Trader Joe’s started trading in back in 1967 – maybe that’s where the Tiki theme came from? Anyway, this store is more than just a store, it’s a trader-themed shopping experience that brings the best and tastiest groceries from all corners of the globe to you. Sure it’s kitsch – there are tikis and grass hut displays where ever you turn but this is all part of the charm. It makes shopping a personal experience, not a sterile inhospitable one. In fact, one of Trader Joe’s main selling points is that they don’t try to be like their grocery chain competitors – they march to their beat of their own – tribal – drum.
Finding Inner Peas at Trader Joe’s
There are over 400 Trader Joe stores in 30 states. Each store is different but all adhere to the Trader Joe principle. Their house brand products have hilarious names that take the whole novelty-shopping thing to the next level. My kids love Inner Peas – a crisp, salty pea flavored snack – a packet of which buys me a whole lot of peace on the way home from the store.
Chocolate coated everything
This is the place to come when you want something exotic – but be warned, these treats end up becoming staples in your weekly shopping – like the ridiculously good Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Milk Chocolate Bar. I know, right? And speaking of chocolate, these guys have an impressive range of chocolate covered things the likes of which you’ve never seen before – chocolate covered potato chips, anyone? How about chocolate edamame peas?
Budget-friendly, totally drinkable wine
Right, so Trader Joe’s is also famous for it’s super cheap and delicious wine including a Merlot which can be had for the princely sum of $2.99 – and it’s very drinkable. I must confess. Shoppers are very loyal to Trader Joes. It was recently voted the number 2 grocery chain in America after Wegmans (a tough act to follow). Did you know that the private label Trader Joe’s range is all GMO-free. That gets my vote alone.
My favorite , worth the hour and a quarter drive from my home. Has the best for the best prices.
The prices and the range of products are the best!
ST Cloud Mn needs a Trader Joe’s BAD!!
We need a Trader Joe’s in the Poconos. I have to travel to NJ. Please consider this request.
Thank You!
I would like to know more about Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is my favorite grocery store. Found them
All along the West Coast in the ’90’s. Good prices–
and I don’t have to worry about MSG in their products.
I would move next door to them if I could–I drive about
an hour (one way) to get to the store on Preston Rd. in
Plano, TX.
We agree about the MSG, it’s great not to have to worry about nasty additives in our food.
Love trader joe’s. I drive45 minutes to get there.
It’s totally worth the drive, right?
When are you coming to Stuart, Fl. 34997 ?
Hi my name is Deanna Brady and I just wanted to drop you a quick note here to let you know what a great job you have done with your Why I Love Trader Joe’s article – the only thing you forgot to mention is the peanut butter pretzels