinued here in Caifornia.

[goodhealthgourmet]

they've actually been know to discontinue items that sell very well. sometimes they lose their source for an ingredient, or their cost increases to an extent that they'd have to jack up the price too much in order to continue making a profit on the item. it just happened recently with their whole, raw cashews. (apparently they're looking for a new source, but i'm not holding my breath.)

[ameli0]

Honey lemon fruit tea!! I loved it years ago and it disappeared :( I also miss the portabella mushroom burgers they had in the refrigerated section

[babaoriley7]

I haven't scene any Thai Tuna Curries in the past few months. I imagine they are trying to find a better source because I can't imagine they would discontinue such a popular item.

[babaoriley7]

It is official, Thai Tuna Curries have been discontinued.

[annapurna7]

I can't find the BBQ Chicken Pizza anywhere in the LA area. I'e looked in Westchester, Culver City, W-LA, Torrance and Rancho Palos Verdes.

I'm sad. :(

[reiflame]

They just discontinued their regular key lime pie. RIP awesome little pie :(

[Manassas64]

They had a bottled green curry that was awesome. They discontinued it and only had the red for a while. Then they got a new green one, but it wasn't the same.

<sniff>

[Lori D]

The lemon dill sauce is gone.

[BullCityChow]

Sniff. I haven't found anything anywhere similar. Any ideas?

[BobB]

Sounds like pretty easy stuff to make. Was it an oil-and-lemon juice based sauce, or more of a mayonnaise consistency?

[goodhealthgourmet]

based on the reviews, this one might be an acceptable substitute:
http://www.amazon.com/Food-Wine-Magaz...

[BobB]

Let me guess - olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard (emulsifies these sorts of things beautifully!), dill, salt, pepper, maybe a pinch of other herbs or spices (me, I'd add some cayenne for heat). Throw it in a blender, pour into a bottle - voila!

And it can only taste better for being made with fresh ingredients.

[goodhealthgourmet]

no idea - never had the stuff. just trying to help out the CHers who were mourning the loss. but i do agree with you that fresh is always better :)

[BobB]

Ditto here. I can see mourning stuff that's difficult or time-consuming to make at home - I still haven't forgiven them for discontinuing their hot & sour soup-in-a-jar two years ago - but if you can replace something with less than three minutes effort and get it fresher to boot, what's the point in crying?

[pgeorgia]

I haven't been able to find the red pepper dip which really bums me out. I cook with it alot!

[otto_pivner]

The canned tuna packed in olive oil, I learned yesterday, has been discontinued until further notice. Something about the source being unreliable/inconsistent. I bought this stuff lots, alas.

[koshergourmetmart]

the japanese noodles repackaged by trader joes but made by habakaku (sp.). Super cheap $1.99 each. Double rainbow ice cream, soy cream

I am near florham park

[SuperGrover]

I keep looking for the Wonton Chips but it seems they're gone :(

[marmite]

I miss those smallish jars of "natural" maraschino-ed cherries. They made me feel a lot better about eating a jar at a time.

[random amblings]

Chalk up another convenience TJs has discontinued: their frozen cream puffs. I use them to fill in sometimes as an impromptu dessert, but alas...

[sjb]

I not only noticed the lack of Kosher beef, but what happened to the beef tenderloin filets? They were priced at about $13.99/lb and were as good as the butcher's $20+/lb steak. No sign indicating the steaks were still in distribution, either in San Francisco or in Seattle.

[moshok]

Spelt with red and green peppers. My all time favorite side dish.

[italgal]

I LOOOVVVEEEDD this stuff!!! So upset its gone!

[agibney]

Has anybody noticed the lack of Kosher beef?

[Kate is always hungry]

I haven't seen any Kosher beef the Studio City or the Sherman Oaks stores for almost a year +/- Other items that I miss: the dried black been soup in the paper carton; the spicy tomato juice from about 10 years ago; I'm not sure I've seen my favorite very spicy, very crisp ginger cookies for a year or so; do they still carry the Ghirardelli bulk chocolate?, haven't seen those for a while. I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting.

[MisterBill2]

Yes, that was very convenient since we keep kosher and TJ is closer than our butcher. Haven't seen it in a long time.

[raizans]

back in the early 90's, they had these blue corn tortilla chips with a tangy spice seasoning on them. they were so much better than anything they've done since, tortilla chip-wise.

[Condiment Queen]

Does wine count?
They had the best price point for Columbia Crest Semillon Chard for $2.99 and it was perfect wine for entertaining without breaking the bank.

[MartiniQueen]

Mandarin Orange sauce....was I sorry to see it go. It was fabulous mixed with their gyoza dipping sauce and brushed over grilled salmon.

[soopergirl]

I miss the frozen green garbonzo beans. They were fabulous.

[amyd]

perogies!

[otto_pivner]

I sadly miss the Thai chili peanuts. I was addicted to the lime leaves contained therein & recycled the dried chili peppers when I needed to spice up a dish. I haven't seen this item in months.

[coney with everything]

I can't believe they discontinued those! They seemed to be very popular. Maybe they're just changing suppliers.

[yvetteski]

re: absence of Thai peanuts

The manager of a store here in VA told me they were having supplier problems and they were going to be carrying Thai Cashews. I've seen the new product but haven't tried them yet.

[MisterBill2]

I don't like cashews, and they're much more expensive than the peanuts were, anyway. I really miss those thai chili lime peanuts. Does anyone else sell them in the US? Is there an online source for them?

[goodhealthgourmet]

MisterBill, even if you were a cashew-lover like me, you probably wouldn't like TJ's Chili-Lime ones - they're *gnarly*...almost as bad as their Tom Yum Cashews.

