Trader Joe's

[turneronce]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.

[Stu from NYC]

Our favorite wine is only available at TJ's

[LuckyS]

We like the Kung Pao and Orange Chicken meals in the frozen foods section.

[asianthree]

Shop Gainesville once a month, Whole Foods, Sams (it’s bigger) Krispy Cream and Trader Joe’s. Loyal customer to TJ’s, never a fan of Aldi.

We buy their whole grain bread(purple bag) French toast bread, tiny cupcakes gluten free. Scones are very good, worth buying for company.

Chicken breast organic $3.99lb, very large Sea scallops $15.00 a pound. Their 80/20 ground beef is little course, great for chili. We eat very little beef, but is always flavorful. Brined turkey’s durning holidays.

Produce last for more than a week, their tiny avocados are perfect size for one. Tucson melon have the best flavor. Tomato’s taste like home.

Their lactose brand milk is better than fairlife, and their eggs are fresh. Cheese isle is extensive, and worth the trip.

Ripple potato chips are better than anything else I have bought.

Every month the flier is full of new items, we try most of them. Frozen section has items you will not find in any other grocery.

If you want fresh flowers herbs and plants are good prices. We buy their soap, sunscreen, and lotion. During holidays they bring in special gift items that our granddaughter waits patiently for.

Wine department is priced well, and always a couple of surprises that you can’t find anywhere else. (No we don’t buy 3 buck Chuck) they produced a $20 cab from stags leap, that could pass for a $100 bottle.

Prices are in the same range that you would buy in any grocery, 90% of the time less than Aldi (price checker on my phone). Quality of their items is worth the trip. I go online prior to trip make my list, so I don’t forget anything.

[turneronce]

Shop Gainesville once a month, Whole Foods, Sams (it’s bigger) Krispy Cream and Trader Joe’s. Loyal customer to TJ’s, never a fan of Aldi.

We buy their whole grain bread(purple bag) French toast bread, tiny cupcakes gluten free. Scones are very good, worth buying for company.

Chicken breast organic $3.99lb, very large Sea scallops $15.00 a pound. Their 80/20 ground beef is little course, great for chili. We eat very little beef, but is always flavorful. Brined turkey’s durning holidays.

Produce last for more than a week, their tiny avocados are perfect size for one. Tucson melon have the best flavor. Tomato’s taste like home.

Their lactose brand milk is better than fairlife, and their eggs are fresh. Cheese isle is extensive, and worth the trip.

Ripple potato chips are better than anything else I have bought.

Every month the flier is full of new items, we try most of them. Frozen section has items you will not find in any other grocery.

If you want fresh flowers herbs and plants are good prices. We buy their soap, sunscreen, and lotion. During holidays they bring in special gift items that our granddaughter waits patiently for.

Wine department is priced well, and always a couple of surprises that you can’t find anywhere else. (No we don’t buy 3 buck Chuck) they produced a $20 cab from stags leap, that could pass for a $100 bottle.

Prices are in the same range that you would buy in any grocery, 90% of the time less than Aldi (price checker on my phone). Quality of their items is worth the trip. I go online prior to trip make my list, so I don’t forget anything.

Thanks, lots of good suggestions!

[Calisport]

I grew up near the original Trader Joes in Calif. Their prices have gone up where I don't need to shop there anymore. They do have very unique products that they have bought out or decided to produce themselves under their name such as soup filled dumplings, or thai shrimp fried rice, face moisturizers, pound of dark chocolate. But since coming home with a bag of their groceries over the years has risen to $60 or more, it is not worth it. In Calif. there are Trader Joes in almost every city.

[Garywt]

Shop Gainesville once a month, Whole Foods, Sams (it’s bigger) Krispy Cream and Trader Joe’s. Loyal customer to TJ’s, never a fan of Aldi.

We buy their whole grain bread(purple bag) French toast bread, tiny cupcakes gluten free. Scones are very good, worth buying for company.

Chicken breast organic $3.99lb, very large Sea scallops $15.00 a pound. Their 80/20 ground beef is little course, great for chili. We eat very little beef, but is always flavorful. Brined turkey’s durning holidays.

Produce last for more than a week, their tiny avocados are perfect size for one. Tucson melon have the best flavor. Tomato’s taste like home.

Their lactose brand milk is better than fairlife, and their eggs are fresh. Cheese isle is extensive, and worth the trip.

Ripple potato chips are better than anything else I have bought.

