I won’t lie, a huge influx of Instagram messages I recieve are about Trader Joe’s 🙂 I often share what I grabbed at the store, what I’m cooking from there and what new finds I’ve picked up that taste great on stories so it’s been a really fun way to chat with you guys. Since I shared my easy lunch hacks last week (did you catch that post?) many of you requested a new and updated grocery list from me!

I will say that I don’t buy a lot of meat there. I really like getting fresh meat from the butcher so I usually make a stop at Whole Foods or Mariano’s during the week and pick up whatever I may need. 

So, here’s the updated list of everything I pick up on a regular basis and if you have any questions or things I haven’t found yet please let me know. Going to the store is one of Zain’s favorite activities—the employees are always SO nice to him, give him stickers (which he usually throws on the ground for me to pick up) and he loves helping me pick out food.

 

 

Produce 

Southwestern Salad Mix

I know I talk about this salad mix ALL the time but it’s a real craving and Trevor loves it almost as much as I do. I use it as a base for lunches and/or a side salad for dinner (it usually lasts me an entire week of lunches or Trevor and I about two meals) 

TJ’s Les Petites Carrots

When I started trying to eat more veggies and build the bulk of my meals around them instead of carbs I began searching for any veggie I could roast. I spotted these one day while browsing around and oh my goodness! I just drizzle them with a little EVOO, salt and pepper and they are insanely good! 

Green Salad Mix

I always pick this up to bulk up my salads. It makes the Southwestern Salad mix last a LOT longer and is a great way to get in those extra greens.

Green Goddess Dressing

OMG. When I first bought this dressing I will admit I expected nothing great. It’s fairly low in calories and fat and vegan which in my head meant grass 😉 Boy, was I wrong! Trevor and I both love this dressing and it even has a little kick to it!

Zhoug Sauce

I grabbed this sauce after my girlfriend Yvonne recommended it and we love it. I use it mostly on fish and it tastes a lot like a spicy chimichurri sauce. 

TJ’s Vegan Kale Pesto

Another ‘put on everything’ condiment and I hear other people rave about this all the time! I actually found out about this pesto because of you all—after a recent trip several of you messaged me asking why I didn’t buy it haha. 

TJ’s Salsa

The best fresh salsa we have ever found! If you like a refreshing salsa with a pinch of spice this if for you!

Rainbow Peppers

I always grab this bag of fresh peppers and roast them on Sundays. They are a great addition to my salads and even a great filler with dinner. 

TJ’s Field Fresh Salad with Chicken

I grab a few of these pre made salads every time I go! Both Trevor and I love it—the Israeli couscous and dressing are to die for. It’s not to high in fat and calories and leaves us filling really full. 

 

Dry Goods

TJ’s Masala Simmer Sauce

Another staple I always keep on hand! I shared how I make it a little better in last week’s lunch hack post and recently started marinating the chicken for a full day before cooking and it helps A TON. 

Thai Yellow Curry Sauce

I grabbed this because our family is obsessed with Panang Curry and although this doesn’t taste the exact same I usually cook it with chicken or tofu, add some peppers to and it’s similar enough. Serve it over cauliflower or jasmine rice and enjoy! 

Green Dragon Hot Sauce

Our new lifeline! We used to be pretty partial to Valentina and that still has it’s time and place but this is our new go to with breakfast, lunch, salads and a lot of dinners. 

Everything Bagel Seasoning

I mean at this point I’m sure everyone has this already but if you don’t, do it. I use it mostly on my avocado slices with breakfast! 

Peanut Butter with Flax and Chia Seeds

Trevor is very conscious of added sugar and any and all foods with sugar so that has made me hyper aware. Before this the lowest sugar peanut butter we could find was Justin’s but this has saved the day. Only 1g of sugar and it’s delicious!

TJ’s 3 Seed Beet Chips

We love these! They are so incredibly good with hummus and salsa and a great alternative to a potato chip. 

TJ’s Mediterranean Hummus

Really smooth and creamy! We add it to wraps, chicken or have it on beet chips. 

 

Frozen Finds

TJ’s Cauliflower Rice

I always try to keep at least two packets in the freezer. This cauliflower rice adds such a good crunch to meals and has really replaced traditional rice for us. I used to buy the fresh packets but when they were sold out one day I asked one of the employees about it and he said the frozen was actually way better. Bonus that I don’t have to worry about it going bad. Been hooked ever since!

TJ’s Cauliflower Stir Fry Rice

Obviously not as good as takeout fried rice but a great substitute!

TJ’s Veggie Burgers – Quinoa Cowboy, Thai Chili, Masala

I get ALL of these! They are great to have on hand in the freezer and I have tried each and every one on a salad and they all make me happy. The Masala isn’t too spicy in case you’re worried about that and the Thai Chili burgers make a great filler for tacos too!

TJ’s Bean and Rice Burritos

I actually keep these and the chicken version in the freezer for last minute weekend meals or lunches when I’m short on time. They are great with a little hot sauce on top! 

TJ’s Chicken Stir Fry

This meal is labeled as ‘low fat’ and it is but I originally bought it to fill my Chinese food needs. Some days you are just craving a good greasy meal and this is way better for us than takeout. I always have chili garlic paste on hand and add that on top for a little heat!

 

 

I hope this covers it all and if you guys have any questions at all, just reach out!