[MisterBill2]

Good news -- I was at TJ the other day talking to a crew member (looking for burrata, which seems to be the newest entry on this list of discontinued items, although the shelf tag was still up he told me they were looking for a new supplier), and said "oh, like the Thai chili lime peanuts". He asked if I had tried the new Thai chili lime mixed nuts. I got the last bag on the shelf and they are excellent. It's almonds (small ones, they taste almost like pistachios), peanuts and cashews. Nice and spicy with lots of chilis and lime leaves like the peanuts. The only problem is the cost -- $4.99 for 10 ounces, which is more than the cashews (which don't look to be the same anyway, no lime or chili pieces). Now, if only they'd bring back the peanuts for a cheaper price, since clearly they have solved their supplier issue.

[MisterBill2]

Burrata (curd filled mozzarella balls) is definitely a discontinued item. No sign for it on the cheese shelf in the cooler yesterday.

[alkapal]

mojito simmer sauce.

[jamie]

Meyer Lemon cake mix (my Mom has her fingers crossed it will reappear someday)
Their line of soups in thin glass jars, especially roasted garlic/tomato

[greygarious]

The Meyer Lemon cake is seasonal - spring/summer. Try making it with butter rather than oil, and a cup of shredded coconut. So good! It doesn't even need that cream cheese frosting, but what the hey!

[socsci]

YES! The mojito simmer sauce was terrific; we used it with fish with lots of added cilantro. The curry simmer sauces work okay.

[greygarious]

There is a more current thread on extinct TJ favorites: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/791033

[FoodieKat]

I miss the stewed packed tomatoes (passata). This made the best pasta sauces. I am also annoyed that they never carried lobster bisque in my local TJ's. My friend in Chicago kept telling me how good it is and I can't get it over here in my area.

[la ciclista]

I mourn the loss of Ultimate Burgers (stuffed with blue cheese and bacon!!). At least we don't have them in MA any more.

[rosielucchesini]

Add this one to the list: the regular and whole wheat couscous. They were the only ones who had plain couscous; every other store I've tried has couscous "blends" (i.e., added flavorings). Bummer.

[yeshana]

still here in ny

[Nancyromancy]

I was in Trader Joe's this morning and I cannot believe they have discontinued both the peach and apricot sauces. The apricot was my all time favorite thing in the store. They said sales were low, but it seemed like it was sold out half the time. I wonder if it has to do with
Euro as the apricot sauce is made in France. How can I live without it?

[aooogah]

The formaggio di capri frozen pizza. It was the best frozen pizza I had ever had. Fortunately, they still carry the second best frozen pizza I've ever had, their pizza margharita

[Calipoutine]

I love the blueberry syrup( its made with real maple syrup and blueberry juice). Its gone : (

A lot of stuff they discontinued because they arent buying anything from China anymore. I used to love the asian mushroom blend( frozen)

[diana c]

Every time i go to TJ's I find one of my staple foods has been discontinued. My favorite was the black bean jalapeño chips. I loved eating them with the Boursin light cheese which they also have stopped carrying. There were also these veggie calzones with artichoke. That was quite a while ago though. And the Inca chips as well...the replacements are close but not quite right. I could go on and on...

[roma_girl]

Just found out they stopped carrying my favorite low fat goat cheese. Sigh.

[cervisiam]

jasmine rice with red quinoa and golden flax (precooked, heat in microwave for 90 seconds). i KNEW i should have just bought every single package each time i was at TJ.

that, and the vanilla soy granola. i still have a package of the vanilla soy granola dated 2004.

my new resolution is not to be frugal and just buy one of something that i love. i'm clearing out the shelf each time i go to the store. my only love right now is the 6g fiber bread, and i can't stockpile that! :)

[random amblings]

Little hope of finding my go-to marinade, with Rosemary, molasses and Maple. Gosh, that was wonderful on any kind of meat.

[CrazyOne]

We still kinda miss the chocolate tea. Haven't seen that since I dunno, probably almost a year ago now. Sounds kinda weird but gave you a nice hint of chocolate taste without it being a rich and calorie loaded hot cocoa drink.

[toddles]

I used to buy this roma style marinara sauce from trader joe's. It was like $1.99 a jar. It was out of this world. The hands down best marinara sauce. One day I couldnt find it anymore. I called trader joes and they said that it is sold at italian stores under different packaging. But they could offer no info. I went to the italian store on lincoln looking for it. But cant find it. Does anyone know of this sauce? It discontinued a year ago. Help!!!!! I love it!

[brewinphan]

Only one time, I got this red mole sauce that was Delicious! Could never find it again. It was in the refrigerated section for some reason. That and the Mayan mix they had. Man I really miss that mayan mix. I could eat a bag of that in about 20 minutes.

[silleehillee]

I miss the powdered corn soup. It was similar to the miso soup, but corn flavored. So what if it tasted like corn MSG in a box? I still have one in the back of my cupboard...

Though it was about 7-8 years ago, I still miss these things that looked like a cheesy siu mai, for lack of a better description. They were six to a box, and were in the refrigerated section. It was, basically, cheese in a thin bread shell. I don't know why they didn't continue them...people were buying tons when I first saw them.

[onedrummer]

Can't believe no one's mentioned the Chicken Masala frozen entree in the yelllow box. Deelish red curry chicken w/brown rice I've eaten at least once a week for probably 20 years. All of the sudden it's gone...look everytime i'm there for the last 3 or 4 months.
Waaah!

[shaebones]

The candied cashew /peanut mix. And thats a relatively new item!!! TJ's is killin' me.

[Emme]

That did come and go, much to the BF's dismay... He does still love the Pecan Pralines though...

[yankeefan]

The complete selection of different frozen naan breads are not all available anymore, not sure if its only Jersey.

One new find had been the freeze-dried lychees.. unfortunately, very odd tasting and not nearly as good as the other fruits they still offer.

[mollyomormon]

Pumpkin butter is back on the shelves for fall!

[Beach Chick]

Panko Bread Crumbs..

[madcow]

I really miss these thin cheese wafer crackers that were in the shape of butterflies. They were so delicious.

[litchick]

Stupid $#&**% discontinued Trotolle pasta!!!! Hooked me, strung me along for a year, then pulled the plug. Grr!

I did, however, buy every last bag they had at an out-of-the-way store that had just put out its last stock of the stuff.