Every month the flier is full of new items, we try most of them. Frozen section has items you will not find in any other grocery.

If you want fresh flowers herbs and plants are good prices. We buy their soap, sunscreen, and lotion. During holidays they bring in special gift items that our granddaughter waits patiently for.

Wine department is priced well, and always a couple of surprises that you can’t find anywhere else. (No we don’t buy 3 buck Chuck) they produced a $20 cab from stags leap, that could pass for a $100 bottle.

Prices are in the same range that you would buy in any grocery, 90% of the time less than Aldi (price checker on my phone). Quality of their items is worth the trip. I go online prior to trip make my list, so I don’t forget anything.

Not a fan of Trader Joe’s but to compare it to Aldi seems strange ad they are nothing alike. To me Aldi is an off brand second hand food store.

[EdFNJ]

As it turns out we're making our ~every 6 weeks" run tomorrow to Orlando (TJs, Costco, Whole Foods, Einsteins bagels, Millennia Mall and late lunch somewhere on restaurant row). Anyway, TJ's and Aldi's aren't connected. Seems to be Internet lore.

The text below this link is from this article and about 5 other articles: Are ALDI and Trader Joe's the same company? - Almost All ALDI (https://www.almostallaldi.com/are-aldi-and-trader-joes-the-same-company)

Let’s get this out of the way right up front: ALDI does not own Trader Joe’s — and while we’re at it, Trader Joe’s does not own ALDI. So, how did this idea ever gain circulation in the first place? (Read the linked article if you care. :)

Note from me not the quoted article :) : They do both carry the same "Chocolate Chip Dunkers" (cookies) though (under different brand names. TJ's tastes slightly better with slightly different ingredients. :D While I am sure Aldi's is clean and meets all health codes TO ME they always "LOOK" (not are) dirty.

[rjn5656]

I only went to TJ once in Long Island. I didn't find it anything special that I would travel to Gainesville. Just my opinion.

[coffeebean]

I only went to TJ once in Long Island. I didn't find it anything special that I would travel to Gainesville. Just my opinion.

Apologies in advance for getting off topic for a moment...........

I'm from Long Island and I would say it this way........"I only went to TJ once ON Long Island". Is it "in" or "on"???? I never know which was correct. LOL.

[Baldbaron]

Greatest selection of scrumptious cookies in the known universe, say I broadly...

[ithos]

It is not that big of store so you will have no problem exploring it.

I was there Thursday and bought several items that were their house brand. Very good quality and low price. Natural unsalted peanut butter and premium pasta sauce(made with tomatoes not puree) to name a couple.

Lots of exotic stuff that you will not find in The Villages too. I recommend checking out their website if you haven't already.

[Monika Greiner]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.
Cheese , Wine and Bread, the best

[Ecuadog]

Apologies in advance for getting off topic for a moment...........

I'm from Long Island and I would say it this way........"I only went to TJ once ON Long Island". Is it "in" or "on"???? I never know which was correct. LOL.

I prefer "while traipsing about."

[DPWM21]

If I could pick only two: Gingersnaps and lovely soup selection.

[Haggar]

Trader Joe's spray sunscreen has been a top pick by Consumers Reports

[coconutmama]

Orange chicken, wine & onion soup

[Gail3762]

Add dark chocolate peanut butter cups, so much better than Reese’s.

[DeborahK]

Our favorite wine is only available at TJ's

But it's a secret?

[thevillager1988]

Tomato-less salsa (it's actually corn relish). Used to be less than $3 a jar. Not sure now. I put it in quesadillas for the sweet to compliment the savory. Yum. Gluten free pasta. There was a time when TJ was the only place we could get it, and even when standard grocery stores started stocking, TJ was still less expensive. Also, lots of different tortilla chips, various grains. They used to have a 3 layer soft cheese in the dairy case - one layer was pesto, don't remember the other 2 - but it melted perfectly over hot pasta for a super easy side dish; my go to for a quick and easy pot luck side. And of course the wine. But now with Aldi and Total wine, the wine is less of a draw.

For us, TJs has always been more entertainment than necessity shopping. Most anything we ever saw that looked interesting was less expensive than other places and good quality.

The only thing I have ever bought at TJ that was (IMHO) inedible were the California rolls. Publix makes a fantastic California roll (albeit a little pricey).

We have not been there in a while. The Orlando store was a nightmare (the traffic and the parking).

What a fun posting. Have fun in Gainesville. Will enjoy hearing how it goes!

