We like their frozen fruit, especially the berry blends and mango chunks; frozen tri-color pepper strips; frozen roasted corn and frozen roasted peppers and onions; chipotle salsa (we can't live without it); most of the bread products, including the California Style Complete Protein bread and whole wheat pita; the fresh pizza dough at 99 cents!!; fruit and nut blends; canned, salt-free tomato products; organic low sodium chicken broth; mango sorbet; and on and on. To say I love the store is an understatement. My husband even got me the book on Trader Joe's for my birthday a few years ago. It may be that I have a Trader Joe's problem . . . .

Their Mediterranean Hummus is the best I've ever had. Drooling just thinking about it. Yum!

Nitrate-free meats.

Dips/spreads-- eggplant garlic, roasted red pepper, etc. Not cheap but so good.

Their organic mac anc cheese is much cheaper than at our grocery store.

We're too far away to keep up on their rotations (used to live 3 blocks from one, sigh), but some of the longer-term items I have our DIL pick up for us are the

Tart de Alsace (slice up for fast, no-fuss appetizer)
Green chile and cheese tamales (perfect for dressing up or a side)
Brown rice medley (includes daikon radish seed and black barley))
Joe's canned cherrystone clams (we're far inland, great being relative for us)
and of course, three-buck (here) chuck, also great relatively speaking.

the frozen chocolate croissants are my fave--you let them rise overnight and bake in the morning--soooo good!! The apricot cheese and the jarred spaghetti sauce, and much of the baked goods. Must go there now...

I buy most of my basics here. For many years this was about the only place I shopped. You have to look a the calories and fat if you buy the processed food, but at least you know that it's not Con Agra junk.

I buy meat, all dairy, some produce (not all of it is good), tuna in olive oil for pasta, cherrystone clams, lots of wine, lots of Zonin prosecco, hummus, organic pasta, maple syrup, frozen garlic and basil in case of emergencies...and then I treat myself to the frozen chocolate croissants that rise overnight!

I don't, however, like any of their coffee or "2Buck Chuck".

Love TJ's sugar - free all fruit berry jams.

I've bought spoiled milk and yogurt there so many times I don't bother with any of the dairy products there.

Wines are super! But not for sale at Maryland TJ's due to the Blue Laws. Too bad!

I'm close to two and couldn't manage without TJ. I concur with most of what's already been listed, plus a few others:

Unsalted (yes, unsalted) peanut butter
English cheddars
1/2 & 1/2 (can't beat the price)
Bushmills (ditto)
French roast coffee (whole bean)
Dried cranberries
Pecan/cranberry/rosemary combo (sprinkle on salads or just eat plain, divine)
TJ soy milk, esp. chocolate
Tofu edamame nuggets (don't laugh till you've tried 'em)
Smoked trout in oil (my personal favorite)

Baltra: Yes, I really miss the wine at the Maryland Costco. Whenever I visit friends back in my old stomping ground of Arlington, VA., a stop at that Costco is a must!

The first one in our area opens soon, can't wait to try it out!

Nuts . . . cashews, almonds, wasabi almonds, sesame honey cashews; all high quality, and a great buy. Smoked salmon is the best. Kalamata olive oil is fabulous. Their woven wheat and multigrain entertainment crackers are a staple in our house. Fresh mushrooms--all kinds--are great, other veggies and fruit are good but you have to eat them quickly (they're usually at the peak of ripeness). They also have a good variety of veggie/vegan items for my vegan daughter, all high quality. Trader Joe's is closer than any large supermarket for me, so I find that I go there more often than anywhere else. I was surprised that someone commented on spoiled milk and yogurt. I have bought that frequently there and have never had a problem with them over many years. Also, TJs will refund your $$ for anything that you're not satisfied with. What a wonderful neighborhood store.

melissastar - I was happy to read that you buy raclette cheese there. I just found a raclette grill and haven't been able to locate the cheese anywhere.

All of the things listed here sound yummy. A TJ opened in Louisville recently and I haven't made the hour+ trek yet. Guess it's time for a road trip!

Ditto to all the above plus
- the all natural, no sugar, no salt added chunky peanut butter
- TJ organic, fair trade wake up blend coffee beans
- TJ non fat Greek yogurt
- nuts (cheaper than Costco)
- brown rice wraps
- sublingual b12, 6, folic acid
- organic milk / dairy products
- FREE fresh coffee w 1/2 & 1/2 ALL the time! :-)

wine!

