Trader Joe’s is a favorite grocery store for its rotating product roster. Here’s what we always put in our carts.
Is it a cult? No. But maybe? According to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, Trader Joe’s was once again ranked as the top supermarket chain in the United States. It’s not a fluke; the chain is frequently at the top of most lists of that kind.
People love Trader Joe’s for its prices, its kitsch, and, mostly, for its unique product offerings. The store is known for its private-label products, which are often sourced from small, independent suppliers. These products are often unique and offer a wide variety of options for customers looking to try something new.
As Lindsay Davis, former food industry analyst at CB Insights, explained to CNBC in 2021. “Trader Joe’s has done an excellent job of creating a ‘treasure hunt’ shopping experience with its ever-changing assortment of products, and consumers love it.”
In addition to its product offerings, people love Trader Joe’s for its customer service. The store is known for its friendly and helpful staff, who are often willing to go above and beyond to assist customers. “They have a well-trained staff that’s very friendly and knowledgeable, and that makes for a great shopping experience,” David J. Livingston, a supermarket industry analyst, told USA Today.
“Trader Joe’s has done an excellent job of creating a unique shopping experience that keeps customers coming back for more,” Livingston said.
So, how many Trader Joe’s stores are there? Currently, there are more than 600 Trader Joe’s stores across the U.S. The company has plans to continue expanding its reach, with several new stores set to open in the coming years.
Essential Trader Joe’s products
Shopping at Trader Joe’s is nothing short of fun, but what to buy? These essentials round out our carts for the price, taste, and the planet.
Organic tofu
Tofu is a versatile and popular ingredient, and Trader Joe’s offers a wide range of tofu products. Its organic tofu is made from non-GMO soybeans and is certified organic, meaning it is produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms. Buying organic tofu helps support sustainable farming practices and reduces the environmental impact of food production. It’s an affordable protein, too, typically clocking in under $2 per pack.
Organic brown rice
Brown rice is a fiber-rich staple, and buying organic brown rice at Trader Joe’s can be a sustainable choice. Organic farming methods avoid the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm the environment and contribute to climate change.
Chocolate
For those with a sweet tooth, Trader Joe’s offers a number of chocolate bars and chips that are both delicious and sustainably produced. These chocolate products are made from Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa, which means they are sourced from farms that meet rigorous environmental and social standards. The Rainforest Alliance works to protect forests, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable livelihoods for farmers and communities.
Coffee
Start your morning with Trader Joe’s Fair Trade Organic Sumatran coffee. Trader Joe’s Fair Trade Organic Sumatra Coffee is made with 100 percent Arabica beans grown by small family farmers in northern Sumatra, where the coffee plants thrive beneath a canopy of fruit trees. Harvested and processed entirely by hand, the beans undergo Indonesia’s traditional wet-hulling technique — known locally as Giling Basah — a method that lends the brew its signature depth. Expect a bold, earthy cup with low acidity, full body, and rich notes of dried fruit and molasses, brought out by a careful medium-dark roast.
Organic lentils
Lentils are a cheap, versatile, and sustainable source of protein and fiber. Because lentils cook so quickly, you can buy them in bulk bags, rather than by the can or carton. Like other organic products, organic lentils are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, which reduces the environmental impact of agriculture.
Dairy-free Caesar dressing
Salad dressings can be a hidden source of unsustainable animal products, but Trader Joe’s offers a vegan Caesar dressing that is both delicious and sustainable. This dressing is made with soy milk and vegan Worcestershire sauce and is free from dairy and eggs. Opting for a vegan dressing can reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture and support sustainable food production.
Dairy-free buttery spread
Made in Germany by a trusted supplier, this vegan spread blends sunflower, coconut, and canola oils with shea butter, fava bean protein, and a hint of salt for a flavor that’s unmistakably buttery — without the dairy. Creamy, meltable, and endlessly versatile, it’s a true one-to-one swap for traditional butter. Whether slathered on toast or folded into pastry dough, it delivers all the richness of the real thing with none of the compromise.
Organic avocado
Avocado has become a popular ingredient in a range of meals, and buying organic avocado at Trader Joe’s can be a healthy choice. But avocados can have a high environmental footprint because of its water use, growing process, and shipping footprint. But avocados have a far lower environmental impact than animal products — and you can sub them for eggs and dairy in a number of recipes.
Organic baby spinach
Rich in iron and other nutrients, spinach is a healthy staple. Supporting organic farming is supporting sustainable farming, too. Organic spinach is an essential Trader Joe’s product for every cart.
Dried mango
If you know, you know. The dried mango at Trader Joe’s is utterly addictive. And the no-sugar-added, no-sulphur-added option is a clean, healthy snack perfect for a quick pick-me-up. It’s great deskside, in your kids’ lunches, or when traveling. Stock up as it’s often out of stock!
Related on Ethos:
