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Trader Joe's is a local favorite
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Trader Joe's is the place to go whether you are on a budget or looking for a great deal. It is also one of my favorites for stocking up your pantry and freezer. They have budget friendly prices, ready-made meals that you just heat and serve, and healthier options than some grocery stores at a fraction of the cost. However, if you are looking for a commercialized product, e.g. cereal with a tiger on it, you are not going to find that here. What you will find are healthier choices, unique products, and savings when it comes to your grocery budget.
While Trader Joe's doesn't offer sale prices and specials like other stores to entice you, the quality and variety they offer at a lesser price is enough to get me going there every week. Trader Joe's also offers healthier choices for the consumer who wants foods with ingredient labels she can read and proud to give to her family. They have organic, local, free range, chemical free, and even alternative choices for those of us with food sensitivities. In addition, a recent change to the store is allowing the consumer the option of buying fresh fruits and vegetables in bulk or as a single item. Now you can buy your avocados one a time if that is all you need.
Smaller than your average grocery store, Trader Joe's is still able to provide you with what you need to stock your pantry:
Canned and container goods. Beans are great as a side dish or add to soups or salads. Soups come both in canned and container forms. The containers are great because unused portions can be put in the fridge for later use. Many of the soups, like the tomato and red pepper soup, can be used as is or can be a base for richer soup or meal by adding meat and/or vegetables.
Whole grains. Rice, quinoa, corn, oats, wheat. Whether you are looking for breads, pasta, cereals, or even snacks, there are many whole grain and multigrain products available. Looking to eat more whole grains? Try quinoa. It is high in protein, easy to make and very versatile. Try adding diced tomatoes and black olives.
Broth. Chicken, beef, and vegetable broths are available in a container that can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. No MSG and you don't have to use the whole thing at once like the cans at other stores! Broth is great for cooking and steaming your food in place of water for extra flavor, as a warm beverage, and as a stock for soup.
Nuts and dried fruits. TJ's has a great selection! You can make your own trail mix or choose one of their already prepared mixes. These are great snacks or can be added to meals for extra flavor and nutrients.
Tea/Coffee. While you may not find your typical brand, there are many options available. You can even make your own iced tea at home by simply boiling 1-2 quarts of water, adding 2-4 tea bags depending on your taste (mix and match your flavors!) and then add ice and sweetener to taste. This is a great alternative to those pre-made options that are saturated with artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Sweeteners. Whether you like sugar, agave syrup, or honey, the options are quite affordable. Many come in resealable pouches or containers which helps to keep them fresh.
Frozen foods. They offer many choices in the frozen food section alone. Frozen foods are important for those last minute meals or for when you desire a seasonal fruit of vegetable when it is not in season. Frozen fruits and vegetables require little to no additives to preserve them and are a budget friendly way to add fruit to your energy shake or as a quick side dish. Other frozen items vary from seafood and meats to ready made meals to appetizers for last minute guests. A bag of cooked shrimp can be a great appetizer or added to a meal-just thaw and serve, it is that easy.
Trader Joe's has many locations. Check them out the next time you go grocery shopping. They even offer free samples! Whether it is to try the latest item offered, or to have your child happy while you shop, it is a plus in my book! Happy shopping!
Wishing you good health!
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