Trader Joe's Shopping List: DeGraff Style

It's no secret that I love Trader Joe's... I know I'm not alone here! 

It's affordable (if you follow some tips below), they have the most convenient health foods and their customer service is top notch. 

Obviously I don't exclusively shop here b/c it doesn't have everything... but I will say I do a lot of my weekly shopping haul at TJ's. 

These are our staples. Keep in mind, I love so many "favorites" but for the sake of not listing the entire store, I'll leave you with our regulars. 

Produce: 

• Bananas (cheapest bananas I've found) 
• Pink Lady (or seasonal) bundled apples 
• Bagged whole carrots
• Broccoli slaw (I love to saute this! Also, adds crunch to wraps, tacos, salads) 
• Shaved Brussels sprouts
• broccoli/kale salad mix (I toss the dressing and use another, but this is great for a quick lunch!)
• Pack(s) of organic zucchini
• Bag of sweet potatoes. Great deal! We love the Japanese style "purple" potatoes as well
• Packed Salads: These are $4.99 and if I have a busy week, I pick up a couple. My favorite right now is the "Greens"  and "Harvest" salad pallets.

*What I don't buy here:
Spinach: I find it's often expiring in a few days! I always buy my spinach in bulk at Costco.
Berries: Same as above. Save your berries for Costco. TJ's are usually expensive for quantity 

Dairy/Meat: 
Light string cheese
Feta 
Quattro Formaggio cheese blend (great for a little salad topper, nachos and quesadillas 
0% plain greek yogurt 
2% Cottage cheese 
Yogurt "Squishers" for kiddos 
Turkey hot dogs 
99% lean ground turkey 

*What I don't buy here: 
Eggs (I buy these in bulk at Costco) 
Fish (Costco) 
Deli Meat: This is expensive here! $4.99 for a small pack of Columbus or Applegate. Save this for your grocery deli or Costco

Frozen: 

• Broccoli florets 
• Tri-colored pepper blend
• Shelled edamame 
• Chicken tenders (bag) 
• Chili lime turkey burgers
• Jasmin rice packs (we go through a LOT of this! The best. They also have brown rice, quinoa, rice medley... but trust me, the Jasmin is the best!)
• Naan bread 
• berries (Although I don't buy fresh here, I do snag their frozen berry medley for shakes) 
• Multi grain waffles 

Sauces/Condiments/Misc.

• Bruschetta Sauce (I prefer the jarred! By the tomato sauce. This is a game changer for so many things: eggs, toast, on rice cakes, chicken breast, cottage cheese, etc. 
• Basil Marinara Sauce (Cheap, low sugar... the best!)
• Coconut oil cooking spray 
• Dijon Aoli (great sandwich spread)
• Organic Ketchup (mostly for kiddos)
• Himalayan Sea Salt 
• Chili lime seasoning (the best!)
• Everyday seasoning blend 
• Lemon pepper 
• minced garlic
• Gluten free rolled oats: Absolutely my favorite oats. 

*What I don't buy here:
Cereal (not very economical. So elsewhere- look for sales, or Costco)
Yellow mustard (costco in bulk) 
Avocado Oil (better value at Costco) 
BBQ Sauce: Most have quite a bit of sugar. I stick to Stubb's BBQ sauce (Target, most grocery stores)

Snacks: 

• Honey Wheat Pretzel rods 
• Plantain chips 
• Plain popcorn kernels (bag) 
• Power Crunch bars 
• Quest bars 
• Lara bars

*What I don't buy here: 
Chips (I buy these at Costco. Otherwise I get sucked into every new kind!)
Granola bars for kids (Again, Costco) 
Crackers (tiny boxes. Not getting your money's worth in my opinion)