Roundup

This is my weekly compilation of news and other links about Trader Joe's.


A woman took maternity photos at Target and Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's scores poorly on reducing food waste

9 stocking stuffers from Trader Joe's

8 Trader Joe's Thanksgiving appetizers for under $7

Top 10 Trader Joe's vegan products



Best tweets of the week:

At Trader Joe’s
*
*
*
*
*#scbwi #childrensbookillustration #art #illustration #drawing #sketch #dailydrawing #dailysketch #adrawingaday #penandink #watercolordrawing #watercolorsketch #midnightatelier #traderjoes #ridiculouscheckoutline #checkoutline pic.twitter.com/0ZM7TIMbk4

— Yuko Torii (@AtelierMidnight) November 24, 2019

I went to Trader Joe's today and lost my Subaru Outback in a lot full of Subaru Outbacks. #traderjoes #SUBARU

— Matt Whitecar (@MattWhitecar) November 25, 2019

#jonasblizzard finally plenty of parking at local #traderjoes pic.twitter.com/rZuU7KwcY9

— Maya Daehne (@mayadaehne) January 23, 2016

When your sister didn't take the plastic wrap off the pie crust (that you couldn't see, and it wasnt in the directions #TraderJoes)#ThanksgivingFail pic.twitter.com/LDTpJ87EzN

— Livia (@livs_unfknstpbl) November 28, 2019

#TraderJoes mystery bags will be currency in the apocalypse. Stock up now.

— Clare Loughran loves cranberry sauce 🦃 (@TweetleClare) November 30, 2019

And finally, here's this week's cute cat in a Trader Joe's grocery bag (with thanks to my friend Aja):

Trader Joe's Peppermint Pretzel Slims

I've avoided buying these every year because I couldn't imagine liking them. To be sure, I love TJ's Pretzel Slims. And I love peppermint. But together? No. Ew.

I was correct. I had several at Nina's house the other day. They just seemed...off. Put the "creamy coating and peppermint sprinkles" on something else--a big marshmallow, say, or a maraschino cherry--and I'd probably think you a culinary genius. But on a pretzel? No. It's too clashy.

On the other hand, there's Nina: "I love them." "Delicious." "I could eat a hundred of these."

De gustibus, etc.


Will I buy it again? 



via GIPHY

Trader Joe's Olivewood Bowl

Nina bought this, with the intention of using it for serving snacks at a party. Given the wood's sensitivity to water and need for maintenance with oil, these bowls are not practical for everyday use. But they're very pretty to have on hand for some special occasion.

Trader Joe's Oven-Baked Cheese Bites With Black Summer Truffle

Trader Joe's has, inexplicably, taken one of their best products and contaminated it with foul bits of revolting truffle. Selling these should be a crime, as they constitute an adulterated food product.

Now, if you ask Nina, you'll get an entire different story. She will tell you that these are not only delicious, but a big improvement on the original. She will explain that it took enormous willpower not to chow down the entire bag in one sitting. It's hard to understand how she is so right about some things (like taste in boyfriends) and so wrong in others (like taste in cheesy snacks).


Will I buy it again? 


via GIPHY

Roundup

This is my weekly compilation of news and other links about Trader Joe's.


Trader Joe's announces recall of certain products containing romaine lettuce due to E. coli

Your Trader Joe's Thanksgiving shopping list 

25 of the best Thanksgiving foods at Trader Joe's

Taste test of four vegan roasts including Trader Joe's (14-minute video)

Trader Joe's has 84 new holiday products this year

Thanksgiving dinner using only Trader Joe's products

Wegman's is a better shopping experience than Trader Joe's

Delicious 3-ingredient Trader Joe's dinners

Cost of turkeys at 14 grocery store chains

20 recipes for Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi

5 Trader Joe's recipes you need on your Thanksgiving table

10 Trader Joe's Thanksgiving sides and appetizers

The 10 best Trader Joe's stocking stuffers of 2019



Best tweets of the week:

I have been referring to the #traderjoes Chocolate Coins of the World as “Reduced Gelt” pic.twitter.com/AdP5NZIuEv

