What do you get at Trader Joes?

I'm from Canada, and we don't have Trader Joes here, but my step-mother is going to San Francisco for work and I know they have tons of stores there, and she said she would pick up some stuff for me. But as I've never been to one, I have no idea what to get, so I'd like some ideas. I prefer low cal and low sugar as I'm diabetic and also vegetarian . So what do you buy there?

beint that they're traveling long distance, thre isn't really anything at Trader Joe's that they SHOULD get you that you can't get anywhere else. mostly trader joes has similar snacks to any health food store but just trader joe's brand. i mean they have AMAZING salsa, hummus, and frozen meals but the frozen meals are FROZEN so wouldn't travel well. i don't think it's really necessary especially since you won't be able to have these things on a continual basis.

I rarely stop in at Trader's Joes.  Maybe to get some french bread...  or some fresh organic basil.  The only thing that stands out in my mind are the Zen Cinnamon rolls-- totally healthy -- but last time I was there they'd started selling their own version, and jacked up the price.

Honestly, I think it's a bit overrated.  It might be fun to look, and get something special, but if you're not going yourself...

Thanks. I always see people mention it, so I thought they had a lot of "special" foods.

they are awesome, but pricey for all groceries, just get a few special items! I get bulk things like craisins and sunflower seeds for salads. If she wants to see the best healthy food joint in the bay area I would suggest Berkeley Bowl, on Shattuck Ave in berkeley(15 minutes from the city). Go midday for less crowds. They are 5x better than joe's for bulk items like granolas, grains, dried fruits etc. They have everything, and they will help you find cool things, really good service. Message me for more ideas, this is my hometurf! -Lila

Trader Joes has the best price in my area for milk and bananas.  Their store brand of goat cheese is excellent and inexpensive.  I get their frozen vegetables because they are cheap and high quality with a good variety.  Other things that are lower cost there - TJ's brand low sodium chicken broth, chocolate, breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, nuts, dried fruits. 

The meats are way too expensive for me, but the vacuum sealed frozen fish is good and not too expensive.  I can get better produce at any supermarket than at our local TJs.  I don't buy any paper products or cleaning supplies, or health supplies there.  Their pet food is way too expensive. 

I pick up occasional things there myself : ) Last night I found "Vegan Choriszo" I can't wait to try it..

They have good prices on loose and packaged fresh vegetables, though some of the stuff there, I have to agree, is overrated.  I did get some really yummy whole wheat pasta for cheap though.  Sadly, they don't carry 'real' brown rice.. the kind that takes 45 minutes to cook, which surprised me.  I have to get mine from the asian store.

Trader Joes is the only place around me where I can buy stevia both in bulk and in packets.  I also like their dried fruits and nuts.  They have great trail mix, but it is very high calorie, so you really have to watch your portions.  I like a lot of their frozen foods too, but that isn't too practicle for you.  I also like to buy fresh flowers from them as they are pretty cheap, but again, that doesn't help you either (sorry)!!

The only thing I love and have to have at Trader Joe's is Sunflower Seed Butter, since I am allergic to nuts.

There beef jerky is awesome, but I don't eat red meat(again) u don't either...

There is another Trader Joe's thread on here that mentions lots of stuff.

In Washington DC, I think that TJ's has the BEST prices!! (At least, much cheaper than Whole Foods) However, I can never buy that much there as I have to carry it all home... But the one thing I will NOT leave without is a box of the Trader Joe's brand SOY NUGGETS...they are vegetarian, fairly low cal (I believe 120 for 4 nuggets), and also quick to cook in the oven. (I like to leave them in for a few extra minutes though) Delicious with some mustard and a side of veggies and/or rice! Although, if you're going to turn the oven on anyway...might as well also get a bag of Trader Joe's potato wedges, they are delicious!

Also, if you like Israeli couscous, definitely get a box of the Trader Joe's brand. There's nothing particularly different about it, but it is much cheaper than I have been able to find elsewhere. I'll also mention that the TJ brand canned soups are pretty good (I like the veggie, split pea, and lentil kinds the best) as are the pre-packaged Indian meals (I like the chick pea one!) Happy shopping!