I don’t often go to Trader Joe’s. This is not because I don’t like it there, but actually because I like it too much and always want to bring home all the things. Do you guys have stores of impulse buy like this too? For instance, on this trip to Trader Joe’s I absolutely had to buy Umami Paste. Just for the idea of umami in a tube, right? For $1.99, it was worth seeing what this is all about — but it basically looks like they took all the umami things they could find and crammed them all together in one condiment. This little tube of umami contains tomato paste, and red wine vinegar, and Parmesan cheese, and olives, and anchovy paste, and mushroom powder, and balsamic vinegar… but it looks like it doesn’t contain MSG itself, for those of you who are sensitive to that. Read the ingredients and see what you think.
But now what do I do with my umami paste first, is the real question. I’m thinking of making a batch of pasta sauce and adding a little umami-in-a-tube to see what happens. Anyone else tried it yet?
Trader Joe’s also got me with this Hatch chile salsa ($2.79). Because: Obviously. This, I’m quite looking forward to trying tomorrow when I’m feeling more like myself.
Picked up one bottle of Trader Joe’s sparkling lime water ($.79) to see how it compares to Ice Mountain. Tried it today and it’s not bad, but more reminiscent of the ALDI flavored sparkling water than the name brand.
High School Guy and I both enjoyed these chicken chile verde burritos — they were quite good paired with a little spicy salsa and diced avocado, with a nice flavor and generous chunks of chicken. At $2.99 for the pair, I’d get these again for a quick lunch.
Trader Joe’s was giving away jars of pumpkin spice cookie butter with purchase at all the registers, so this one wasn’t an impulse buy per se. I’m not trying it, because: 1) sugar, and 2) pumpkin — Mr. 9 made a face at the very idea and High School Guy is also not a big pumpkin fan, so will be giving this away to a friend. But free is free, right?
What did you last impulse buy at Trader Joe’s?
Tell me it’s not just me…
Mandy
Sunday 22nd of January 2017
I shop at TJ's every few months. I'm not claustrophobic that I know of, but, TJ's in Glen Ellyn and the old Whole Foods in Wheaton make me want to run screaming from the building. I buy the CA EVOO and their Honey as I read somewhere a few years ago that they were both what they say they are and not adulterated. Of course, since I'm now reading (Snore!), Real Food Fake Food, I'm not so sure. I guess it goes back to buy real whole food in it's original form from a source you trust, and make your own. I have no intention of pressing olives anytime soon, and I'm terrified of bees, so, I guess I will have to trust someone, so, TJ's it is
peaches
Sunday 22nd of January 2017
Tom Mueller's website the truth in olive oil lists reasonably priced olive oil that is available in supermarkets, that he thinks is authentic. He likes three of Trader Joe's olive oil, as well as Whole Foods 365 California blend, as well as one of the blends at costco. Here is a link to his site. http://truthinoliveoil.com/2012/09/toms-supermarket-picks-quality-oils-good-prices
Jen
Sunday 22nd of January 2017
I can't get out of there (with Ms. 9 and Ms. 13) without frozen mac & cheese bites along with the marinara sauce to dip. They also love love love the Cheddar rockets - best cheese crackers ever! Their saffron is really reasonably priced, as are their other spices.
Valentina S.
Saturday 21st of January 2017
I haven't shopped at Trader Joe since summer 2016. I used to be a fan of TJ 10 years ago when we lived in CA. Since I discovered couponing and shopping at ALDI, I shop at TJ a few times a year.
SmartShopper
Saturday 21st of January 2017
I am a huge fan of Trader Joe's. I go once a week.
jane
Saturday 21st of January 2017
I am the opposite. I leave Trader Joe's and get home and wish I had gotten more! There are so many items I like there, but I try to be careful and not overbuy... I also love shopping at Target because there are so many beautiful housewares to look at, but then I just go and buy the groceries I came for. I'm pretty good at sticking to my list, but sometimes wish I had bought something that I resisted.