Dearest Trader Joe’s,
We’ve been seeing each other for some time now. I remember back in college when you opened in Tucson; we were all so excited to spend time with you! You were such a great way for my friends and I to afford “fresh” produce, already made meals, and new, unique foods like quinoa.
After college, you moved with me to California where we spent a lot of time together. I started eating healthier and you were there to walk me through it.
But as the years have gone by, we started experiencing ups and downs. Some of the ups I’ve mentioned, some downs…well…
I walked past the produce in one of your new stores in Phoenix and stopped to look at the strawberries. Sitting right on top was a container of strawberries with mold on it. It caught me off guard and obviously, I decided against the strawberries. I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Maybe strawberries weren’t in season? Hm, no it was summer. Maybe the strawberries came from…California? Hm, ya maybe but that’s not that far. Well, things aren’t always perfect, sometimes mold grows. And I moved on.
While in California, I moved in with my boyfriend (now husband). You were there with us the entire time. I was officially cooking for two and thought you were the perfect grocery store for us considering the portion sizes you offer. I was new to cooking, so I hung out quite a bit in your frozen aisle. I picked up a teriyaki chicken dish with chicken, rice, and veggies..perfect for dinner! Until I opened it up…
I can (and have) literally eat the entire bag by myself. It was not enough food for two people. I have to admit TJ, this was another strike. If it was dirt cheap I could understand, but it wasn’t, and it certainly wasn’t enough food.
But, we all make mistakes, I was willing to give you another shot. After all, we’ve been through so much together.
Now living in Cleveland, I drive about 20 minutes away for you. Your location is not convenient, but what can I say, I can’t resist you! I bought some delicious looking chicken thighs from you today and had the perfect recipes picked out for them. I was making “breaded” chicken using eggs, coconut flour, and almond meal. It smelled amazing even before the cooking began. That is, of course until I opened the chicken.
I looked around for my husband to see if he had possibly let off a stink bomb in the kitchen. Hm, no he was in the shower…impossible. It had to be the chicken. When the smell of a stink bomb hits your nose right after opening a bag of chicken, it’s not a good sign. Needless to say, I did not cook that chicken. As appetizing as it was, I did not want to spend the whole night in the bathroom.
So, what gives TJ? Rotten chicken? Not cool. I know it’s been a while, but I think we need a break. It’s not me, it’s you.
Love,
Amy
Alright, lemme have it! What are your thoughts on Trader Joe’s? Love it? Hate it?
*Side note: I haven’t had an issue with any of the products in these pictures. I was just using pics with TJ’s on it. I know TJ’s has a special place in the hearts of many…but rotten chicken? Ew.
Being about an hour away from Trader Joe’s I don’t do a lot of shopping there. When I venture up to Cleveland we may stop to pick up some of the essentials (ie: Frozen potatoes, & rice, pita crisps, chocolates} but I tend to keep within my city, or head up to Mustard Seed if I need something.
Oh suck! I was all excited that we’re getting one of these in Dallas…and now I’m not nearly as excited. Rotten chicken is a negative!
I love, love TJ’s bargains and unique offerings, but I too have had bad experience with their produce. I just don’t understand why it spoils so quickly and/or moldy/beyond ripe fruits and veggies are left on shelves. I started going to one in Brooklyn where I noticed them taking extra care of the produce – so maybe times are changing? You cant deny though that for nuts and things, they are still awesome.
i do agree on that. i love buying nuts, dried fruits, canned stuff and sauces there. the prices are definitely good on those…same with their yogurts i havent had an issue with those. i think ill just need to start buying produce from somewhere else…i guess meats too hah..dammit!
Have to agree as far as the produce…generally… but I do have to say there are certain produce items I still prefer to get from TJ’s. Like fennel they don’t charge you per pound and you don’t have to pay for all of the stems I never end up using. Usually stick with the refridgerated stuff.
There are enough things there that I like that I don’t think I can break up with them.
I officially broke up with tj’s about 3 years ago. Having lived on the west coast for 12 years I have been with them for a long long time But… I hate the packaging for produce, I hate the fact that I can never find an ingredient I need ( like pine nuts!) and that the meats aren’t fresh. But what really forced my hand was when I realized I was walking out of the store with no ” real food” and nothing on my shopping list. Like I would have a bag of frozen mango chunks, two jars of curry sauce, chips and salsa. Not good.
Now my grocery bill is higher but my fridge is stocked with stuff that is fresh and delicious.
good point!! thats kind of the conclusion im coming too..if i need packaged goods like sauces, dried fruits whatever, trader joes is good to go…but i also dont want to eat a bunch of that crap soooo i think we’re over.
I love Trader Joe’s. I have never had a negative experience like this though. I always get excited when I actually get the opportunity to go because the closest one is two hours away from me!
LOL, funny stuff. We actually don’t even have Trader Joe’s here in Colorado. I’ve always been jealous because everyone raves about them.
I looove TJ’s for certain things – packaged stuff, sauces, dark chocolate almonds (whoops, ate another box this week), pita chips, that sort of thing. For produce I stick to Whole Foods – it’s more expensive but I know it’s fresh, local and organic. For most meats I stick to Safeway (convenience) or Whole Foods (when I’m willing to spend a paycheck!) 😉
I prefer WF 🙂