During my latest trip to Trader Joe's, I had an epiphany. I hadn't realized it until then, but most of my sugar-free foods come from this wonderful grocery store. It's a million times less expensive than Whole Foods, and it's easier to find what I'm looking for as long as it's not a total zoo (hint: early morning is least crowded.)
Not to pick on other grocery stores, but TJ's seems to really know and care who their customers are--not who they imagine them to be.
Here are some examples of sugar-free groceries I've been able to get at TJ's over the last few years: crackers, chips, bread, muffins, cereal, salad dressings and other sauces, marinara sauce, pasta, peanut butters, etc. (Albeit, you must check labels.) I've been able to get more sugarless foods here than most any other health food store (which seem to think that if their sugar is organic, it's okay). TJ's has a plethora of natural sweeteners, also: 100% fruit juices, a great selection of honeys, dried fruit (you must check these labels), molasses, etc. Their organic selection has grown considerably, also, since I first began shopping here years ago. Within the last year or so I noticed they also started carrying sprouted wheat bread, in their bakery section, fresh.
I was able to buy a box of Barbara's cereal for about $3.50 at TJ's....at WF a box half the size was over $4 if I'm remembering correctly. TJ's also has an interesting variety of non-dairy milks. There are several with no added sugars, organic and cheap. Also, TJ's is where I first discovered white whole wheat flour, and cheap. This flour is great in baking and more wholesome than white flour. I found packages of organic tempeh for $1.50, which go for over $3 at most health food stores. To really treat my sweet tooth, I load up on dried fruit leathers and keep my pantry stocked. They are delicious and just fruit!
Not to mention the fabulous wine selection, decadent foreign chocolates for my husband and guests (don't get the sugar-free versions.....maltitol!) and even affordable dog treats. (I should be making my own...)
I'm probably leaving out plenty of other groceries, but I just wanted to emphasize that TJ's has quite an impressive selection, somehow tucked in their little stores, and very affordable.
She Wouldn’t Share
2 years ago
6 comments:
Thanks for reminding me about TJ's! I agree--Whole Foods prices are exorbitant, and although I love going there, my wallet doesn't. On a side note--I was excited to see that Costco carries Agave syrup now! Very reasonably priced--$8 for two bottles.
Trader Joe's is my main grocery store. You're so right! I wondered about the sugar free chocolate and will definitely avoid it. Thanks for the tip.
I've been baking with spelt flour and it really keeps things moist.
Shanti-Someone else told me about the Agave at Costco, too. Good for them for carrying something a little out of the ordinary!
Sizzle-Can you substitute equal amounts spelt for white flour in recipes? I love different flours!
I happened to stumble across your blog and what an inspiration you are!
I wish there was a Trader Joes in my area... I'm going to check it out online! Thanks for reminding me about it.
Trader Joe's is definitely wonderful. I have done the majority of my shopping there for many years. I thought you might like to know that Target often carries some wonderful cereals at even better prices than TJs.
Agave is one of the worst sweeteners for blood sugar...even worse than high fructose corn syrup. Avoid being bamboozled. More information:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/30/beware-of-the-agave-nectar-health-food.aspx
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