Trader Joe's - New Products You Want To See There

[littleflower]

I wish that Trader Joe's would carry bison/buffalo steak and avocado oil! What products do you wish they would start selling? Who knows - someone from TJ's could see this post and put in a good word to their buyers!!!

[Milocat1]

So many of TJs prepared and frozen foods are massively high in calories and fat, especially the frozen dinners that come in bags. I agree with their need to trim down these entrees. They are delicious but I no longer buy them.

[sciencediet]

Wouldn't it be great if they could replicate Girl Scout cookies, but without the palm oil and other crap? Imagine, Thin Mints in the freezer all year long.

[littleflower]

Ooh...good suggestion, sciencediet!!! Definite +1 for the creation of a "healthier" Thin Mint! Also, just think - TJ's could make a fortune from that one idea alone!!!

[Samalicious]

Not to be a Negative Ned, but TJ's won't even keep stuff in stock that customers are crazy about. Why would they be responsive to suggestions for new products?

[littleflower]

Valid point, Samalicious...here was my thinking behind it - a lot of times when they discontinue products, it is because the manufacturer stopped providing them the product and/or stopped providing TJ's the product at a good price (well, at least that is what a couple of head TJ's managers/captains have told me). Essentially it is kind of out of their control.

Also, they hire buyers whose specific job is to look for 1) the cutting edge products ahead of their competitors and 2) products that obviously will sell/are desired by shoppers. Is it a possibility that we have no control over what new products they sell - perhaps, but if there is a chance that a TJ's buyer will see this page and be influencced by it then that would be great.

[clubtraderjoes]

That's their business model. Have a heavy rotation on the non-essentials so you keep coming back to check out the new stuff! Sometimes you get lucky and find the original manufacturer of that item and can buy it elsewhere but many times it's a one time knockoff.

Steve

www.clubtraderjoes.com

[annagranfors]

As someone who has no time to cook, I'd love to see them do better-quality versions of your basic TV dinners. You know, the classics: fried chicken/mashed potatoes/corn–the basic OG Swanson repertoire, but done better and at least not anti-nutritional like the ones in every frozen foods aisle in the major supermarkets. I know, I know...I *should* want something more veggie-oriented with tofu and broccoli and the like. But I'd love to get well-done versions of 60s/70s classics. Turkey/stuffing/gravy/mashed potatoes/peas.

I have the feeling that this might be grounds for expulsion from Chowhound, but hey...I bet there'd be a market for something like that. Idiots like me who just want stupid comfort food. We *exist*, dammit. ;)

[littleflower]

Hey, if TJ's can produce a turkey and stuffing $11.00/box family meal, they certainly could start selling individual sized TV dinners with similar type ingredients. Annagranfors, you make a great suggestion - they have Indian-inspired TV dinners (some of which are very good), but it would be awesome to see more traditional comfort food HEALTHY TV dinners offered in their rotation.

[clubtraderjoes]

I think that is an excellent idea! They do a lot of retro things like Mac and Cheese and Lasagna, why not a TV dinner. My kids would love it!

Steve

www.clubtraderjoes.com

[littleflower]

Alright Trader Joe's - we have three votes for TASTY, healthy retro/comfort food TV dinners...bring it on!!!

Also, as mentioned in another CH post by both jujuthomas and goodhealthgourmet - bring on the lingonberry jam to complement your Danish Pancakes!!!!