Anna, I'm in love with the unsalted crunchy peanut butter. I eat more of it by the spoonful than spread on anything.

The nuts are the best buy anywhere. I made some baklava for the first time and needed pistachios and pecans, both toasted. TJ has them!

I love their tempting trail mix, chocolate banana muffins and definitely the pub cheese. I use the spicy one with some shredded chicken for dip for parties sometimes.

Greek yogurt
Tuna packed in water (blue can)
pineapple salsa
fresh wild salmon
whole wheat sourdough bread (sliced for sandwiches)
sweet potato fries (frozen)
frozen halibut
peanut butter dog biscuits
In So. Cal, our produce at TJ is fresh.

Williamsem, you are in for a treat. We had one open just a few months ago near us. I had no experience with them until then. I'm still overwhelmed by all the different foods they have and the company really seems to care about where their food comes from and who makes it. They have stuff you won't find anywhere else and I have yet to eat something I could not finish.

Linelle, a new jar of TJ peanut butter gets packed in my suitcase whenever I travel. Yes, it's a daily staple! :-)

Pastures of Eden feta (from Israel)
Unbelievably creamy and delicious

Candy cane Joe Joes. Only available near Christmas, but on par with good sex. They are THAT good.

A lot of the stuff already mentioned and .. I'm ashamed to admit it ... But their frozen jasmine rice is really good :)

Favorites:
Most all of their organic items are a hit...one exception is the peanut butter. It used to be great but they changed it.

Frozen potatoes w/ bell pepper and onion
Frozen potatoes with harcorts
Shredded Parmesan cheese
precooked bacon w/ no nitrites
dark chocolate covered joe-joes (only available around Christmas but OH, so worth it!
Pumpkin pancake mix
Gummy penguins

Things we don't like
they have the WORST cream cheese Ever.
Don't care for some of their cookies...the soft almond ones almost made me throw up (sorry)

We do ALOT of shopping at Joe's ...love the store, love most of the products. Makes buying organic affordable for the most part

Funny, I was just there today....again!

We love the:

dark chocolate covered almonds
Chickenless Mandarin orange chicken
Japanese Edamame Rice
Tempura Chicken
Shakespearean Rice
Chocolate covered Dunkers
Peanut Butter Dog Cookies
Half and Half
Croissants - any!

and Christmastime - we love those dark chocolate covered star cookies! Great for gifts, too.

Helene

Didn't see anyone post about their spreads like hummus, cheese(all kinds are cheaper than anywhere especially Brie), but my fav is the bruchetta:) awesome on toasted bread slices with goat cheese, yum!

We have a TJ's 3 blocks from our house so I'm there every week.

Our favs:

Peanut butter pretzels
Salsa authentica
Sweet potato fries
Reduced guilt tortilla chips
Organic pasta
Vodka sauce
Toasted coconut cookies
Fleur de sel caramels (used to be at Christmas only, but they had them last week)
Nuts
Their special olive oil they sell only in the fall
Dark chocolate covered pomegranate seeds
New York style cheesecake
String cheese and cheddar sticks
Organic baby spinach in the bag
Organic arugula and most other greens in the bag
Broccoli slaw
Pearl/grape tomatoes
Shredded carrots

I don't like any of the TJ's prepared products. Most are way too salty for me, but we generally don't do processed foods or foods with sugar. We regularly buy dairy, frozen fruits and veggies there. Also cereal, sandwich bread and olive oil, and occasionally whole chicken or chicken breasts. They do have a good selection of healthy cereals.

I like the store, but for a limited selection of items, but I think I go there as often as I do because it's really close to my house. If it were not, I doubt I'd make the trip on a regular basis. I know I'm in the minority on this one. Everyone I know buys more there than I do.

My first year out of college, I rented a studio apartment directly across the street from trader joes in Coolidge corner in Brookline mass. So as a single 21 year old, you might imagine I was there a lot. I think I lived on tasty bite that year!

They don't allow Tjs to sell liquor in my state - boo! But when I spent a few months in Albuquerque, they had a really nice selection of beer.

There isnt one particularly convenient for me right now, but I do go there occasionally to stock up on sesame peanut salad dressing (DH favorite), reduced guilt spinach yogurt dip, and crackers and pita chips.

Oh, Oh, the Candy Cane Joe Joes at Christmas! If you've never had to hide cookies at your house, these will make you do it. Just unbelievable, and get them early cause they always sell out. I buy them for all my neighbors and get lots of big smiles.

2 more things I wanted to mention.

