Finding my inner Joe…Not gonna lie, my inaugural trip to Trader Joe’s was less than inspiring. Same with my first visit to Aldi here in Tennessee. What on earth were all these other Weight Watcherians, not to mention mere civilians, finding that I seemed to miss? I scoured the aisles looking for my normal grocery list, anything, nothing, no name brands I recognized…I think I left with some pretzel bread or some nominal something that might make it worth the trip when my husband asked how it went.
I returned nearly empty handed and disappointed. Then it started again “headed to the states for the weekend, who needs supplies from TJ’s?” “Look what I found at Aldi!” Where were all these great finds when I was there? Hiding behind the Hawaiin employee tshirts? Or did I miss them while I tried to figure out how to free my buggy from its tethered compadres?
Not one to give up (more like I’m too competitive to see everyone else win hahaha) I went back. To both stores. But this time I did something different, I didn’t rush in with a list and a deadline. I took no list, I made no commitments on what time I would be out, how long I was planning on staying, I didn’t even take my reusable bags because I didn’t plan anything. This time I watched. I listened. I hung around long enough to find out why I was the only person on the planet who hadn’t figured out how to shop here.
- The store brand is what you want. Usually I avoid store brands because in most cases I have found them inferior even though yes, I understand they are allegedly made on the same lines with the same ingredients. Once I got over namebranditis I discovered the Aldi Fit & Light group of products which were lower in points and full of flavor compared to some brands I had been buying. And the unusual combination of ingredients and flavors in TJ brands finally explains why so many trips across the border were happening. I mean what other brand can boast the likes of Chili Lime Chicken Burgers and Organic Riced Cauliflower? It’s crazy!
- Pricing. I quit fighting the buggy chain gang at Aldi and just started taking my reusable bags. My trips there are now so easy I can get what I want in two bags, check out and repack bada bing bada boom. For the unusual offering the prices at Trader Joe’s are nothing to sneeze at either. And for some reason buying bananas by the each instead of the pound fascinates me.
- Good bang for your WW buck. Hands down both stores have the most unusual and Points Plus dense options at great prices. I just wish both would hook up with Weight Watchers to be able to post signs so newbies don’t pass up those hidden gems they didn’t think to scan this trip.
- Size. At first I found the small size irritating. How can I buy all my groceries and pick up a great deal on a lawn mower in such a small venue? Now I embrace it. My husband will actually go with me when he’s in town because he’s guaranteed I won’t get lost for hours looking for things we probably didn’t need even though I had a coupon.
Check out this TJ and Aldi quick and easy combo I whipped up tonight when I found out hubby was unexpectedly headed home for a few hours before heading out again
- 1 Trader Joe’s Sweet Basil Pesto Smoked Chicken & Turkey Sausage #4PPV
- 1 TJ’s Pita Bread Whole Wheat Pocket #3PPV
- 1 oz Fresh Mozzarella from Aldi #2PPV
- 1/2 tbsp Smart Balance Light Mayo #1PPV
- 1 medium corn on the cob #3PPV
Total = #13PPV
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