Shopping Guide
Learn more about Timaree's favorite ingredients used in her recipes!Trader Joe’s
21 Seasoning Salute – no salt – TJ
I use Kirkland's organic seasoning blend most often, but Trader Joe's sells their own combination, too!
Garlic Powder – TJ
I often get granulated garlic at Costco, but Trader Joe's also carries smaller containers of it.
Curry Powder – TJ
Curry powder is a bit different from brand to brand and chef to chef - as it is a combination of several spices and herbs. My favorite to use in my Curry Zuna recipe is Cost Plus World Market. It is a bit smoother and has a slight hint of sweetness that Trader Joe's...
Cayenne pepper, ground – TJ
Trader Joe's has a small selection of very reasonably priced spices including several used in my spice blends in The Foodie Bar Way.
Pumpkin Seeds – Pepitas – TJ
Trader Joe's sells pumpkin seeds (pepitas), raw and roasted. Pepitas get sprinkled on my Crazy Salad every single day! I keep the seeds in the freezer.
Pecans – raw or roasted – TJ
You can find pecans at Trader Joe's, including some that are roasted without any oil or salt. Keep in the freezer, with the rest of the nuts, seeds and whole grains/grain products.
Pine nuts – raw or roasted – TJ
Trader Joe's sells all types of nuts, including pine nuts that can be used in the Pesto Foodie Bar in The Foodie Bar Way. Keep in the freezer, with the rest of the nuts, seeds and whole grains/grain products.
Cashews – raw – pieces – TJ
Trader Joe's sells whole cashews as well as pieces (at least $1 per pound cheaper than whole). Since I use cashews in sauces and dressings, pieces work perfectly! Keep in the freezer, with the rest of the nuts, seeds and whole grains/grain products.
Couscous – Whole Wheat – TJ
Trader Joe's sells whole wheat couscous - a one pound box for only $1.99. Couscous is a tiny pasta that doesn't need to be cooked. Simply add boiling water to it, stir, cover and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing! Then, stir in finely chopped greens, olives,...
Vinegar – Apple Cider (organic) – TJ
Trader Joe's sells unfiltered, organic, apple cider vinegar, perfect for use in the Salad Dressing Foodie Bar and many recipes in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook.
Tea – Hibiscus – TJ
Hibiscus tea packs a punch when it comes to antioxidant power! Learn more about it in this article I published in the newspaper. Experiment with my recipe for Timaree's Tropical Splash, or other options from the Flavored Water Foodie Bar in The Foodie Bar Way.
Soy Sauce – TJ
Trader Joe's sells reduced sodium soy sauce. Don't forget that you can purchase "regular" soy sauce and simply dilute it with water.
Raisins – (organic) – TJ
You can purchase organic raisins at Trader Joe's and use a TBSP or so to sweeten a creamy dressing.
Quinoa – TJ
Trader Joe's sells organic white quinoa, multicolored and red quinoa.
Oatmeal – TJ
Trader Joe's sells several varieties of oatmeal... You can set up your very own Oatmeal Foodie Bar!
Coconut water – TJ
We use coconut water from time to time in some of our green smoothies - the sky is the limit when it comes to options from the Smoothie Foodie Bar in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook.
Coconut flakes – unsweetened – TJ
This organic coconut is unsweetened and perfect to use as is or toast for a few minutes until aromatic and beginning to turn golden... be careful, once the color begins to develop, if left alone, will burn before you realize it!
Coconut sugar – TJ
My first choice for a sweetener is fresh fruit, then dried, (I use some date sugar = powdered dates). Next in line for sweeteners is coconut sugar, we use a small amount in certain recipes. Costco carried organic coconut sugar for a while, but I haven't seen it for at...
Cocoa Powder – unsweetened – TJ
Trader Joe's sells unsweetened cocoa powder that is delicious in my recipe for T's Dreamy Chocolate Sauce for our Dessert Nachos for Breakfast! YUM!!! I also buy raw cacao powder online.
Chocolate chips -TJ
Semi-sweet chocolate chips at Trader Joe's are free of any animal products! A few might find their way into the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Foodie Bar Way cookbook - that is, if you decide not to make the Carrot Cake version of those oatmeal cookies...