. 1. TJ's had the BEST service when I was Preggo with the twins and needed to get anything from the grocery store, I would go there because the employees would see me waddle in with my other 2 kids and literally run around the store to grab what I needed. As well as a treat for my kids. That was probably one of the most helpful and meaningful experiences of my pregnany that I will always remember and remain loyal to them for. I KNOW that would never happen at any other grocery in my area, and walking those huge aisles to get to the milk in the back was nearly impossible for me with the issues I was having.

2. I believe trader joes and Aldi are part of the same company? I think we might need al aldi thred next :) the only thing we get at aldi are the giant Swiss chocolate bars, which my dh loves for some reason?

Balsamic vinegar in the little square bottle
Trader Jose's lager

Friendly, helpful staff, without being patronizing. Parking is easy. I like the other shoppers, unlike some you run into at Whole Foods. ;-)

The Spinach and Kale Dip in Greek yogurt is fantastic. I use it to make tuna salad instead of mayo and top baked potatoes with it instead of butter or sour cream. Yum.

We also get the Gluten-free oats and all of our nuts there.

Best price on Manchego cheese anywhere - fantastic taste, too. I got a great turkey there last year for Thanksgiving. And I've hosted large parties entirely with TJ. They have a great prosecco for like $8 - not too sweet, not too dry. The ladies loved it.

And the best newsletter ever. I love when it comes in the mail. Don't laugh until you've tried it. It's wildly entertaining.

We make a monthly or bi-monthly run to TJ's. I find here in NYC their prices are sometimes half of what we pay in other super markets. We don't buy a lot of their prepared foods, but we do buy items to stock our freezer and pantry. I love that there is only ONE choice (don't have to think/comparison shop with my toddler in tow) and it's all organic!

- nuts, dried fruits, seeds
- frozen fruits (mango, berries, etc) and veggies (corn, peas, peppers, etc.)
- canned beans, tomatoes, olives, capers
- pasta and grains (couscous, quinoa, etc.)
- baking needs (sugar, brown sugar, whole wheat flour, etc.)
- spices (sea salt, pepper, oregano, etc. - not a huge variety but they do stock some staples)
- tofu
- teas
- cheeses
- hummus
- wraps/pita/mini bagels
- nut/seed butters (almond, cashew, sunflower seed, etc.)

Lobster ravioli.

I love T.J.'s. Lots of great suggestions above and since I didn't read through everything (sorry) I'll add that if you or someone you cook for needs to be gluten-free, they are very helpful. A close friend of mine has Celiac and I've been abble to make full dinners, appetizers to desserts, very easily without gluten. Ask them for their gluten free list or download from their website -- there's a ton of stuff (including chips and crackers) and it all tastes good.

Absolutely agree on the friendly staff. I've had great recommendations for everything from wine to chocolate for bread pudding.

I've never been there either, although there's one about an hour from me. I've gotta get out more!!

Five seed almond bars

sas95, I agree with you. It's fun to stop in once in a while, but there is very little there to purchase, due to the fact I cook my own food.

ground almond-almond flour,-
white balsamic vinegar,- Baker Josef's flour(high protein compares to king arthur),-
wine, -spinach salad with nuts, cranberries, cheese,- cheeses,- low fat coconut milk for Thai inspired food,- curry sauces in a jar- and try their spices, very fresh-chocolate chips are great tasting---and just bought 9 boxes of crackery, snackery things for dd and pal to eat on their 2 day road trip back to school in the western u.s.--- and nuts

We have our first TJ's in CO opening next year--one in Boulder and the other in Cherry Creek. Probably won't shop there often as Boulder is an hour from me and CC is 45 minutes and a lot of crappy traffic. However, due to all your wonderful reviews, I'll definitely have to give them a try. Thanks for all the tasty suggestions!

ground almond-almond flour,-
white balsamic vinegar,- Baker Josef's flour(high protein compares to king arthur),-
wine, -spinach salad with nuts, cranberries, cheese,- cheeses,- low fat coconut milk for Thai inspired food,- curry sauces in a jar- and try their spices, very fresh-chocolate chips are great tasting---and just bought 9 boxes of crackery, snackery things for dd and pal to eat on their 2 day road trip back to school in the western u.s.--- and nuts

Like williamsem, we're getting one very soon (maybe we live in the same place). In our market, TJ's is going head-to-head with one of Wegmans' flagship stores. They're even in the same plaza. Should be interesting...