[mrsrudyv]

The frozen green beans .... best I've ever had...

[2peasinapod]

The butternut squash mezzinni and the crab ragoons!!! Where are you?

[Emme]

The Mushroom Risotto in the fridge section that came in the black oval plastic container. Cheesy, mushroomy, gooey... *tear*

Of course, the Nutella sub.

[lintygmom]

Just reading this* made me doubly impressed with TJ's. They've tried so hard to bring a great variety of food to their customers.

That being said, I miss the Israeli halva they had in the refrigerator section, which is where halva should be stored--fresh, almost crisp and sesame-fatty. Delicious. They continued to carry nasty chocolate covered halva out of refrigeration. Greasy.

*it's raining and my husband is working and I'm waiting for him to be ready to go out or at least to not whine if I go out alone

[rds246]

does anyone else remember and miss the raspberry wedding muffins? They haven't carried them in at least 10 years, but I still think about them sometimes...

[lexdevil]

There was, years ago, a nice Indian curry paste. I think it was called Instant India. You could fry up pretty much anything w/ it, and it was very tasty.

More recently, the disappearance of the Spaghetti w/ Meatballs has been a bummer for my child.

The curried tuna pouches are not reliably in stock (and they're so yummy).

Anyone remember the Mac & Cheese w/ tomato on top? That hasn't been around in years, and it was always reliably satisfying.

[eberhard49]

the curried chicken salad

[CJT]

Twice TJ's here in Illinois discontinued cheeses which I liked and recommended to others: bleu d'Auvergne, which they never carried again after 4-5 years of doing so; Madrigal cheese (a nice nutty hard cheese similar to Jarlsberg but much better tasting). They were out of Madrigal for 5-6 weeks, then got some in but in lesser quantity.

[shaebones]

Panko Bread Crumbs. ARRRRRGH!!!!!

[wrldtrvl]

I just bought the Panko Bread Crumbs at TJ's in Hioocrest a few days ago.

[shaebones]

I was told by customer service @ a Massachusetts store that they were discontinued. Hope he was wrong.

[bostonhound]

UFO's. Chocolate mints, tasted like girl scout cookies without the cookies.

[goodhealthgourmet]

i miss their frozen mushroom medley more than anything. it was so convenient, and a heck of a lot cheaper than dried mushrooms.

their bottled pepperoncini [with whole cloves of garlic in the bottle!] disappeared a few months ago too, and they were so much better than the scary glow-in-the-dark artificially-colored crap you find everywhere else.

[natalie.warner]

They had turkey burgers this summer that where southwestern themed- very delecious when grilled up... they seemed to go bye-bye... but I have learned to be patient with TJ since my wine and sauces seem to always make comebacks after dissapearing :)

[MsDiPesto]

Alas, I no longer find the frozen cubes of garlic anymore, only the frozen basil. those little cubes were so handy to pop into a preparation, each one comprising about a clove's worth of garlic joy.

[LAWoman]

Also just bought the garlic cubes about a week ago at a store in suburban Chicago. They have been repackaged - look for red and white (not the green packaging like the basil).

[MsDiPesto]

Thanks for the tip LAWoman, I'll keep my eyes out for it, I bought the jarred kind today to tide me over.

[sandy stern]

The only place i know of in my East Coast location to buy tri tip, which we were turned on to by our Santa Barbara relatives. They still carry it but have switched over to Australian beef only. Australia is a beautiful place but their beef is tough. Very very disappointed as it was a treat for our friends who never ate it before!

[dockhl]

sandy~
try freezing it and cooking it from frozen. for a 2 1/2 lb tritip, it takes about 1 1/2 hrs @ 325* to get to 130*, rest for 15 min and it'll be 140*. perfectly pink and juicy and much more tender.....

[LeftCoastRider]

The Tuscan White Bean dip. It was great with the Middle Eastern flatbread, but it was discontinued several years ago.

[LAWoman]

Always available here in IL. Have enjoyed the white bean dip all summer for picnics, etc.

[amymsmom]

Shrimp egg Rolls - yummy & low fat - Tried the chicken - wierdly flavored.

[MotherBucker]

I miss the Jambalaya in the jar - it made a great quick, lowfat dinner - had good spice - also, I mourn (along with my children) the Strub's pickles, Sandwich Stackers (thin sliced, cold dill pickles) - so yummy straight from the jar - and lately, no rice pudding!! what's up with that

[brekkie_fan]

The soy ginger carrots - 4 minutes, and awesome side dish with slivered almonds. It was sooo gourmet.

Vineyard Lunch - I know it's just fruit and cheese and crackers, but it's a picnic date in a box, too!

[wrldtrvl]

TJ's at the Naval Training center had this last week.....

[claire de lune]

claire de Lune - Portland OR

TJ used to have cured pork loin very thin slices, just a few per pack in the meat/deli section. It was my substitute for ham, because it is the closest in taste to the low sodium French ham I grew up with--always served thin--often just with a dab of unsalted butter on fresh bread. I think later they replaced it with something else--a bunch a slices per pack, but it's just the same. Regular low sodium ham, whether from TJ or other stores, just does not taste the same. I'm also sorry they don't keep some of their seasonal items--I love the cointreau flavored poundcake. I do love gyoza as well. I think they still have them--or got them again.

[jungleboy]

wasabi oil...great for dizzling on raw fish

[Addy]

Back in the late 80s/early 90s they had a frozen pesto lasagna that I LOVED. Yum.

[chuckles]

Soy Chick'n Gyozas. Only had them once then they were gone. SO SAD!

[Curmudgeon]

Rock shrimp

[litchick]

yes! I loved those.

[sunshineinaz]

Their butternut squash ravioli which was so very yummy and the McCann's Maple and Brown Sugar Instant Oatmeal.

[scarletcerise]

I am aching over the loss of my beloved Spinach and Tofu Eggrolls. They were low-cal, low-fat, high fiber nutritious goodness in a whole wheat non-oily "eggroll shell" that crisped up in the toaster.