[bp243]

Trader Joe’s is a family owned business and they treat their customers like a family. Very few grocery stores have that kind of service anymore. I like the size of the store in our Illinois neighborhood. Unsure why a store isn’t available closer to The Villages.

[MidWestIA]

Thanks I've wondered what makes people love Trader Joes

When we lived in north Dallas we had easy access to it, Whole Foods and Sprouts. Sprouts is great - good produce and lots of prepared items - we have Sprouts here by Whole Foods try them

[sallyg]

Love the Gainesville Trader Joe's! Good deals on wine, cereal, and soaps, shampoos etc, their produce is beautiful.
They have an interesting assortment of sauces and tapenade. We like their snacks too, chips and crackers.
I guess we like everything about this store including the friendly efficient staff. Wish we had one close by. Enjoy!

[airstreamingypsy]

Not a fan of Trader Joe’s but to compare it to Aldi seems strange ad they are nothing alike. To me Aldi is an off brand second hand food store.

I'm so glad you feel that way, one less person in line in my favorite grocery store ever.

[Proveone]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.
"Upscaled" version of Aldi's. Owned by the brother of Aldi's.

[MandoMan]

They have a store brand flatbread pizza with a fila pastry crust and white sauce and herbs for topping that is very good.

[Stu from NYC]

But it's a secret?

No its not but didnt think it was part of the conversation. They do have an excellent selection of wine at all price points.

[fraurose]

[QUOTE=Garywt;2054482]Not a fan of Trader Joe’s but to compare it to Aldi seems strange ad they are nothing alike. To me Aldi is an off brand second hand food store.[/QUO

ALDI IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST Grocery stores in Europe and they have the best products available to The public .
Of course the ones here in the States are totally different .

[EdFNJ]

Our favorite wine is only available at TJ's

But it's a secret?

(Formerly) 2 Buck Chuck ?
Trader Joe's Best 'Two-Buck Chuck' Wines, Ranked (https://www.businessinsider.com/trader-joes-two-buck-chuck-wine-review-charles-shaw-2019-4)

Go ahead. Admit it! :D

[tophcfa]

TJ,s has really good frozen stuff, at a very reasonable price, that makes a quick dinner on the fly. We especially like their frozen fish, chicken fried rice, and eggplant parmigiana, among other things. If you go there, bring a cooler and stock up the freezer.

[Carol@TV]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.

I buy huge bars of chocolate (pound plus), kung pao chicken, tea, and bread. I wish they were closer.

[ValPal58]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.
I love going into Trader Joe’s, if you love having fresh flowers on your table and reasonable little plants treat yourself; they have a great selection usually as you walk in the door. I love their bread and they’ve got a great frozen food section.

[Donegalkid]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.

Their Irish ☘️ tea is excellent.

[D.Bolen]

would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for.

Trader Joe's Low-Sodium (70mg per 8oz) "Organic" Chicken Broth, 32oz Carton/$2.29. Not sure if its availability or price in stores have been impacted during the last year of inflation and shortages as I haven't been to a TJ's in awhile. Great to "stock"-up if they have it. Online (traderjoes.com), I do not see the low-sodium chicken broth and only see the 380mg sodium/8oz version.

[Boomer]

Thanks for this thread.

I like TJ a lot, but I don’t get there often, so I feel like I am missing something because I don’t know enough about their unique offerings.

This thread will make our next pilgrimage to TJ more interesting.

Carry on — please and thank you. :)

Boomer

[Stu from NYC]

(Formerly) 2 Buck Chuck ?
Trader Joe's Best 'Two-Buck Chuck' Wines, Ranked (https://www.businessinsider.com/trader-joes-two-buck-chuck-wine-review-charles-shaw-2019-4)

Go ahead. Admit it! :D

How long ago did they call wine 2 buck chuck? Sine we have been going there cheapest wine is 3 bucks and no our favorite wine costs a bit more than 2x that.

[JMintzer]

Add dark chocolate peanut butter cups, so much better than Reese’s.

Oh, God they are good! My daughter turned my on to them...

[JMintzer]

"Upscaled" version of Aldi's. Owned by the brother of Aldi's.

Nope. That would be Lidl's, Not Trader Joe's...

[PatsyHedrick]

VANILLA BEAN CAKE! - It's not always available, but when it is you want to get a couple (they freeze very well). I have not yet tried the Vanilla Bean cake mix, but I hope it's good enough to carry me thru until the next time I can grab the Frosted Vanilla Bean Cake at the store.