Vanilla Joe-Joe's, simply addicting. candy cane joe-joe's, yummy!!!

shredded pork, premade, great for a quick sandwich
frozen salmon
animal crackers (organic) very good and not alot of sugar
cinnamon graham crackers - nice and thick
marinated pork tenderloin , peppercorn i think, always turns out moist and tender. cooks quick
lite shredded 3 cheese blend
cherry tomatos
reduced sugar strawberry jam
fiber granola bars, relatively new, kids love them
their version of nutri-grain bars, very good
dark chocolate covered ginger
sea salt brownies
3 layer hummus
was buying nitrate-free bacon and hot dogs there, but BJ's now carries same brand for alot less

great nut and dried fruit selection

great store, great customer service, very friendly employees.

Love Trader Joe's and I was there twice this week, so far.

My favorites:
The light string cheese
Fig Cereal Bars
Frozen fully cooked edamame
sourdough bread
Kettle style popcorn (in the little bags)

One of my favoites blogs is: What is good at Trader Joe's? Here is the link: http://www.whatsgoodattraderjoes.com/

Here is a link that might be useful: What is good at Trader Joe's Blog

The freeze dried strawberries and golden pineapple. The nuts/trail mixes - love the wasabi one. And the just mango dried mango. Oh and chocolate covered ginger and the three ginger cookies.

LOVE their Lemon Pepper and Everyday Spice grinders. also--their gluten-free pancakes. Best. gluten-free. pancakes. EVER. (It's a drag to be diagnosed with Celiac Disease at 50. Two years in...I'm dealing.)

Oh my goodness-I think there have been 2 things I haven't liked there.
This ________ walked into a bar--their version of nurtigrain bars-they have fig(taste like fig newtons), strawberry, blueberry and apple
Almond vanilla cereal
Ginger almond granola
Their FULL FAT greek yogurt-strawberries and cream, honey or mango/apricot
They carry a peach sparkling wine-get that, chill it and add some of their raspberry wine
lemon pepper pasta
lemon curd-then get their vanilla wafers to dip in it
Frozen section
Fruit floes
creme brulee
gnocci a la gorgonzola-I cook it with mushrooms and their baby broccoli-pair with a ceasar salad and dinner is served
Organic jasmine rice-it is fluffier than the regular for some reason
Sweet Potato Frites-BEST sweet potato fries ever
BBQ teriyaki chicken
Orange mandarin chicken
Turkey meatballs
Bean so green-a veggie mix with a yummy sauce
Their mini pizzas
Tempura birds nests, mushroom turnovers, and their mini hotdogs wrapped up in pastry are all great for parties
Their frozen garlic Naan bread is yummy

Carrot cake cookies
Maple Leaf Cookies
Coconut thins I think they are called
Joe Joes cookies

I will need to try those ice cream sandwiches! I need to make a TJ's run since we are pretty much out of everything we buy there.

Appetizers:
mini chicken tacos
lemongrass chicken stix

Entrees and other things for entrees:
Mandarin orange chicken
Veggie spring rolls
brown rice bag
Mac and Cheese, the best creamy cheese
Chili Lime Chicken burgers
Organic Marinara
fresh pasta/ravioli
naan
Israeli couscous

Bananas 19 cents/lb every day

I love TJs....we don't get wine in grocery stores here so I've never had the $$ chuck...but would love to try it some time.

I've been addicted at various times to various things at TJs including their meringue cookies and their chocolate nonpareils. While their cookies are very tasty, I don't find any soft and chewy type. Great selection of chocolates from around the world....can use it like wine tasting.

We always shop there for crackers as their selection of whole grain and multi grain is the best. Love their edamame crackers. I also get my whole wheat english muffins there.

If any of you, like I, have certain issues, try their 100% cranberry juice. I put just a splash in a tall glass of seltzer and it is amazing. So different from the usual sugary water with some cranberry in it.

Lately I've been buying their grass fed beef and it is incredibly flavorful, besides not having any pink slime (bleccch).

But whenever I'm baking anything that calls for chocolate, I always buy their belgian chocolate. I make a chocolate lava cake using their dark pounder plus and it is A -MAZ -ING! I recently made Awesome Brownies using their chocolate as well. Excellent!

I also buy their lightly salted mixed nuts and get other nuts there for baking and eating.

But in our area, TJs prices their bananas by the "each" not "lb".

Once I bought one of their chicken sausages that was really good, but since then, i can't seem to buy the right one again....they have several.

I've been not happy with their frozen foods but based on your recommendations, will have to try some again. I typically don't eat any frozen prepared foods as I make my own.