Last week on Instagram I polled to see if you guys would be interested in a post about all my faves from Trader Joe's -- and 100% said yes! So here you have it. A quick peak into what I regularly purchase on my Trader Joe's grocery runs + some new items that I am excited to try.
Note, that I like to purchase most of my fresh produce at local farmers markets and Whole Foods, so you won't see a lot of that here. When it comes to Trader Joe's, there are certain items I love to stock up on since they are not only great steal but also have some really clean and healthy staples -- you just need to look for them. The first thing I always do before purchasing? CHECK THE INGREDIENTS! Some rules of thumb to try and follow:
The less ingredients the better
Check for REAL food and words you can pronounce/know
Avoid if sugar is one of the first 5 ingredients listed
HERE WE GO!
Milks
These milk only have 2 ingredients - the actual item + water. Wohoo! Always a win in my book!
Coconut Milk - Oat Milk - Almond Milk
New Item alert!
Organic Milk from grass fed cows + Summerhill Goat Milk
I haven't had a chance to try these yet but I'm sold on the ingredients -- if you are into cow's milk or goat's milk, I'd try these items!
These pomegranate seeds are such an easy, tasty, and healthy way to add some holiday cheer to your dishes. Great in salads, to top smoothie bowls, in this acorn squash recipe, or even to brighten up your glass of champagne!
Another favorite seed? HEMP SEEDS!
You'll need to refrigerate once they are opened but hemp seeds are such a great vegan/vegetarian source of protein and one that I add to so many dishes. Since they are shelled it makes it easier for the body to digest. Another bonus? They are full of Omega's!
Looking for some dry good staples?
Such a easy meal prep for me each week is cooking a bunch of Organic Tricolor Quinoa. It can be used in so many dishes and keeps well.
I use the Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder in both my Cacao Banana Bites and No Bake Seed Cycling Bites. Also great as an afternoon pick-me-up in smoothies or healthier "hot chocolate"!
Trader Joe's Nutritional Yeast is a great cheese alternative for those avoiding dairy. It is also one of the only vegan sources of B12 (although fortified). Note, I don't recommend consuming if you are dealing with candida issues.
I still haven't found the perfect crackers from Trader Joe's but these Plantain Chips definitely do the trick!
Frozen Items
Cauliflower Gnocchi If you haven't tried this I swear by it! I let it defrost - you can put it in the microwave to defrost as well and then try and pat off the excess water. Be careful though - paper towels will stick. I think add some ghee or avocado oil to the pans the cook them until they are browned on both sides. I typically use a tomato base sauce with basil or I'll do butter/ghee with sage. SO YUM!
Primarily used for smoothie and smoothie bowls - you will find two of my favorite fruits: Pineapple + Strawberries
Treats
I know these aren't Trader Joe's brand but I LOVE that they sell them here. If you haven't tried them Honey Mama's bars are so delicious. I highly recommend both flavors - Nibs + Coffee and Truffle. I personally like to eat them with raspberries. :)
Refrigerated staples
I cannot say enough good things about the riced cauliflower. It's great for making cauliflower mash and it an awesome grain-free replacement for anything you would typically use rice or quinoa in + even good to add to smoothies!
I was so happy when I saw that they came out with this new version of the ready-to-go Organic Green Kale.
As some of you know, I don't eat any meat but I do make an exception when it comes to bone broth and collagen. I haven't tried it yet but I just purchased the Organic Bone Broth made from free range chicken bones. This is especially great during the winter months when we need an extra immune boost.
Speaking of boosts -- check out these Ginger and Turmeric Shots! I consume one daily in my diet.
You should all know how I feel about eggs about now and if you don't -- check out my blog post on them. I was so happy to find that Trader Joe's sells Pasture Raised Eggs!
And do you know what I love to use to cook eggs? Butter! This Pure Irish Butter is made from grass-fed cows.
You will always find some version of nut butter in my fridge and this creamy Almond Butter is definitely a favorite.
More new item alerts! Organic Sparkling Apple Cider (drinking vinegar) and Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar.
Need a good alternative to soy sauce? Coconut aminos are such a great option and I love the taste. I just found this Organic Coconut Aminos seasoning sauce and can't wait to try.
And lastly, used for all your needs (not just in the kitchen)... Organic Coconut Oil and packets! I keep one jar in the kitchen, one in the bathroom (for hair and skin) and use the packets when I travel!
What did you think of this post? Was it helpful? Would you like more of them? Make sure to leave a comment below to let me know! :)
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