Chris Blattman

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The best and worst of Trader Joe’s

“I hate TJ’s produce,” said another. “It tastes like science.”

That is one comment. I think there are more lovers than haters, though.

I do find it disconcerting how long supposedly organic broccoli tips last in the bag. Not Twinkies long, but pretty long.

I am sufficiently happy with TJ’s that I brave the Union Square store mayhem on a regular basis. The east coast stores don’t hold a candle to the west coast ones, but still I go.

I’m personally a fan of the frozen brown/multigrain rice, which takes 3 minutes rather than 75 to cook.

Readers are *not* allowed to burst my bubble by revealing some nasty frozen  rice detail.

6 Responses

  1. it’s not just the science, it’s the plastic. reminds me of European supermarkets where every ear of corn is wrapped in plastic on a bed of styrofoam. But don’t mess with my TJ’s almond butter!

  2. In LA what makes it worth braving the crazy busy parking lot with spots only measured for clown cars are Trader Joe’s Pesto and Black Olive Tapenade (both in jars). I agree there is something spooky about the produce.

  3. I’m still waiting for Trader Joe’s to come up with the frozen Joloff rice with onion sauce, and for the bottled palm oil …. uhmmm

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