— Reading-Terminal Illness (@orencamera) November 16, 2019

Cause of death: #TraderJoes white chocolate peppermint pretzels pic.twitter.com/v6RTTY6xBI

— Taylor Watson (@taylortellsall_) November 17, 2019

all i want from this census season is to show we have enough people in my little town for #TraderJoes to open a store that's not 40 miles away

— mar 🇻🇪 (@omgmariaa) November 18, 2019

Idea for Trader Joe’s: peanut butter, but instead of a hundred calories per spoonful, there is only one calorie! Yeah, you guys need to figure out the science part. #TraderJoes #invention #peanutbutter #WorldDiabetesDay

— Simon S (@simonstillinbed) November 19, 2019

I saw this in the parking lot of my #traderjoes - this is pretty meta. @TraderJoesList pic.twitter.com/164e1X710J

— krupali MD (@krupali) November 19, 2019

It's my personal philosophy that people are inherently good and institutions are evil. Except #TraderJoes and #TheLibraryofCongress, those are good institutions.

— K Gild (@kgild) November 20, 2019

Dear #TraderJoes,

I’m not sure what your employee screening process is, but keep doing it.

Love,
A lifetime loyal shopper ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8MycEDcycj

— Lauren Lane (@laurenlanee) November 22, 2019

Got straight up hip checked by an elderly woman for Everything Ciabatta Rolls. There were 3 bags left. #TraderJoes

— CJ Sullivan (@CJSullivan_) November 22, 2019

there are truly no better grocery packers than #traderjoes employees. i’m convinced they have Tetris training before being hired.

— Lauren (@lutzlc7) November 21, 2019

And finally, here's this week's cute cat in a Trader Joe's grocery bag (with thanks to my friend Elaine):

Trader Joe's Cauliflower Tot Casserole

Tater tots--except made from riced cauliflower instead of taters, so lower carb numbers--with a white sauce and gooey cheese. What's not to love? Very comfort-foody.

Because I had time while other things were cooking, I did the oven method instead of microwave. As seems to always be the case with TJ's frozen-to-oven products, it required about 10 minutes more than the package directs. Due to that, I didn't apply the optional additional 2-3 minutes of broiler time to get the promised "golden brown top," but I will next time because it definitely would have been better that way.

Nitpicking: The tots at the edges, where the cheese and sauce didn't quite reach, maintained their integrity. But most of the rest couldn't stand up to the cheese and sauce and became sort of an indistinguishable mash. It didn't affect the taste at all, but it would have been more texturally satisfying if they had enough crispiness to remain distinct tots.

Claimed serving size of 3 is about right. Nina and I had it as a side dish to some chili last night, and about 1/3 of it was left for my lunch today.


Will I buy it again? 

Yes. It's already on my Thanksgiving dinner shopping list.

Sweet Rose Coconut Whipped Topping

In design, function, appearance, and texture, this is just like the famous Reddi Wip, or the less famous but all-around superior Cabot whipped cream that Trader Joe's sells.

In flavor, though, there's no chance of confusing this for dairy. It is strongly and distinctly coconut. For me, that's not a bad thing; I can't think of any way I'd use whipped cream in which I would not welcome some coconut flavor. On top of a fruit pie? Sure. On top of chocolate ice cream? Yes, please. On top of angel food cake with diced strawberries? Lay it on thick.

I predict that within several months, the product as you see it here will suddenly disappear from TJ's shelves, to be replaced soon thereafter with an identical one, except now carrying the Trader Joe's name and a more whimsical label design.


Will I buy it again? 

My use of such products is minimal--something like one can a year--but yes, this would be my first choice now.

Roundup

This is my weekly compilation of news and other links about Trader Joe's.


Price comparison, Aldi and Trader Joe's

What Thanksgiving dinner does $50 buy you at various grocery stores?

6 holiday favorites you can already buy at Trader Joe's

The 9 best Trader Joe's crackers

How Trader Joe's exploits a fading California fantasy

11 Trader Joe's holiday gift ideas

Don't leave Trader Joe's without trying at least one of these products


Best tweets of the week:

If you told me Heaven were a Trader Joe’s then I would reply... “kill me now”. #traderjoes

— Connor J Koppin (@connorjkoppin) November 9, 2019

it’s so messed up that we have a whole day to celebrate veterans but not even one hour to celebrate trader joe’s employees

— viking (@notviking) November 11, 2019

90% of my conversations as an adult are about how amazing Trader Joe’s is#itstrue #traderjoes #godsend

— Katie Rose (@katiebug2299) November 13, 2019

My love language is snacks from #TraderJoes

— E L L D O T T T (@LaurenDop) November 13, 2019

Is there a support group for Trader Joe's addicts?#TraderJoes #CantGetEnough

— Jorge Ortiz (@JorgeOrtizActor) November 14, 2019

Sometimes when I’m opening a box of wine from #TraderJoes I pretend like I’m on @GreysABC and I have a guy open on the table and I say, “I CANT FIND THE SOURCE OF THIS WINE?! WHERE IS IT COMING FROM?? DAMNIT I NEED SUCTION!” and that’s when I drink the wine.

— Jarrett David (@jarrett_david) November 15, 2019

And finally, here's this week's cute cat in a Trader Joe's grocery bag with his Trader Joe's advent calendar for cats.

Look what I found at #TraderJoes today! A #cat treat advent calendar & the cat on the front looks just like my Zule. And he knows there are cat treats inside. #CatsOfTwitter #louisvilleky pic.twitter.com/kTHrRmQfPM

— Kelly Davenport (@KellyDavenport) November 10, 2019

Trader Joe's Grain Free Cat Treats With Turkey

Trader Joe's has long carried Bench & Field brand cat treats. (Lucy hated them.) But that one item has been the whole cat-treat lineup, while dog treats have proliferated. Finally, we have a second kind of cat treat, and it's TJ's-branded.

Since I haven't tasted them myself, let's bring in an expert consultant.

"What's this? These aren't my regular treats."

"Mmmm, but they're pretty tasty."

"Is that all?"

"Bring me more of these treats, unworthy hooman!"


She's had about a dozen in the last 24 hours, and she definitely likes them. It's not clear to me whether she likes them more than her regular brand, less, or about the same; I can't tell any difference in her reaction.


Will I buy it again? 

Once in a while, I suppose. But I usually buy her treats in big tubs, not small bags like this. She didn't seem to love them enough to cause me to decide to make them her staple treats.


Addendum, 2/11/20 

After living with these for a while, it's now perfectly clear that Lucy actually doesn't like them as much as her regular Temptations brand of treats. With the latter, she always--100% of the time--gobbles them up instantly. With the Trader Joe's, she usually sniffs them and walks away. She'll come back later and eat them when she gets hungrier, but she makes it clear that she is disappointed that she has not been given the good stuff.

Why do I still have any treats left? I had bought two bags initially, and gave one to Nina for her cat Loki. After trying them a few times, Loki, too, let her know that he wanted his Temptations instead. So she gave the bag back to me.

Two-cat verdict: Barely acceptable, definitely not preferred.

Trader Joe's Leafy Greens With Butternut Squash Salad Kit

I was going to say that I found this product to be a mixed bag--but then I realized what a terrible unintentional pun that would be, and I couldn't do it. My policy on terrible puns is that they must be intentional.

Oddly, I liked all the accoutrements here, but not so much the main salad itself. The latter was too much lawn-clipping for me. The add-ins, though, were nice. I was surprised that I liked the slices of butternut squash, which I had anticipated would taste out of place.

The dressing--"white balsamic vinaigrette"--immediately struck me as much too sweet, but by my second serving of salad, I had grown rather fond of it. Trader Joe's bagged salad kits have had a not-great record with their included dressings, but this one is a winner. I wish they'd sell it separately.


Will I buy it again? 

No. I'll stick to my usual mix and dressings.

Trader Joe's Linguine With Pesto & Tomatoes

I used the microwave heating method: 7 minutes, with a stir in the middle. Super easy, and came out just right. I separately browned some fake Italian sausage and added it just before serving. I recommend this embellishment.

