Who doesn’t love a good shopping trip at Trader Joe’s? With so many good finds that are budget friendly how could you not add the store into your grocery rotation?! What are some of the best and most nutritious items to purchase? Here’s a list with some of the staples I like to keep on hand~

• Nut butters: great selection of natural nut butters with no added oils or sugars-my favorite is the Chia flax seed peanut butter.

• Meats: I switch off between the natural lean ground chicken and turkey meat. I also love their chicken sausage and frozen turkey burgers-great to have on hand for a quick meal fix.

• Produce: I try to fill up my cart with mostly fruits and veggies. Fruits for snacking and veggies to add into my meals. Some of my favorites-Butternut squash zig-zags, Brussel sprouts, Sweet potato, Green beans, Avocados, Apple, Berries, Cherry tomatoes, Broccoli, Zucchini, Spinach, Kale, Lemon, etc. I switch off each week with what produce I buy so I mix up my meals and the nutrients I’m getting!

• Rolled oats: I get the big bag of GF oats.

• Vegan Kale pesto: Such a staple! I use this almost everyday.

• Hummus: great for dipping veggies in for an afternoon snack.

• Dark chocolate: For that sweet tooth-try for 70% or higher. The dark chocolate peanut butter cups are awesome too!

• Frozen berries: I like to keep these on hand for smoothies.

• Seasonings: I get all my seasonings from here, my favorites include-Everything but the Bagel, Everyday Seasoning, Himalayan Pink Salt, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Cinnamon, Lemon Pepper.

• Seeds: Chia, Hemp, and Flax meal are great sources of protein and healthy fats that you can add into your meals-Smoothies, oatmeal, energy bites, pancakes, salads, etc.

• Bars: I love the fruit bars to keep in my purse for “emergency” snacking. Rx bars are also a great source of protein and made with all natural ingredients.

• Eggs: Organic is the way I go.

• Trail mix/Dried fruit: Great for healthy snacks, but be sure to watch for that serving size.

• Kombucha: Great alternative to soda and helps keep your immune and digestive system healthy.

• Milk: I’m a huge almond milk fan so I my go-to is the unsweetened or the unseated vanilla flavor.

• Packaged salad: For a quick meal I like to have one of their packages salads ready-my favorite is the Pasadena Chicken salad or any of their seasonal ones.

• Grains: I’m a lazy cook, so the frozen Brown rice packages are my BFF when it comes to my grain needs. I also love the lentil pasta. If you’re buying bread stick to Whole Wheat!

• Frozen: Cauliflower Gnocchi is my favorite treat to keep in my freezer when I’m looking for a comforting meal. Another great frozen comfort meal is any of their pizzas!

• Tea: TJ’s has such a great tea selection. I always keep these in stock-Ginger Turmeric, Green, and Peppermint.

Trader Joe’s is full of so many goods, but there are just my favorites I like to keep on hand. You may have others you like to add, but this list to help guide you through your shopping trip. Remember to stock up on produce, get those healthy fats and proteins, and stick to whole grains. Happy shopping!