14 Reasons Trader Joe's Is Better Than Other Grocery Stores

[David777]

Above is for @Pepper, 16 ounces with 36 mini cups for just $4.99

Here in California, the most popular supermarket in recent polls has been Trader Joe's, a California chain, despite the fact it is a smaller specialty market with large numbers of larger supermarket chains as competition. Here in Santa Clara County, we have a dozen stores with the one I visit an easy mile away competing against 6 other supermarkets within about 1.5 miles in this upscale urban area.

14 Reasons Trader Joe's Is Better Than Other Grocery Stores

14 Reasons Trader Joe’s Is Better Than Other Grocery Stores

It's not just hype or a short-lived trend. Research has shown that wherever you see a Trader Joe's store, well, that's the place to be! According to an analysis by real estate tracker Attom Data Solutions, living within shopping distance of this popular grocery chain correlated with the greatest increase in home price over time, beating out both the high-quality, organic-focused Whole Foods and discount food retailer Aldi. Some locations are so popular that, depending on the time of day, you'll even find yourself lined up outside the door just to get inside

So, what makes this grocer stand out from the crowd? Trader Joe's famously eschews traditional advertising and modern conveniences like online shopping, delivery, and curbside pickup, making every shopping experience an in-person event bearing the promise of fresh discoveries, but that unique approach is only part of the story.

Here are 15 reasons you just might find yourself rearranging your routine to explore the wonders that Trader Joe's has to offer. Article headings:

• The beloved private label
• Great quality at affordable prices
• The international flavors
• The innovation
• Accessible food selection
• Affordable organics
• The incredibly vast freezer aisle
• The ultra-friendly customer service
• The impeccable cheese selection
• The free samples
• The wide variety of wine
• The risk-free return policy
• The easy-to-maneuver shopping carts
• The charitable giving

The largest Trader Joe's is in New York City.
The world’s busiest Trader Joe’s is right here in NYC — with a ‘bizarre’ layout and insanely long lines

Plenty of websites that review its products like:

What's Good at Trader Joe's?

For members that live near one of these stores, what are some of your favorite items? Mine will probably be their Strawberry Vanilla creamy flavored Greek Yogurt 5.3 oz cups that I add a heaping spoonful of brown sugar to.

 

[Pepper]

(((@David777)))
I hate peanut butter. I do like peanuts, however.
So nice of you! Thanks!

In my neck of the woods, when there is a grocery recall, it's usually Trader Joe's. Don't know why.

 

[Nathan]

Love Trader Joes, too bad the nearest TJ is 40 miles away.

 

[Michael Z]

Was able to visit a TJ once when visiting the Minneapolis. Found some very interesting items and I would definitely shop there if it was near me. But for my produce shopping, Aldi foods serves my purposes better.

 

[Teacher Terry]

I don’t usually go to Trader Joe’s unless I want a specific item as Winco is much cheaper with a better selection.

 

[jujube]

My problem with Trader Joe's is their insanely small parking lot. Several times I've driven by and thought, "Yeah, I'd like to check them out."

After circling the parking lot a couple of times looking for a spot....any spot.... I'd think, "Naw, too much trouble!"

 

[Marquest]

I totally love TJs, it's my favorite grocery. I also go to Safeway sometimes and get delivery from Whole Foods.

 

[hearlady]

We don't have Trader Joe's in my area. Maybe 40-50 minutes away.
I remember hearing that they had frozen buns and you could make an at home sausage egg mcgriddle. You know the McDonalds breakfast sandwich with the pancake flavored bun. It went viral.

 

[Irishdude]

Trader Joe's is great, but we find we have to go to other stores as well (Costco, Publix, a local butcher, fish store, and a produce truck for six months of the year)

 

[gilead]

Wife buys the ginger cookies at XMAS. Like many of the different items available @ TJ's. Parking is a hassle at times.

 

[Aunt Bea]

When I go to Trader Joe’s I spend most of my time gawking around and end up coming home with a bag of cookies and a bunch of flowers.

 

[Packerjohn]

We used to shop at Trader's Joe when we visited Washington, DC last year. Price for bananas almost for free. Only negative thing was the long lines to pay. Good store.

 

[Twostep]

We don't have Trader Joe's in my area. Maybe 40-50 minutes away.
I remember hearing that they had frozen buns and you could make an at home sausage egg mcgriddle. You know the McDonalds breakfast sandwich with the pancake flavored bun. It went viral.

Is this what you are talking about?
McGriddle Copy Cat Muffins | Teresa Forehand

 

[CallMeKate]

I've always wanted to try shopping at Trader Joe's, but the closest to me is 70 miles away... so not gonna happen.

 

[Lilac]

I love TJ's for their olive & sunflower oils. Pasta products are also nice. They get some really nice things in around the holidays too.

I always buy their puff pastry around Christmas & keep it in the freeze since it's made with all butter.

 

[hearlady]

Is this what you are talking about?
McGriddle Copy Cat Muffins | Teresa Forehand

This:

 

[dilettante]

I've only bought a few of their branded products on Amazon. The quality was always inferior to local grocery store house-brand and no-name products.

 

[HermitHogan]

They have good salmon rub, which I ran out of today. I used it on cod, and it was very good. I wonder if I can get it online somehow.

 

[Leann]

Love Trader Joes, too bad the nearest TJ is 40 miles away.

Same here...except the nearest TJs to me is about 60 miles away. I make the trip out there every few months, though, because they have a number of things I really enjoy.