It was much, much skimpier on tomatoes than the package depicts, and would be improved if the product actually matched the photo.

It was perfectly fine. I'm just not a big fan of pesto for pasta. I want my sauce.

Nina liked it more than I did, calling it "very tasty." She said it's something she might keep in the freezer for those occasions when one is feeling both hungry and lazy.


Will I buy it again? 

No. But if I see it on my plate at a dinner at Nina's, I will be neither surprised nor disappointed.

Roundup

This is my weekly compilation of news and other links about Trader Joe's.


Trader Joe's announces recall of baby cauliflower due to possible Listeria contamination

How to buy everything you need for Thanksgiving at Trader Joe's for under $130

3 new vegan items at Trader Joe's

Everything you need from Trader Joe's for Thanksgiving

Trader Joe's best fall-themed goodies

5 Trader Joe's cauliflower products a dietitian loves

Trader Joe's influencers on Instagram

10 healthy breakfast products from Trader Joe's

Complete vegan Thanksgiving shopping list from Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's new items for November

22 vegan Thanksgiving items from Trader Joe's

New items at Trader Joe's

The best Trader Joe's desserts for Thanksgiving

Comparison test of Wegman's and Trader Joe's private label foods

Trader Joe's lets us be snobs at reasonable prices



Best tweets of the week:

Can whoever runs #TraderJoes please run our country?

— Emma Lane (@EmmaleeClare) November 3, 2019

Lady at #TraderJoes said “I put your chips on top,” while bagging my groceries. “This way you can get to them while driving.”

I have never wanted to hug a stranger more than I wanted to just now.

— Minda Corso (@MindaC) November 3, 2019

Four year old girl riding out of Trader Joe’s in flatiron on a Sunday evening in her stroller. *eyes wide* “whoa! That was intense!”

You got that right little lady 😳 #traderjoes #nyc #citykids #dontgoinalone

— Sara Kate Berg (@missskbee) November 3, 2019

Awesome #traderjoes employee: Do you have four cats?

Me: Yep! And I can't expect them to share, right?

Awesome TJ employee: Of course not, I have three... Because when you make the conscious decision to become a #crazycatlady you really should just go … https://t.co/W6BuEVHCOK pic.twitter.com/pZobMXcqVL

— Melissa Casey (@MelissaCasey12) November 7, 2019

Not to be dramatic, but I would literally take a bullet for the clerk at #traderjoes who just gave me a free chocolate bar because I told him I was stressed

— Ava Landry (@aviator1336444) November 7, 2019

When I die I want the guy who writes the description on #TraderJoes items to write my obituary. Great grammar. Great syntax. Great vocab. #teacherapproved

— LaurBay (@LiLBayleein) November 6, 2019

“🎶Ohhhh give me the beat boys and free my soul, I wanna get lost in your TRADER JOE’S!”—TJ employee rocking out while giving away samples of pecan pie.

(In case it’s not clear, this man wins Friday.) #traderjoes

— Samantha Lane Fiddy (@sammylanefiddy) November 8, 2019

Abusing the per potato pricing at #TraderJoes by finding a potato that is six times larger than the typical golden potato. pic.twitter.com/7x6uxjSdt6

— Қазмонавт (@kazmonaut) November 9, 2019

And finally, here's this week's cute cat in a Trader Joe's grocery bag with her Trader Joe's advent calendar for cats:

View this post on Instagram

I love you @traderjoes. And my #cats do, too. (Btw, I’m not a monster. I bought 2, one for each of them.) #traderjoes #adventcalendar #traderjoesadventcalendar #traderjoesadventcalendarforcats

A post shared by Erika Baroman (@erikabaroman) on Nov 8, 2019 at 7:05pm PST

Trader Joe's Strawberries

Ordinary, average, unremarkable grocery-store fresh strawberries. Not great, not terrible--just adequate.

Much less flavorful than Trader Joe's Organic Strawberries, at least on the basis of one sample of each.


