I've been a loyal Trader Joe's shopper for 25 years. They consistently have healthy, good foods at the best prices. I give an "A" grade to their supply of cheese, nuts, dry fruit, cold cereal, vegetarian proteins, coffee beans, and wine.
But two areas that are incorrigibly weak, ice cream and produce, suggest a certain complacency. Since I can't eat a lot of ice cream for dietary reasons, I don't really care, but since produce is the foundation of my lunch and dinner, I have to say that Trader Joe's gets a "C minus" grade in this regard. Their oranges, apples, spinach and other fruits and vegetables are commonly aged and rotten.
In contrast, Costco has the best produce I've ever purchased, better in fact than my local farmer's market. Costco's plums, apples, peaches, berries, dates, spinach, broccoli, and more is amazing and alone makes it worth the annual fee and the aggressive crowds who shop there.
TJ's produce tends to be overpriced, so I shop at a local farmers market around the corner from me once a week.
BTW, I was at TJ's at 3PM today, the parking lot was empty.
Posted by: Tom Welch | June 22, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Our farmer's market in Torrance ranges from good deals to expensive. TJ's beats Ralph's, Alberton's and of course the pricey Whole Foods and Bristol Farms.
Jeff (signing on my wife's computer since mine is on the fritz)
Posted by: Carrie | June 22, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Completely agree on the produce. Not so good and way overpriced! We have started making alternative trips for produce as well...
Posted by: Jason | June 22, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Surprising that TJ's, which assumes a smug satisfaction about its alleged healthy component, has such woeful produce.
Posted by: Carrie | June 22, 2008 at 09:12 PM