I’m so obsessed with food that I look for ingredient and meal inspiration everywhere! I especially like checking out other people’s carts when I am grocery shopping. I like to see what they pick out and wonder what they are going to do, or make with, it–sometimes I even ask them.
Today we’re offering you a sneak peek at what we regularly have in our Costco and Trader Joe’s shopping carts. Both Costco and Trader Joe’s are specialty markets in their own ways. Costco offers a warehouse experience and prices on most items. Trader Joe’s features more gourmet items at budget prices. Due to the special nature of these stores, they are not one-stop shopping to get our entire list purchased. But they are both worth a trip once or twice a month and when we do go, these are the pantry staples that we always get when we do our shopping (printable list links below).
Both of these stores can help you with your Thanksgiving meal–have you done your planning yet? If not, see our helpful post Thanksgiving Planning from last week. As always, use these shopping tips at any market:
- Look for products made with all natural ingredients (you should be able to recognize everything listed).
- Avoid items that contain high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavorings.
- Make a list (or use the Table365 snack list, pantry list, shopping lists, lunch list) to stay focused and leave the store with the items you need to feed your family for the week.
Table365 Costco Shopping List (click for printable list)
Costco’s selection varies by season and availability of items. If you look, you can find high quality organic, local, and special-diet foods (gluten-free, nut free, low fat, sugar free, etc.). If you are willing to buy large packages and store the food, you can get discounted prices on the following pantry staples: oils, dry beans, rice, tortillas, sliced meats and cheeses. Costco also has special seasonal offerings so check this time of year for seasonal produce and products such as fresh cubed butternut squash, figs, persimmons, Brussels Sprouts, and specialty meats and cheeses for double batch meals and/or entertaining.
Trader Joe’s Shopping List (click for printable list)
Trader Joe’s has a number of items that I consider “specialty” but always like to have stocked in my pantry. These are the items that can be used for a last-minute snack, appetizer, or recipe ingredients that would be expensive or hard to find at my neighborhood market. Unlike most markets where I shop the perimeter for fresh produce, meats, and dairy; I focus on the center aisles with jarred, canned and packaged goods such as condiments, sauces, and dried fruits and nuts. Trader Joe’s has a rather small spice selection, but they carry the basics and the prices are good, especially on expensive spices like saffron, vanilla beans, and cinnamon sticks.
Let us know your favorite items to feed your family from these stores.
Happy Shopping!
