Trader Joe's - Ahwatukee, AZ Review

As I get older, I have come to care more deeply about the quality of my foods. (No, ramen noodles dont cut it anymore!) I especially appreciate food that is not over processed or stuffed with nasty chemicals. At the same time, I dont want to break the bank buying a $7 pint of strawberries because they are free of pesticides. (Sorry Whole Foods!) So, what does one do when you want to be healthy but not spend a boat load? Visit Trader Joes!!!!! They have really nailed the model.

What are my favorite Trader Joe moments?

• Trader Joe's has a good selection of ethnic foods (I especially like their Indian options) as well as prepared foods.
• Their frozen food section is one of my favorite places to visit in the store. They have healthy prepared options such as risottos, pork chops, chinese meals, etc. Meals in minutes-- who doesnt like that?
• You also cant forget the dessert. Trader Joe's has in-shell sorbets that are to die for!!!! They are perfect to serve at a dinner party too. (lemon sorbet inside of a lemon shell- $5 for 4!)
• Their organic diary is cheaper than any other place I have found. So, stock up on hormone free milk when you visit. The good thing is that organic milk has long shelf life so you can buy a few and store them
• Dried goods. Trader Joe's wasabi peas, nut selection, olive spread, pizza sauce are all very good as well.
• And, who can forget their pizza dough??? The herbed one is to die for! It is great with their pesto sauce. I make a pesto chicken pizza weekly.
• They have a nice fish selection that tastes quite fresh!
• Good, cheap wine options.

The only downside to Trader Joe's is that you cant find EVERYTHING that you need there. Dont plan to buy lots of canned goods, paper products, etc. So, consider Trader Joe's one of many stops on your shopping mission. The other problem is that I hear they have high demands from the towns they are in (meaning, they want good tax breaks) so they arent located everywhere. (I have one 20 minutes away-- I wish it were a lot closer!) But, they are well worth the drive!