Trader Joe’s Grocery List
If Trader Joe was a person, he’d be the biggest heartthrob of the century and I’d try to swoop him up faster than you can say “Joe Joe’s.” Trader Joe’s is my go-to spot for getting refrigerator and pantry staples for eating clean(er) with simple yet flavorful meals.
Here’s what you need to stock up on your next grocery run:
Lemony Arugula Salad Kit
This salad kit is packed with spicy arugula and colorful carrots as a perfect base. It also comes with an amazing lemon and cilantro salad dressing that Trader Joe’s doesn’t sell by itself (sadly). For toppings, there’s parmesan cheese and crushed almonds for just enough salt and crunch.
Grape Tomatoes
I love these little baddies because I hate getting whole tomatoes, forgetting about them, and then the entire things going to waste. These are perfect when you need a handful for a salad, and omelet, or as a little snacky. If/When they are about to go bad, or get wrinkly, just pop them into the oven with some olive oil or put them into a soup or sauce.
Pastrami-style Smoked Salmon
If you love smoked fish, this will become your go-to topping for the Lemon Arugula Salad Kit. I’ve tried that salad with chicken, steak, shrimp, and baked salmon, and nothing hits the way this smoked salmon does. The fatty richness and smoky flavor balance the brightness in the salad. It’s a must, MUST-have.
Oat Creamer (Brown Sugar)
Out of the plant-based creamers that Trader Joe stocks its shelves with, this brown sugar one is one you can’t miss out on. It’s creamy enough for a frothy latte, and just sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding on an obnoxious amount of calories. I’ve tried the coconut and almond milk one too, and this one is far superior.
Cold Brew Concentrate (French Roast)
My Sole Fitness team always calls me their “over-caffeinated little sister” and this is probably why. I always start my morning with a glass of this stuff. The flavor, when diluted with some water and oat creamer, is exactly what I need to get my day started. I find the other cold brew concentrate flavors a bit too acidic for my taste.
Gluten-free Rolled Oats
A staple for…you guessed it, overnight oats. I’m also finding I tend to be sensitive toward gluten (although I’ve never found a pasta dish, cookie, or fresh pastry I didn’t like), so this is a smart daily solution for long-lasting fullness through the start of my day.
Almond Milk
Who even drinks cow milk anymore?
Frozen Blueberries
Aside from frozen mangoes, frozen blueberries reign as the superior frozen fruit. You can blend them into smoothies, eat them on their own, bake them into muffins, and use them to top oatmeal and yogurt parfaits.
Sparkling Water
I don’t like or drink sodas because of the sugar, but I do sometimes crave the fizz of a pop. Trader Joe’s Sparkling Waters are flavored with fruit and help me kick that craving.
Barebells Protein Bars
I promise you, these candy bar-like protein bars will change your life. They aren’t chalky like other bars, and instead, taste like your favorite bar from the convenience store. I always opt for Cookies and Cream!