They might not have sold well because non-tofu people would see "tofu" in the name and not want to try them, but the filling did NOT even taste like tofu. The creamy, luscious substance got all melty with the spinach when you heated them in the toaster oven, and tasted more like a cheese and spinach mixture than tofu and spinach. Sigh. And *still* they were low in fat and high in fiber and a wonderful "feel like you're being bad" treat.

The worst part is that I still have one left in my freezer, staring at me. :(

[anakalia]

This always happens to me with their cheap wine!

One thing I really miss is their refridgerated potato-cheese and green chili enchiladas. They have different kinds, now, but not that kind. The new kind gets all soggy and gross. I used to eat those for lunch at least once a week!

[OCKevin]

I'm still mourning the loss of the frozen falafels they had. Delicious, filling and very low in calories.

[xanderbear]

I to mourn the loss of these delicious treats! I would get those with garlic nann and tzatziki! Oh the horror when I was told they weren't going to carry those any longer. It did force me to cook my own ahead of time and throw in the freezer. Sniff, sniff.. still not the same.

[IndyGirl]

Frozen sweet potato fries! I loved them--so great with homemade chili mayo. So much more convenient than peeling and slicing all those potatoes.

Oh well. *sigh*

[LAWoman]

Are you sure these have been discontinued? I just saw them at one of the suburban Chicago stores w/in the past couple weeks.

[IndyGirl]

I haven't seen them in two states in at least a year. I'm talking about the frozen SP fries. They have the garlic regular potato fries and I think some crinkle-cut ones or something, but no sweet potato ones. :( I really hope I'm wrong. Maybe I need to get in that freezer bin and dig around a little more.

[LAWoman]

Yes - frozen sweet. Haven't had them b/c I usually make my own but they were definitely spotted at a Chicago area store.

[jes]

The sweet potato chips are great!

[P Macias]

And yes, about the Hungarian red peppers. They are the best.
And yes, for the liquour soaked pound cakes they sold at holidays. I made the best trifle with them. I'm getting hungry.
And yes, to the gyozas.
And last visit I couldn't find any crystalized ginger.
Why doesn't someone send this to the head office in SO. Pasadena?

[P Macias]

Bitter Grapefruit Marmalade. Great in homemade cranberry sauce and with roast chicken.

[mamamia]

My favorite nut/fruit mix is gone: Confetti Mix
almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, yogurt chips

[catroo]

A savory snack mix called Mayan Mix or Aztec Mix (can't recall). I tried it a few years ago when I visited San Diego and was crazy about it. Now that I lived in a city with several Trader Joe's, I haven't been able to find it!

[Nancy Berry]

I have a couple of additions to this list:

The Pomi Marinara Sauce in aseptic boxes. I can buy this elsewhere, but TJ's sold it for about a dollar less than my local Italian deli.

Trader Joe's refrigerated full sour pickles made by Strub's in Canada. They still sell the half sours, but I don't like them and they don't age to full sour.

[Rizza]

This topic could go on forever. I think I'm over loosing the sugar free cookies they used to carry in like 1989. But I can't get over the tomato tzatziki from about 9 years ago. Funny that I'm wearing one of my TJ's sweatshirts right now from when I worked there 8 years ago. It is true that if something doesn't sell well chain wide they will d/c it. And it has to sell extremely well. It's how they keep their prices so low on what they do carry, and why I will always shop there. But couldn't you all have bought more tomato tzatziki?

[dockhl]

rizza~
what was the tomato tzatziki? It sounds interesting!

[dockhl]

can anyone tell me about the tomato tzatziki? Was it just reg tzatziki with tomatoes in it or something unique?

[Rizza]

Ha! Sorry...haven't looked at this thread for so long. It prety much was just tzatziki with diced tomatoes in it....but it was sooooo good. The flavors seemed to meld really well.

[italyinmind]

Mint chocolate chip meringues. The still carry other flavors, but I loved the mint choc ones since it was the right mix of chocolate with some mint to cut the cloying sweetness. Every time I go to TJs I cross my fingers that they will be there, but always leave sad :(

[dream_of_giusti]

Out of excitement for the topic I am going to post my reply before I read.
KEY LIME CHEESECAKE!!! Last month, I was sitting at work trying to think of a dessert that I could buy that would last a few days and not break my budget. I immediately remembered the Key Lime Cheesecake at TJ's. My mouth watered for two hours in anticipation. (Yes, it was that deep) After work, I went to TJ's - pumped up and ready. Only to find the cheesecake section filled with NY cheesecake under the Key Lime Cheesecake sign. I flagged down a stockboy and asked him to find out what was going on. He returned and said they were no longer carrying that item. What am I going to do????

[Gio]

DH loves their Pfefferneusse cookies and we haven't seen them for about 2 +/- years at any of the 3 TJ's we frequent.

[Cathy]

Only there in Nov-Dec/Christmas...3 years ago there seemed to be a huge shortage of the pfefferneusse(sold out and no new deliveres from about Dec 14 on) and then the last two years they seem to have too much- so much so that there are still a few buckets into the new year.

[Gio]

Thank you for that, Cathy. I'll make sure DH knows this.

[Ruth Lafler]

TJ's employees are nice and helpful, but sometimes they don't know what they're talking about. I've had them claim they've never carried something that I'd bought before, and sometimes they'll tell you something isn't available and it's available at other stores. In other words, what he might have meant was not that it was discontinued, but that your store may have decided they didn't sell enough of it to stock it. They might stock it if you make a request.

[ofijr]

So true about the employees. Especially younger ones who insist they know more when they just got started working at a newly built store. It is extra frustrating when a customer has been a TJ's shoppers since the 80s (when there were a fraction of the stores there are now) and used to depend on the item as a standard staple for years before the employee was even out of diapers...

[SuperGrover]

Some times they are just plain rude. I remember one time I was looking for the lemon juice in the lemon containers and the guy just made some rude remark about getting a lemon and squeezing it. If I only need a tablespoon of lemon juice I DON'T WANT to squeeze a lemon for it and if I did I wouldn't have asked in the first place.