Rice – cooked – frozen – TJ
Trader Joe's sells several different types of rice that is cooked and then frozen. (You can do the same thing at home.)
Brown rice – pre-cooked – shelf-stable – TJ
You can find several different varieties of uncooked brown rice at Trader Joe's, as well as a package of ready-to-eat long grain brown rice.
Beans, canned – TJ
Trader Joe's sells a variety of canned beans and has several organic options.
Non-Dairy Yogurt – TJ
Trader Joe's sells yogurt with active cultures, made from soy milk, almond milk and coconut milk, but free of cow's milk.
Mixed Vegetables (organic) -TJ
You can find organic mixed vegetables in the freezer section of Trader Joe's- you can enjoy it as part of your Basic Bar for the Loaded Baked Potato Foodie Bar... YUM!
Broccoli – Frozen (organic) -TJ
Trader Joe's sells organic frozen broccoli without anything added. Steam it until just tender!
Corn – Frozen (organic) – TJ
Trader Joe's frozen organic corn is perfect for the Cowboy Salad Foodie Bar... yum!
Edamame – Ready to eat- TJ
Trader Joe's sells edamame in the produce area, ready-to-eat, as well as in the freezer section, (need to be cooked).
Cauliflower – Fresh – TJ
Trader Joe's charges less for their cauliflower, compared to most supermarkets. We LOVE cauliflower, a few of our favorite ways to prepare it include roasted and in our nacho topping (recipe in The Foodie Bar Way)
Colorful Carrots (organic) -TJ
These organic carrots are both colorful and delicious. Trader Joe's sells them in their refrigerated produce area. Use them to make a variety of recipes in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook, like Curry Zuna (watch me prepare this on Good Day Sacramento TV), or make my Zippy...
Greens – ready to use/eat – TJ
I buy lots of greens, including kale and mixed greens, to enjoy throughout the week in our Smoothie Foodie Bar, Crazy Salad Foodie Bar, and, well, greens can be incorporated into nearly every meal! Lot of ideas for you in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook, including Thin...
Tomatoes – Fresh (organic) -TJ
Trader Joe's carries a variety of organic tomatoes, though once you grow your own, a store bought tomato will never measure up! Don't keep tomatoes in the fridge, as they lose flavor quickly! If you haven't made my Tomato Almond Pesto recipe for The Foodie Bar Way...
Potatoes – all varieties – TJ
Trader Joe's sells all types of potatoes, including sweet potatoes, Yukon gold, red and bags with mixed colors, perfect to steam for snacks! Keep uncooked, whole potatoes in a dark, cool place, away from onions.
Mint – Fresh (organic) – TJ
In my opinion, Trader Joe's has the best fresh mint! It is less expensive and seems to last much longer than organic mint purchased anywhere else.
Lemons – (organic) -TJ
I have a good friend with an amazing lemon tree, but when her tree isn't producing, I will pick up a bag of lemons at Trader Joe's. I enjoy lemons in a wide range of recipes from smoothies and salad dressings to Jicama Chips and even my Dazzle Berry Dessert Sauce (all...
Limes – (organic) – TJ
Trader Joe's often sells organic limes in bags. If I am not planning to use them within a day or two, I store them in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator. Limes are key for my Cowboy Salad Foodie Bar and several other delicious recipes in The Foodie Bar Way,...
Almond Butter – TJ
Trader Joe's sells Almond Butter in 16 oz jars. It works well in Scot's Granola (recipe in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook).
Brussels Sprouts – TJ
Trader Joe's sells delicious Brussels sprouts in a variety of ways in their produce/refrigerated area. Soooo versatile and fun! Watch me prepare an amazing recipe featuring these beauties on California Bountiful TV.
Beets – Raw – TJ
Trader Joe's sells raw beets, ready to grate into your favorite salad or roast for a delicious recipe from The Foodie Bar Way! If you are short on time, you can also purchase their roasted beets in the refrigerated area.
Bok choy – TJ
In the refrigerated section at Trader Joe's, you'll find baby bok choy! So delicious and easy to prepare - raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries or my Un-Fried Rice Foodie Bar (found in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook).
