What Not to Buy at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe's

When Trader-Joe's-less towns finally have access to the low-cost grocery retailer, locals get—rightfully—excited. Even New York City, a town that has pretty much everything, had lines around the block when TJ's opened its doors there in 2006. Still, while Trader Joe's offers lots of delicious products at fantastic prices, not everything on your shopping list is best purchased there. Here's what we suggest skipping the next time you're filling your cart.


Produce
While Trader Joe's is known for its fresh produce, which isn't sprayed or rinsed with preservatives to extend shelf-life, we can't endorse buying a week's worth of fruits and veggies at once. Produce at TJ's tends to be ripe and ready for immediate consumption, which will lead to rotten fruit within a day or so. However, if you're stopping in to pick up some things for the evening's meal or next day's breakfasts, don't hesitate to buy.

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Bread
Much like Trader Joe's produce, breads at TJ's tend to go bad quickly. Even after being placed in the fridge to extend the life, a Kaboodle staffer's bread started to mold within a week. Unlike produce, which you can buy as needed, unless you're going through a loaf of bread in a few days, it's best to skip it all together.

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Meat
Trader Joe's stores lack proper butcher departments, only offering a small assortment of pre-packaged meats from unknown origins—at prices that rival Whole Foods. For a heartier TJ's meal, head to the frozen foods department and pick up some of the delicious pre-made dishes instead.

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Sushi
At lunchtime, the sushi in the refrigerator case may look tempting, but Trader Joe's keeps its sushi prices down by using less-than-delicious fish (imitation crab is heavily represented), fish proteins, and potato starch. If you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, grab a pre-made salad instead. Most have fewer than 400 calories (dressing included) and are highly recommended by Kaboodle staffers.

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What to Buy
Even though we might not stock up on everything at Trader Joe's, there are some must-haves on our list. You won't regret snagging great small-lot wines for under $10 (we'd suggest avoiding the famous and not-so-delicious "Two Buck Chuck"), small indulgences like mini peanut butter cups, yogurt-covered pretzels, healthy snacks like hummus and frozen edamame, and all-natural cleaning and beauty products at TJ's.