[Rizza]

As a long time TJ's shopper (store #38 is still my fave.), and a one time employee (although 11 years ago) of TJ's, I have to speak on behalf of the employees. They see waaayyyyyyy more rude customers than you can even imagine. I know professional service is always appreciated (and expected by most). But it is really rare that I encounted less than very friendly service at any of their stores I shop at. It's sad that the customers don't hold themselves to the same standards. I loved working there, but just couldn't handle going into work in a great mood just to have several customers walk in and start YELLING at me right when they got in the door. I can't believe how many of those crew members can do it for so long and keep those smiles on their faces like they do.

[Mr Taster]

Where, pray tell, is store #38?

Mr Taster

[Rizza]

Redondo Beach. #38 just indicates how long it's been around.

[ofijr]

Rizza, you would def not be the type of employee I am thinking of. You obviously would KNOW your information correctly for sure. I do not refer to all employees but the ones that work in there and try to tell a familiar customer they don't know what they speak of. In my assumption (I could be very wrong) they are usually lame transplants, who didn't grow up with trader joe's, yet act like a 40 something native californian is an idiot. Yeah, for sure, I feel for the ones that suffer from rude customer issues. I'm sure there are plenty of rude customers but when one very busy but respectful customer runs in quickly and politely asks, "are you out of blankety blank" but gets treated like crud it does feel crappy and infuriating.

[queenscook]

Wow, your TJ's sounds like the biggest exception to the rule I've ever heard. Admittedly, I've only been shopping at TJ's for 10-12 years now, not since the 1980's like you, but I can count on one hand (and really only about 2-3 fingers), the number of times I've ever encountered a rude TJ's employee. I have been in dozens of TJ's, in at least five or six different states (always look for them when we travel), and am constantly amazed at how helpful and polite their employees are. Even those 2-3 weren't really rude, actually, just unhelpful.

[ofijr]

Lucky you queesncook. Although I suppose the line between rude and unhelpful can be a fine one depending on how its delivered. Unfortunately, as it is these days I've had the experience of rude, know-it-all workers in probably about 4 out of 8 TJs stores I stop at around the SoCal area.

The store closest to my home is not on the list. The folks there (Cerritos) and in the original Huntington Beach Five Points store actually deserve kudos for their sweetness and helpfulness most or all of the time. Including making lovely suggestions for an affordable wine pairings party.

The store I was going to in the 80's was in the Long Beach Marina Pacifica and moved across the street. The employee turn over rate there seems often these days. They probably hire many students from surrounding University which otherwise wouldn't be a bad thing at all except for the fact this is the primary place where new employees try to correct seasoned customers.

Also I've gotten the know-it-all bad attitude from a few employees in the newer HB store in the Harbour, the newer Los Altos store on Bellflower Blvd. and the Bixby Knolls store guy that wouldn't assist me in finding the pancetta the day after xmas is not forgotten. He had me thinking for that trip Trader Joe's no longer carried the stuff. Pancetta! wth

[alkapal]

>>> I've had them claim they've never carried something that I'd bought before, <<

LOL. i know this is quite old as a post, but i thought it is so true of sales staff in so many different types of places. i'm thinking of cosmetics, for the examples in my memory.
"oh no, we've never carried that." and i ask, "so, tell me, how long have you worked for estee lauder? ten years?" "oh no, madam, i've worked for estee lauder for six months"). <sigh>

[nancyhudson]

Our store in Reno, NV has them...sorry.

[geg5150]

I'm going through withdrawl. I moved from Phoenix to Virginia three months ago and there's no TJ's here. I'm in DC every other week, so I stop into the Tyson's Corner location. I've only been getting canned things, because I have a three hour drive, but next week, I'm bringing my cooler. I'm super sad about the Gyoza, I didn't know about that.

Three faves that I miss:

From about seven years ago a Ginger Simmer Sauce. It was kinda like a gingery tomato sauce. A super quick meal, great with chicken over rice.

Sweet & Hot Pepper Relish. I loved that stuff. It was so good on a sandwich and perfect on top of fish or chicken under the broiler.

Picadillo Simmer Sauce. So much easier than making your own. Perfect with ground turkey or beef.

So sad.

[emilymm]

Does anybody remember the Frozen Moo Shoo Pork that they had years ago? I remember really liking it but I havent seen it in years.

[CrazyOne]

Argh, I think the Veggie Masala Burgers have joined the list. None in the freezer bin today and no price sign. We were quite attached to these.

[spkspk]

These are still around, at least at the TJ's on Sepulveda and Palms in West LA, but now I'm feeling nervous and thinking that I should start stocking up!

[CrazyOne]

Naw, I posted that a year ago. I've seen them since, although we've cut back on our intake, finally overdid it a bit. ;-) It's been a few weeks since we were last in (slightly out of the way), but I think they had them at the time. I'm the one who got overly nervous; I think these are sticking around for now.

[dmrlizdbear]

I LOVE those!!! Now I need to check at my local TJ - I hope they were only sold out. I get cravings for them.

The other thing was the Orange/Cranberry bread mix. I wanted to make it for a brunch, and couldn't find it. Hopefully it will return for the Holidays!

[Steve Green]

They just discontinued their "Queso", which was pretty good for nachos, considering it was fat-free. I'm afraid to get attached to a product, for fear they will kill it.

[mooms]

Dark chocolate "Enigmas" -- seasonal item that's not even seasonal anymore -- crispy butterscotch-y cookies robed in chocolate. It's not fair to get people seriously addicted and then pull them.

[silleehillee]

I remember those, mooms! I share your grief. :(

[iluvcheese]

not sure if anyone remembers, its been YEARS, but they had the BEST stir fry noodles, it came in a very small package w/ vaccum sealed noodles, one bag of veggies and the powder that you mix w/ water to make this amazing sauce. best flavor ever.. they have the chicken/veggie chow mein.. but there is no comparison. it litterally has been over 10 years i think, but i can still remember how great it was =(

[Bob W]

I was just at TJ's today and I didn't see any Spelt Flakes in the cereal aisle. 8<(

[kellycolorado]

I haven't seen the wild salmon chowder since we moved to Michigan a few months ago. It was my favorite canned soup. Is it anywhere else???

-Kelly

[Dogbite Williams]

I also miss that salmon chowder.

[Kitchen Queen]

omollyo-T.J.'s over the years have had so many great things that they've DC'd. Just the other day I remembered a fab cuban dish thay had some years back. - rice/beans/toms/sauce. Gone gone gone. Also loved the vege hamburger style soy product that I used to make my "meatloaf" with. gone, gone, gone. Now, I can't find the wonderful bean medley in a can that I liked. Had large cannelini, kidney and a small white bean. Used to make a lovely vege dish from that. Gone, gone, gone...And, come to think of it, I haven't seen the frozen asparagus tips either..Now, I'm in love w/the yogurt and dill papadums. Going rid rid of those too????
Where have all the good things gone...........:( KQ

[Ruth Lafler]

LOL! I'm sitting here right this minute munching those yogurt dill pappadums -- they're much (much) spicier than I thought they would be from that description, but they're addictively delicious.

[Kitchen Queen]

Ruth -
Try with egg salad or tuna instead of making a sammy -OYUM -it's a religion! :)KQ

[tolsonhouse4]

No one has mentioned the Cappucino Chips they used to carry. I used to make all of my holiday candy with those!! I was good friends with the California State manager at TJ's.. and he told me that they DC products that don't sell very well. Every month they run a list.. and if it is doing poorly... out it goes! :) Nothing is sacred I guess.

And... I haven't been able to find the pack of Fresh Roma Tomatoes anymore....

[brendastarlet]

Every time they get a low-fat crunchy snack it seems to disappear. Last year, they had a square puffed rice cracker that would satisfy my need for crunch and salt, but it quickly disappeared. I've looked for substitutes, but the wontons are too greasy and I don't like the low-fat kettle chips.

Re frozen brown rice: it disappeared from the Ann Arbor store for about a month and you would have thought the sky had fallen. Apparently the warehouse ran out, since they didn't have it in the new Novi store, either. But it's back so don't lose hope.

The five-minute meals in the refridgerator case come and go (I like the salmon with jullienne veggies but I haven't seen it in months. The shrimp one pops up every so often.)

[EAH]

Last month they advertised a newl organic evoo in a round bottle. It was wonderful. 1 month later it's gone. If they get rid of their smooth and creamy mediterranean hummus it may incite me to riot.

[desertsun]

You may want to begin rioting, EAH. I went to my local TJ's here in Tucson Sat. night and there was NO Mediterranean hummus and no sign for it on the case, which means it's likely gone, gone, gone....I'm heartbroken....

[Marianna215]

Kitchen Queen-
I just visited the TJ's on 3rd and La Brea in Los Angeles, and they had the frozen asparagus tips. I stocked up on a few bags in case they disappear again.

[Lambert]

Sumatra Lintong coffee and toasted coconut meringue candy.

[ziggylu]

I know they aren't discontinued but just seasonal...but I can't be the only one waiting impatiently for the Candy Cane JoJo's to come back! How I wish they'd change the name on those to Peppermint JoJo's and just carry them year round! (though my waistline is probably better off with them being seasonal!)

[bards4]

Oh my, those are yummy. I guess I'm not the only one capable of eating the whole box....

[coney with everything]

I loved the peppermint bark, which I hope comes back at Xmas. Half the price of Williams Sonoma and I thought it tasted better. It made a great "aunt" gift!

As far as discontinued items--they used to have an "ultimate chocolate sauce", not chocolate frosting or syrup, that was fantastic! Also miss the canned coffee they had; the TJ's brand they carry now is a sorry substitute.

[veghead04]

Their chocolate covered caramel popcorn was unreal! We called when it was first discontinued and they brought it back briefly. But, it has been gone for a good 7 years now. Too sad.

[yeshana]

we have it here in westchester, ny

[yeshana]

sweet and savory nut mixes- every variety GONE! they now have only fruit and nut combos, most with lots of sunflower seeds and pepitos- the lightly salted mixes with just a touch of fruit and yummy nuts(cashews, almonds, etc. were such a treat to eat in my car when not able to get to a meal! i questioned pulled items and they told me that it was a nation-wide scaling based on national sales of the item- guess minnesota, etc, isn't favoring my nut mixes!

[bac528]

I miss their cranberry and brie hor d'oeuvres....they were awesome!

[coconutz]

They stopped carrying the Scharfenberger unsweetened chocolate, at least at the one I went to this week. Bummer I have to make my chocolate tart crust with Hershey's.

[wolverine61]

Hoping they can restock their Fleur de Sel caramels next holiday season.Knowing their
growing season is short will enable me to stock up. The replacements available are quite
pricey compared to TJ's, especially with shipping.

[superkatie]

Today when I went, there were no more organic peanut butter sandwich cookies! Like Ritz's bits, only a hundred times better. The staff said they "hadn't seen them in awhile."

[Densible]

They have them in my local branch in So. CAlifornia and I love them too!

[Densible]

My dogs really miss the Blue Dog Bakery Molasses and Peanut Butter Biscuits. I found them at Petco for double the price. Too bad.

[sarahvagaca]

Well, I fell in love with their frozen appetizer version of escargot en croute. I know it sounds strange but they were buttery and delicious. BUT after about two years of not seeing it, they suddenly started carrying it again a few months ago! The last time I went in, they didn't have it again, so I'm hoping it hasn't made another inexplicable disappearance...

[Dommy]

They still pop up here in So Cal every now and again...

[Sacto_Damkier]

One thing that I cannot find anymore are the All-Natural Maraschino Cherries. They were complete with stems and made without artifical colors, flavors, or corn syrup. These were a perfect addition to my cocktails, and not a bad quick sweet snack.