Beets – Roasted and Ready to Eat – TJ
Trader Joe's sells beets in the refrigerated section. They have already been roasted and are ready to eat... You can use them in a variety of ways, including in this recipe for Roasted Beets with Citrus - which is in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook.
Almond Milk – refrigerated -TJ
Trader Joe's carries a large variety of non-dairy milks - some are in shelf-stable boxes that don't need to be refrigerated until opened, while others in are in cartons in their refrigerated sections. Do a taste test to find out which you enjoy the most! Check out...
Almond Milk – Soy Milk (other non-dairy milks) – TJ
Trader Joe's carries a large variety of non-dairy milks - some are in shelf-stable boxes that don't need to be refrigerated until opened, while others in are in cartons in their refrigerated sections. Do a taste test to find out which you enjoy the most! Check out...
Micro Greens (organic) – TJ
Even though "micro-greens" are tiny, they are mighty!!! They are PACKED with nutrients, that your body can easily absorb, so add a handful to your salad mix, pasta dish, on top of tacos or avocado toast... the options are endless! So many recipes in The Foodie Bar Way...
Raisins (organic) -TJ
Trader Joe's has organic raisins in one pound bags.
Berries – Mixed (organic) -TJ
Trader Joe's sells a variety of organic berries in their freezer section. No sugar added, just berries! Be sure to make my Strawberry, Avocado and Greens with Ruby Dressing- watch me make it on California Bountiful TV and get the recipe at www.TheNutritionProfessor.com
Salsa – HOT – TJ
In my opinion, this is pretty spicy salsa...
Kiwi (organic) – TJ
Whenever I make a trip to Trader Joe's, I buy a bag of kiwi! I also buy them at our local supermarket and sometimes at Costco (4 pound package). Let ripen on the counter. When the kiwi begins to soften (each may ripen at a different time, so check them each day), put...
Seaweed Snacks – Nori – TJ
Trader Joe's carries nori - seaweed snacks that I use in my Curry Zuna recipe that I made on Good Day Sacramento TV (and can be found in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook). Slide an opened package into a quart size freezer bag right away to keep them fresh/crisp.
Cucumber (organic) – TJ
When I am at Trader Joe's, I like to pick up some organic cucumbers to enjoy with one of my hummus recipes or to put into my Curry Zuna (all in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook). Watch me make Curry Zuna on Good Day Sacramento TV.
Vinegar – Balsamic – TJ
Trader Joe's sells a variety of balsamic vinegars. I have not yet tried them all, as I tend to stick with my favorite (Kirkland).
Sugar Snap Peas – TJ
Sugar Snap Peas that are ready to pop into your mouth can be found in the produce aisle of local supermarkets and at Trader Joe's. They are perfect for dipping into one of my hummus, dressing or guacamole recipes in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook.
Apples – (organic) – TJ
I get bagged organic apples and pears when I am at Trader Joe's. They typically have several different varieties of apples.
Berries – Fresh – (organic) – TJ
I almost always buy frozen berries, but if you want to sprinkle them on Dessert Nachos (recipe on www.TheNutritionProfessor.com and in The Foodie Bar Way cookbook), Trader Joe's sells them!
Celery – (organic) – TJ
Trader Joe's sells organic celery in the refrigerated produce area. I buy organic celery because it is on the "dirty dozen" list.
Zucchini – (organic) – TJ
Trader Joe's sells organic zucchini (also known as summer squash) on a consistent basis, and I find it tends to be less expensive than at the supermarket/grocery store. Some of the zucchini (as well as some sweet corn and papaya*) grown in the US is from genetically...
Sugar Snap Peas
I eat these right out of the package, just as they are or dipped into one of my dressings, hummus, guacamole, salsa featured at www.TheNutritionProfessor.com or in the my book - The Foodie Bar Way.
Potatoes – Get Colorful!
These colorful potatoes are perfect for steaming and having on hand to sprinkle with mesquite, Cajun or taco seasoning, or dip into hummus, mustard, your favorite oil free dressing (many recipes and even 2 Dressing Foodie Bars can be found in The Foodie Bar Way).
