I am back with another installment of “What I bought at Trader Joe’s”. My weekly grocery run usually leads me to 3-4 different stores, but I’d say that I do the bulk of my shopping at TJ’s.
Some items I could also get at the regular supermarket, but comparing prices does make sense.
I am always a bit mind-boggled if the exact same (brand!) item – like my first recommended item below – is sold at such different prices at different stores. How is that possible?
So, here are some of my TJ’s recommendations for this month.
Kerrygold Grass-fed butter (8 oz – $3.19) ★★★★★ // dairy section
We don’t eat a whole lot of butter, but if we do, I swear by Kerrygold. Trader Joe’s has the lowest price on this 8 oz package (although prices have gone up, it used to be below $3), but it’s definitely worth the price. I usually buy the unsalted version (because salted butter is not really a thing in Europe, unless you make herb butter for a BBQ, and I don’t like a salty taste when I have bread with jam or cheese).
Trader Joe’s Costa Rican Tarrazu Medium Roast Coffee (13 oz – $6.99) ★★★★★ // pantry section
If we don’t splurge on Stumptown coffee, Tarrazu is our go-to alternative. At $6.99, it’s pretty affordable and the taste is great. I realized (with horror) that is not part of Trader Joe’s extensive “fair trade options”, which I also tend to buy to switch things up every once in a while.
Trader Joe’s Social Snackers (16 oz $2.69) ★★★★★ // shelf above freezer section
Stop buying the fancy Ritz crackers and switch to TJ’s social snackers, because these crackers are so much better! They’re crisp and oddly, less sweet?! I haven’t compared ingredients lists (maybe I should), but if I can taste such a distinct difference, I must be on to something.
Trader Joe’s Hot Italian Sausage (1 lb – $4.49) ★★★★★ // meat section
We love spaghetti with meatballs, but without the meatballs. Ha. We use these hot Italian sausages instead. They give the dish a little spicy kick. We cut them up in little pieces, cook them and then add them to the pasta sauce. Delicious!
Trader Joe’s Crumbled Goat Cheese (6 oz – $2.49) ★★★★★ // cheese section
Are you as big of a goat cheese fan as I am? I just love the creaminess and it never hurts to have a little bit of crumbled goat cheese in your fridge. It’s delicious on salads, with crackers or on a slice of bread. I love that this cheese is affordable and comes in a resealable container with a lid.
What did you pick up at Trader Joe’s this month?
* I am not affiliated with Trader Joe’s, nor have they endorsed, sponsored or paid for my reviews. I am just sharing my love for the store and its products, which bascially means free advertisement for them. Ha. All opinions are my own.
Gretchen
July 28, 2016 at 8:23 amI love that coffee as well! I got it after a trip to Costa Rica, and while it’s not the same it’s still delicious :) Thanks for all the recs!
san
August 7, 2016 at 5:47 pmYou’re welcome :)
Heike Brand
July 28, 2016 at 8:24 amI have recently checked out the Organic Chia Granola Bras and I have to say they are pretty tasty.
We also have the social crackers in our pantry. Our LO loves them so much he could have them for breakfast, lunch and dinner! :)
We buy the whole organic chicken every once in a while and then roast the chicken in the oven. It is good on salads, in a casserole or even as a “Frikasse”. That gives us enough protein for the whole week!
I love your Trader Joe’s posts!
san
August 7, 2016 at 5:47 pmOh yes, we get their organic chicken too!
Meesh
July 28, 2016 at 8:36 amI love their uncured turkey bacon. Going to have to try their goat cheese. I wish i had one closer, it is always a special trip for me when I get there.
san
August 7, 2016 at 5:47 pmI’ve never tried turkey bacon… but I might have to try it!
Lacey BEAN
July 28, 2016 at 10:21 amTrader Joe’s makes these bags of half-popped popcorn kernels that are my OBSESSION. That and Candy Cane Joe-Joes when they are in season. I should shop at TJs more but the regular super market is closer!
san
August 7, 2016 at 5:48 pmOh, I have to keep an eye out for those.
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
July 30, 2016 at 7:04 amI still have yet to make it to Trader Joe’s!! I really do need to get there. When I lived in Charlotte, there was one closer to me and I went there often and one thing I would often buy is their chicken sausages. They were so good! I would cook them and put them on top of spaghetti squash with marinara. Sooo good!
san
August 7, 2016 at 5:48 pmTheir chicken sausages are tasty – great rec!
Marie
August 3, 2016 at 6:21 amThe Kerrygold butter is REALLY good. We actually get it too, but the spreadable kind. Come to think of it, I’m not sure what salted butter is used for? We also get unsalted.
They have a super guilty pleasure of mine – their version of swedish fish. OMG, SO GOOD.
san
August 7, 2016 at 5:49 pmI’ve never had their version of swedish fish. Putting it on the list! ;)
Elisabeth
August 4, 2016 at 1:27 amIn Norway where I`m from we only use salted butter :) We love salted butter with sweet things like jam om bread – the salt and sweet are such a perfect combination! :)