[erdelyi]

Gosh I thought I was the ONLY person who bought these! I saved my last empty jar. Whole Foods has a corn syrup free product- but the jar is 8.00 as opposed to 2.99 at TJ. There aren't any similar marischino cherries anywhere else.

[nancyhudson]

Oh how I miss the balsamic syrup...I still look everytime I go, and its been off the shelf for about 2 years now! My mashed potatoes just aren't the same :-( I also miss the canned tomato sauce with portabellas.

[nyfoodjoe]

Take some basic balsamic vinegar and reduce it to syrup consistency...not hard, amd cheaper!!

[JugglerDave]

Whether it is 'out of stock' items or discontinued items, my local TJ (Center City Philadelphia) is driving me crazy! Almost every single visit, I can not find 2 or 3 out of 10 items on my list. Yesterday... out of breaded halibut. Time before that... no Empire cut up or whole chicken. Time before that, no "high fiber cereal" which was actually missing for 2-3 months.

I know they think discontinuing items and getting new ones keeps the store 'exciting and fresh' and brings people back, but stock management for many of my staple items is getting worse it seems.

[mollyomormon]

I am so, so sad. It looks as though they have decided to stop carrying the Snackmaster's brand of turkey jerky (which I love so much) in favor of their own line of turkey jerky. I tried this stuff and actually physically gagged. When I checked the ingredients, the second ingredient is sugar which, to me, makes the jerky completely unpalatable. I'm so disappointed!

[ziggylu]

My last two visits I haven't been able to find the organic black bean and corn enchiladas. We keep very little on hand in the way of frozen meals...but they were tasty and healthy for a quick lunch when we haven't made something to pack. I hope this is a temporary thing!

[LAWoman]

Have seen these recently in IL but they are often out of stock, esp if you go at busy times. Hope it's temporary for you - these are one of our mainstays, too!

[ziggylu]

Good to hear! Hopefully it is just temporary! Most of the other frozen meals are so high in calories and fat. This and the roasted vegetable enchiladas are the only ones we buy regularly...

[ziggylu]

I found exactly ONE of the black bean and corn enchiladas on a visit last night. So at least they're hopefully not gone forever...but just seem to be in short supply!

[nancyhudson]

Our store in Reno, NV always seems to have them :-)

[garnishgirly]

They had THE best frozen Butternut Squash Ravioli - I used to buy as much as I could to stock up my freezer...oh how I miss it.

[Ruth Lafler]

Oh yeah, that was good. They also had really good frozen artichoke ravioli -- better than the fresh version in the refrigerated section.

They had pink grapefruit marmalade that was wonderful, and they also used to have apricot syrup that was delicious.

[Bustergordon]

Sadly, they appear to have discontinued the artisanal Italian fresh pastas that they used to have. They came in gorgonzola & walnut and porcini mushroom flavors and were a great midweek quick meal. I find the other TJ's branded ones to be too doughy...

[Cinnamon]

Has anyone seen any articles on their food-rotation philosophy and marketing? It's kind of interesting how they decide what to carry and what not to - I mean, what other chain markets have such a loyal following extolling the virtues of the general range of products they carry? They've got something very special going on, and it makes for interesting economics given their price points.

As an OT aside - you think you guys have it tough: My favorite ice cream is Valley Forge Fudge, which Baskin Robbins only made for the U.S. bicentennial... in 1976.

[Cathy]

There is usually some sort of blub about how much they purchase and how it is distributed among x number of stores inside each Fearless Flyer, Cinnamon.

[Steve Green]

Frozen ratatouille--it was a very tasty, lowfat dish. Also, gone for years, the sun-dried tomato crostini.

[nsxtasy]

They had these cakes - basically loaf-shaped pound cakes - soaked with liqueur. One was amaretto, another was cointreau. Last time I saw them was some time last year. They were good, and not very expensive.

[Ozumo]

I think those are holiday items, I would expect to see them again in November. They are good, I agree with you.

[Amuse Bouches]

Yep -- those are holiday items. I've seen them for the past two holiday seasons. The gingerbread with similar packaging is also very good.

[Marvin]

One thing I miss, though its been a really long time, were their Chinese steamed buns (I can't remember the proper name for them). They came in packs of four and where stuffed with this delicious meat with some sort of sweet sauce.

Also, I haven't looked for these in a while since they're bad for you in any case, but I don't think I've seen the salt-free Habeus Crispus (Hawaiin Potatoe Chips) in quite some time. These days they've got them in all sorts of different flavors (the salt and vinegar ones are downright sinful), none of them salt free. Too bad, they tasted really good plain.

[justagthing]

Cha Su Baos

[HomeCookKirsten]

Very good but very sad topic:

California Rice Trilogy (wild, brown, white), the best rice ever, my boyfriend and I have half a bag left, we have been rationing it out. I now buy the brown rice medley or whatever it is called...it is not the same.

Thai Spicy Peanut Sauce - inexplicably, they stopped making it. I copied down the ingredients and spent a LONG time trying to recreate it. Here is my best attempt to copy it in case anyone else mourned the loss:
http://homecookkirsten.blogspot.com/2...

[KaimukiMan]

they used to carry their own brand of wild rice, I would stock up whenever I was in CA (lots of Hawaii people include a visit to TJ's when we travel). the prices of wild rice in the grocery store is crazy.

[sonofoodie]

Kirsten...I loved that Thai Peanut Sauce. Just the right amount of kick. I used it on so many things, and couldn't understand the discontinuing of it. I will give your "best attempt" a try, for sure. Thanks!

[random amblings]

Yes, I miss that too!

[Josh90004]

I like the refridgerated peanut salad dressing as a dip.

[yeshana]

ugh! i would thin it out with their coconut milk and it was amazing- a bland dumb chicken would be amazing wwith that sauce drizzled and some colorful garnish!

[abbefaith]

jalapeno BLUE cornbread!!! now i'm sad. =/

[jessicheese]

They used to carry these miniature chocolate truffle bites that were amazing, and only 100 calories each. I still look every time I go.