[frank1975]

I had lived in Asheville NC for 6 yrs where there is a TJ. I always preferred Earthfare or Wholefoods. But I will say this TJ had an excellent wine section. Other then that no big deal.

[frank1975]

That $3 wine is $3 for a reason.

[thevillager1988]

Are ALDI and Trader Joe's the same company? - Almost All ALDI (https://www.almostallaldi.com/are-aldi-and-trader-joes-the-same-company/)

[trippond]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.

I was told years ago Trader Joe’s buys up the excess wine barrels at notable wineries and then bottle it under their name. So if you can find the Somelier at TJ‘s and tell them what wine you like they will direct you to their label of it.
Also the chocolate covered coffee beans (you eat like candy) are delicious!

[asianthree]

I was told years ago Trader Joe’s buys up the excess wine barrels at notable wineries and then bottle it under their name. So if you can find the Somelier at TJ‘s and tell them what wine you like they will direct you to their label of it.
Also the chocolate covered coffee beans (you eat like candy) are delicious!

TJ’s does not have any sommelier in stores. It not excess wine they buy, They have certain wineries produce wine for them. Each wine they produce with their name has the bio for the wine, and when cases are gone that’s it. During holidays 3 wines made just for them sold out in a week at most locations

[Barborv]

I used to go to Trader Joes a lot in Long Island. I only go once in a while now because they discontinued my favorite spinach and tofu egg rolls and their blueberry muffins.
But what I do like getting now is the cat cookies (for humans! in the plastic tub) Honey wheat pretzel sticks seasonings, especially "everything but the bagel" one
Bags of nuts , the dried cranberries, dipping sauce, Most of the frozen veggies and preparred meals, Hummas and other dips, and thge New york style cheese cake! YUM,YUM

[scanterbury]

We are new here. Just curious...where is "Restaurant Row", and which restaurants are there?

[asianthree]

How long ago did they call wine 2 buck chuck? Sine we have been going there cheapest wine is 3 bucks and no our favorite wine costs a bit more than 2x that.

California was 2 buck Chuck. Once it left the state it became 3 buck Chuck.

[EdFNJ]

We are new here. Just curious...where is "Restaurant Row", and which restaurants are there? Restaurant Row is in Orlando & Dr Phillips is about 2 miles of just about every kind of restaurant you can think of from McD's to Ruth Cris Steakhouse and everything in between. Big brands, little private places and more. It's rthe Sand Lake Road exit off of I4 right near Universal Studios. Trader Joes and Whole Foods, Publix and all the rest along the road as well as dozens of eateries.

Here you go. a bit outdated but still info: List of Restaurants at Restaurant Row Sandlake Road Orlando (https://www.orlandoescape.com/restaurant-row/)

[EdFNJ]

California was 2 buck Chuck. Once it left the state it became 3 buck Chuck. Today it's 4 bucks Two Buck Chuck. :1rotfl:

[RUCdaze]

I go up to the Gainesville store for my coffee and cereal, but never walk out without getting much more. Quality is terrific, in general, the prices are good while still being somewhat upscale, what we used to call a yuppie shop.

[Barbgf]

I love Trader Joes

[AZ SLIM]

Many years ago when they came out with their $2 wine I found that sometimes it was very nice and sometimes not so much. I would buy a bottle, take it to my car and try a sample. If it was good I would go back and stock up with a few bottles. Most of the time it was not so good. If it was real good I might even buy a case of it.
Cheers

[Bryson]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.


I loved Trader Joe's in Sarasota and would go there as often as possible ... #1, the flowers are gorgeous and are cheap ...#2 their wine assortment is terrific #3 they have unusual items that you can't find other places #4 their whole store is geared towards - quick meal for 1 or 2 ... #5 they get in specialty items at holidays ... my favorite was Kringles - if you don't know what Kringles are ... #6 Fruit Cake from Collins Bakery ... google Kringle or Fruit cake if you don't know ...

[PattiQ]

coming home.... you for this....

[Petersweeney]

Been to a Trader Joe's only a couple of times so don’t know what’s so special about them. We are planning to go to the one in Gainesville and would like to hear from TJ lovers what we should look for. PLEASE, we don’t need to hear from those who don’t know TJ and are happy shopping at Sam's or Costco. Thank you.

I like Costco chickens for 5 dollars -Sams club chickens are pretty good too - how are the chickens atTJs ?

