No, you can’t buy an amethyst ring there, but if you’re looking for cheap, high quality foodstuffs you can do way worse than Trader Joe’s. If there’s one in your area, I highly recommend checking it out (no, I’m not advertising for Trader Joe’s right now—just voicing my appreciation). If there’s not a store in your area, you should write the company a letter, begging them to build one. Trust me, you will soon cultivate your own appreciation.
First of all, you can buy environment-friendly toilet paper and paper towels for cheap. I don’t know when and why these items became so expensive, but your regular grocery stores seem to be making a killing off these essentials. TJ’s also offers environment-friendly soap, shampoo and lotion products for the morning shower session.
Beyond toiletries, they have a great wine selection, affordable quality spirits, and the cheapest six-pack of beer (Simpler Times) you’ve ever seen. Yes, three bucks for a six-pack of lager or pilsner—and it’s drinkable! They also have an entire shelf full of delicious, healthy juices. My personal favorites are the Mango Peach and the Garden Patch, which in my opinion is both healthier and tastier than V8. And if you’re dehydrated, select from any number of their filtered, electrolyte-enhanced mineral waters.
Food-wise, I’ve fallen in love with Trader Joe’s bags of wasabi-flavored arugula. I know it sounds weird, but try it with some lemon, olive oil, and tomato slices and tell me you’re not hooked. For a more substantial meal, they’ve got great healthy frozen pizzas, an excellent selection of grass-fed ground beef and other good cuts of meat, fresh high-quality seafood, and even a sizable amount of soy and vegan products, like tempeh and tofu. Another favorite product of mine is their Soyaki sauce, which is heavenly on pot stickers or pretty much anything.
If you’re looking for a little desert, they’ve got you covered, right down to their 80% dark chocolate bars. It’s hard for me to get out of the store without buying one of these.
On top of all this, Trader Joe’s staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, always engaging you in conversation and making recommendations. They also feature a sample booth, where you can munch on a quick freshly prepared snack and sip hot coffee. Overall, I’d say this store facilitates a very social atmosphere and a selection of quality products that are equal to places like Whole Foods while being considerably less expensive. Give it a try.
