Navigating Trader Joe's in Five Easy Steps

November 6, 8:56 AMNewark Grocery ExaminerHeather Pare

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Trader Joe’s is a great place to pick up unique and delicious products like Chocolate Covered Edamame or surfboard shaped corn chips. Unlike most super markets, Trader Joe’s is able to keep low prices because most products are their own brand rather than name brands. This allows you to get gourmet and organic foods at a fraction of the normal cost.  They sell everything from paper towels to coffee to vitamins to cereal. They are usually smaller than most supermarkets, closer to the size of a CVS than a Shop Rite, but with all the new and interesting products, it can be hard to navigate. Here are five easy steps.

Step 1: When you walk in you will encounter the colorful produce area. The bananas are cheap and never fail. That is where the pros of the produce section end. Most of the produce is not local and you might end up with something rotten. They will reimburse you for rotten product, but still, it’s annoying and offputting.

Step 2: Cereal and condiments are a must! If you’re freaked out by ingredients you can’t pronounce or don’t want high fructose corn syrup in your ketchup, barbeque sauce or bread, definitely check out Trader Joe’s for natural alternatives.

Step 3: Pick up some “dairy.” Trader Joe’s has a ton of different  yogurts and milks to try. Organic skim milk is cheap and if you are looking for something a little different, they have great deals on Almond, Rice and Soy milks. Yogurts include Greek style, Eurpoean style, soy and more.

Step 4: Try something new. Because most things at Trader Joe’s are fairly inexpensive it’s a good idea to try something new. For example, a variety of natural nut butters and agave are much cheaper than at other markets!

Step 5: Checkout time! Treats will tempt you at the checkout, so tread carefully. Leave the coupons at home; they will not be accepted here.