[Carlsondm]

Our Trader Joe’s favs are some of the wines…great mulled too, filet mignon, ginger cookies, frozen food and veggie blends. Frozen food is in reasonable sized bags, not army sized like Costco. More of the food may be processed and not organic though. We like the seasonal items, teas too. I found out about the filet mig while shopping at Costco in Sarasota. Another shopper hinted to go down the road to Trader Joe’s for 30 to 50 % less. Smaller packages of 2 also.

[clouwho]

I miss being near a TJ, but don’t feel like it is worth a two hour round trip drive and .55 per mile wear and tear on car to get groceries. If we are passing thru a TJ town I WILL brian my cooler and load up.
And if they have spatchcock chicken it is the first thing inside.
They are delicious!
“Trader Joe's Spatchcock Chicken comes in a lemon rosemary brine that is super delicious. Spatchcocked basically just means the back bone of the chicken was cut so that it can lay flat when cooking. This allows for more of a crisp on the skin with more surface area and less steam.”

[clouwho]

Tried and true:
Organic Triple Ginger Instant Oatmeal. This is a seasonal item I have to stock up on to last me a while.

Gigante Beans in Tomato Sauce (hard to find gigante beans outside of expensive gourmet or ethnic food shops. I buy these by dozens. They are a favorite grab a hot meal before activity food for me.)

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix. Delicious whether you care about gluten or not. I had these for breakfast today with blueberries. I buy enough to last me a year as these are seasonal

Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheese. If they have it, get it! Wonderful unique treat

Gingerbread Crisps. Delicious and perfect crisp texture.

Dark chocolate peanut butter cups. Yes and yes and please have a glass of ice cold whole milk ready when you give them to me.

And flowers and fresh bakery goods…always come home with both.

There is more but these are a good start!

earth fare that just opened up here has surprisingly good organic, pasture fed, and humane foods if that is a priority. I shop the sales and best priced options. And their grocery manager has been quite agreeable to trying to bring in specific products you are looking for. Tell him you are trying to save yourself a trip to TJ or Whole Foods. He will work it!

As to Aldis, I just don’t get it. I try. I truly do, three or four times a year. I don’t like the experience. Has a second world vibe to it but with first world pricing. As to pricing, there are SOME good and tasty items at good prices there. But I have found a lot of their generic items to be marginal and even inedible (house brand english muffins I am talking to you). With out of control grocery price increases and worsening empty shelves, I am now spreading my shopping across multiple stores like fresh market and earth fare combined with Publix, Walmart, sams ( will add BJ to mix to give them a fair shake) and Winn Dixie (each has sales and savings worth making a trip for once every other week or so to stretch budget while still eating quality food). Aldis never offers me a trip that I feel justifies the lost hour of my life.

Grocery shopping for quality and health on a budget may be an olympic event by year end and I am in training! Game on.

[ithos]

Tried and true:

As to Aldis, I just don’t get it. I try. I truly do, three or four times a year. I don’t like the experience. Has a second world vibe to it but with first world pricing. As to pricing, there are SOME good and tasty items at good prices there. But I have found a lot of their generic items to be marginal and even inedible (house brand english muffins I am talking to you). With out of control grocery price increases and worsening empty shelves, I am now spreading my shopping across multiple stores like fresh market and earth fare combined with Publix, Walmart, sams ( will add BJ to mix to give them a fair shake) and Winn Dixie (each has sales and savings worth making a trip for once every other week or so to stretch budget while still eating quality food). Aldis never offers me a trip that I feel justifies the lost hour of my life.

Grocery shopping for quality and health on a budget may be an olympic event by year end and I am in training! Game on.

How do you spend an hour in Aldi?

You are correct that many of their brands are substandard but not all. They have products that I have trouble finding elsewhere in the same price range.

The baked potato chips(2gm fat), unsweetened organic apple sauce(4 0z), homestyle guac, organic almond milk, German made sauerkrat, organic apples, and few other items. Never spend more than 10 minutes.

[Tracinixt]

They have an amazing wine and cheese selection at very reasonable prices. Their name brand products are super good. Their spices, meats, oils, vinegars, I love their coconut milk and cream in the can and their black beans. Their produce is good and reasonably priced as well. I wish there was one closer.

[CFrance]

coming home.... you for this....
???

[crydzanich]

Are ALDI and Trader Joe's the same company? - Almost All ALDI (https://www.almostallaldi.com/are-aldi-and-trader-joes-the-same-company/)