My past few trips, I haven't seen the chicken pot pie. I'll be so upset if it's gone.

[linsue]

really miss the frozen cheese blntzes, tried other brands and found them inedible

[marilu]

My husband loved the frozen cheese blintzes, I asked about them and they told me they did not meet TJ's standards and were looking for a new supplier. That was probably a year ago, never saw cheese blintzes again.

[jes]

I saw cheese blintzes at TJs this morning. Didnt try them so cant vouch for quality

[Cathy]

The tofu blintzes are oddly wonderful. Of course I fry them in a pan with real butter...
The tofu is sweet; its very nice for breakfast plain or with some jam...

[peterboy]

of course the gyoza, dumpling things with port or chicken.
and the peanut butter has been differnet for about 6 months--plastic jar and different maker. ugh.

[smdeneau]

I loved their Meyer Lemon Cake Mix. Not sure if it's discontinued or is just temporarily out of stock. I'm hoping it's only temporary!

[Fuser]

I was just there today and didn't see the prepared, frozen brown rice or any other rice. Please please tell me this is just temporary. They also discontinued the low-carb English muffins. Also the caviar, most regretably the salmon caviar, is gone.

[lisaf]

The former samosas were better than the new ones. Also they used to carry orange and lemon sorbet is a hollowed out orange or lemon. So good and impressive for a dinner party dessert. They also had coconut ice cream in a coconut shell. haven't been able to find these for years.

Finally, they no longer seem to carry any fat free cheeses. We used to love the ff mozzarella.

[EAH]

Lime curd, it was to die for.

[bulavinaka]

Ahh, yes - spread it on a shortcake fresh out of the oven, some strawberries and a little creme freche and this was bliss...

[justagthing]

I've seen the sorbets in the shells at Costco

[bulavinaka]

Those sorbets were a big hit with the boys as well as everyone else on our son's basketball team. A parent brought a big box and all soon vanished within ten minutes... If I remember correctly, orange, lemon, coconut and pineapple were the flavors, and all came in their respective shells. The only problem is this product, like many at Costco, is only there periodically... maybe that's ok in this case, as it makes it that much more special when they appear in their freezers again...

[dustchick]

They used to have Reduced Sugar Marionberry Jam that was wonderful, but it wasn't selling well enough. I liked it because they just use less sugar, instead of replacing it with artificial sweetener. They carry other varieties, but the marionberry was my favorite.

[whs]

Garlic pistachios and Mario Batali ragu sauce.

[coconutz]

oh that Mario sauce was good --the one with fennel esp.

[sivyaleah]

Loved those sauces - can't find them anywhere now. I use Rao's instead, but the Batali one was a bit more "fresh" and homemade tasting, and a bit less exensive too.

[aching]

About ten years ago, they had these delicious ginger cookies - I think they were windmill-shaped? Very thin and decadent-tasting. I loved those things. Haven't seen them in a long time - so sad...

[Schmitt]

Those are probably German Spekulatius cookies, a Christmastime specialty here. Maybe you can find them somewhere else.

[Sacto_Damkier]

TJ used to carry these wonderful fresh blue corn tamales with jack cheese and green chiles that came with an awesome red sauce. I LOVED those tamales, but alas they are dropped. They were from the same company that currently stocks TJ with fresh tamales. Why did they have to disappear?

[manya7]

I too mourn the loss of the various varieties of Corn Maiden tamales. I suppose they were discontinued due to supply/demand issues. I've considered mail ordering from Corn Maiden (they do ship) or making them myself (so labor intensive for one person)

[jujuthomas]

I used to get an udon soup packet, with noodles and flavoring that you added to boiling water with veggies, etc. It was tasty and quick. Haven't seen it in a looong time. :(

[Ozumo]

Is that the one that was in the refridgerated section and came with a deep fried tofu square? Although the one I miss was discontinued a couple of months ago, I'm not sure what you meant by "looong." That refridgerated udon was the BEST packaged udon ever, way better than anything I've ever bought from any asian grocer (and I've tried a bunch). Plus, it actually had a soup base with bonito and kelp in it and no MSG, and was liquid base, not a salt pack like most are. Even the dehydrated veggies were good quality. Anyone know where to get something similar (in the Bay Area, specifically)?

[Ozumo]

Wow, they have them again!!! I just bought three of them of them! Best noodle soup product to make at home ever! Get the "Age", it's the better one! You only harm yourself if you do not purchase these for yourself!

[jujuthomas]

No, the one I'm thinking of was in the soup section. It's been several months, possibly a year since I saw it there. It was a plastic bag-type package containing ingredients for 2 batches of soup. It had noodles and a flavor packet. you added those to boiling water along with veggies, egg, etc. as you wished.

[Ozumo]

Well now that the refridgerated one is back, do yourself a favor and pick (at least) one up! I never tried the one you had liked, but I would bet this one is better, due to the ingredients, which are better than any other home udon soup I've ever seen.

[kelela]

It's gone again. I haven't seen them in over a month! I would buy 8 at a time of both flavors.

[Ozumo]

Yeah, I saw on my last trip. :-( All my favorite packaged noodle soups keep disapearing.

[janeoh]

I can't tell if they discontinued the Thai Chicken Pizza or if their supplier is just sporadic and regional. I used to get it frequently when I lived in Los Angeles, but there were plenty of times when the stores were out. Now that I shop at various Massachusetts locations, I never see it. And it wasn't in any stores when I visited California last, either. [sniff!]

If you never had it, it was a GREAT version of the Thai-style pizzas they make at CPK, but with a thinner crust. The peanut sauce was my favorite element. It was rather small, packaged just like the BBQ Chicken Pizza that is still around.

[santorinii]

The Pistachio Mousse Cake imported from Italy in the frozen food section for 6 bucks. For something that delicious, it's hard to believe the amazing price and that it was frozen. Last time I went, I didn't see it there anymore. Perhaps people bought it all the day that I went? Here's to hoping...