Will I buy them again? 

Not if the organic ones are available.

Trader Joe's Lemongrass Chicken Stix

I was torn about buying these, because it really doesn't make sense for me to keep reviewing chicken products when my conclusion is always going to be that I won't buy them again because I almost never buy chicken products. Maybe I'll stop after this.

Anyway, I heated these in the oven, not with the alternative "deep fry" method. Based on long, unhappy experience with TJ's freezer-to-oven products, I left them in for 15 minutes instead of the recommended 10-12, and was probably correct to do so. They came out just right. The wrapping was crispy but not burned, and the inside was hot all the way through.

I liked the texture. The flavor, not so much. It was very hard to taste anything except lemongrass, cabbage, and green onion. I assume there was some chicken in there somewhere, but if I had been tasting these blindfolded, I would have guessed they were vegetarian.

The portion size seems to assume they're just being used as an appetizer. It says serving size is two rolls, with five servings in the box. (But I was given nine rolls, not ten. Highway robbery!) And I ate five rolls for one lunch, along with a side of fresh veggies and a salad. Plan accordingly.

I threw away the remaining four. I just didn't care for them at all.


Will I buy it again? 

No. And I wouldn't even if chicken were still one of my staple dietary items.

Roundup

This is my weekly compilation of news and other links about Trader Joe's.


11 fall items at Trader Joe's that were made for Instagram

8 staples I'll only buy at Trader Joe's

Taste test of vanilla cupcakes from 5 different stores

3 new Trader Joe's items you can bake in less than an hour

21 Trader Joe's fall foods, ranked by nutritionists

Trader Joe's best of fall products

15 Trader Joe's foods that make a low-carb diet easier

20 Trader Joe's vegan foods just in time for fall

7 of the weirdest products at Trader Joe's

11 vegan foods a nutritionist buys at Trader Joe's



Best tweets of the week:

Whenever I see the staff at Trader Joe's with their Floral Shirts & holstered Box Cutter Knives I can't help but feel like I've walked into a Hawaiian retreat for healthy people who sometimes like to knife fight. #TraderJoes

— Francis Cronin (@GLOWPUNK) October 26, 2019

When your son loves Trader Joe’s samples so much he designs his Halloween costume around them. 😂🤷🏼‍♀️#traderjoes #halloween2019 pic.twitter.com/5PwUvOZtw7

— Mommy (@mommymcdermott) October 27, 2019

Neopolitan Joe-Joe cookies are seasonal?! You're a bad boyfriend right now, #TraderJoes .

— Jen Richardson (@paper_pond) October 27, 2019

Sadly, I could probably eat a hairball off the floor of #TraderJoes and enjoy it. What kinda magic crack do they put in their foods?

— Michael (@crevassier) October 27, 2019

Ran out of pumpkin Joe-Joe’s from #TraderJoes pic.twitter.com/sOSb3nRe4G

— ✨Jannah, Resistance Horse Lord 🐎🌙 (@Velvet214) October 29, 2019

Just another day at #TraderJoes. #AlienNation pic.twitter.com/2GaJQ1YKFA

— David “Darkness” Weiner 🎃💀🗿 (@TikiAmbassador) October 30, 2019

Eating an entire tub a those #TraderJoes mini triple ginger gingersnap cookies is so underrated in my opinion

— Jesse Popp (@TheeJessePopp) October 31, 2019

Today’s Interesting Moment™️ brought to you by the guy behind me in line at #TraderJoes who asked the *normally dressed* cashier if it was “dress up like the 80s day”

— Rachel Seward (@RachelSew_STL) October 31, 2019

#PumpkinSpice #Halloween #TraderJoes pic.twitter.com/IF7BGwa8Vl

— James in Chicago (@realGuyInChi) October 31, 2019

And finally, here's this week's cute cat in a Trader Joe's grocery bag with her Trader Joe's pumpkin Joe-Joe's:

My cat is celebrating with Pumpkin Joe Joe’s. #traderjoes pic.twitter.com/k9ddLFaNgf

— Robin West (@RobsWest) October 29, 2019