Cruciferous Crunch Collection – TJ
Trader Joe's sells a ready to eat/cook collection of delicious cruciferous veggies, including: kale, Brussels, broccoli, green cabbage and red/purple cabbage. Sounds great for my Crazy Salad Foodie Bar (and Base), Un-Fried Rice Foodie Bar and more!
Brussels Sprouts – TJ
Trader Joe's sells several different bags of Brussels sprouts, as well as Brussels sprouts still on the stalk (for a limited time during the winter holidays).
Chia Seeds (organic) – TJ
Trader Joe's sells organic chia seeds, perfect for many recipes from the Oatmeal Foodie Bar to Salad Dressing Foodie Bars. Cooking out of the Foodie Bar Way cookbook is fun!
Salsa (store-bought) – TJ
While I love making my own salsa (See my Salsa Foodie Bar in the book), when I do buy it, this is one of my favorites.
Sausage, store-bought, plant-based options – TJ
There are several plant-based sausages available in the refrigerated area in the produce aisle at many grocery stores. While I don't typically eat them (since they include oil), they are a "sometimes food" for my husband and kids, with one link flavoring dinner for...
Artichoke Hearts – TJ
While most people are familiar with marinated artichoke hearts in oil/vinegar, water packed artichoke hearts are also available in jars and cans.
Apple Sauce – (organic) – TJ
Since conventionally grown apples are heavily sprayed, whenever I buy apple sauce for recipes, I look for organic (store brand is fine).
Baking Powder (Aluminum-Free)
Always choose Baking Powder market "Aluminum-Free" - it is typically sold right next to the baking powder with aluminum. We need reduce exposure to aluminum in our diet to protect our brain tissue (aluminum has been found in the brains of those suffering from...
BBQ Sauce
When purchasing BBQ sauce, look for one that does not contain High Fructose Corn Syrup or artificial sweeteners. Also, tomato puree should be the first ingredient! Then, you can compare sodium levels if you are trying to decide between a few choices. I will be sure to...
Bread – English Muffins – Whole grain
Whole grain English Muffins can be hard to find in the regular grocery store, but Trader Joe's sells some. When I buy them, I cut them in half, wrap in plastic, put them back into the bag and then keep them in the freezer.
Bread – Pitas – Whole Grain
My favorite whole grain pitas are Trader Joe's brand. Short list of ingredients and they are tasty! I wrap up each one in plastic and then keep them in the freezer so they don't mold and are ready when we are. They thaw quickly on the counter.
Bread – Lavash – Whole Grain
My very favorite Lavash bread is Trader Joe's Whole Grain Lavash, it is $1.99 for bag of 6 large pieces (makes 12 Thin-Crust Kale Pizzas!) and I love to use it to make my Cinnamon Chips for our Dessert Nachos!!! I buy several bags when I go to Trader Joe's. When I get...
Capers (in brine)
Look for jars of capers in the area near the condiments, pickles, relish, etc. My favorite are from Trader Joe's. Once opened, keep in the refrigerator (use clean utensils and they will be good for months).
Chiles – Fire Roasted
Canned fire roasted chiles can be found at supermarkets and Trader Joe's, typically near the salsas and tomato products.
Chili Pepper Sauce
This is my favorite "hot sauce" - I buy it at Trader Joe's. Refrigerate after opening.
Coconut water
I like to use coconut water for some of my smoothies (see the Smoothie Foodie Bar), so I keep small containers of coconut water in my pantry. Larger containers of coconut water saves on packaging, but once opened, need to be kept in the refrigerator and used within a...
Vinegar – Red Wine, Rice Wine, Orange Muscat Champange
I love different types of vinegars. Here are a few of my favorites. Be sure to buy rice wine or rice vinegar that is labeled "natural" - seasoned rice vinegar has sugar and salt added to it.
Red Peppers – Roasted
These jarred roasted red and yellow peppers are delicious and very versatile.
Tortillas – whole grain
Several whole grain tortillas are available. Here are a few of my favorites - the sprouted tortillas will be in the freezer section of the supermarket. I usually wrap 3-4 in plastic and then put them back into the zip-top bag and store them in the freezer.
Tofu – Organic (sprouted if possible)
My favorite water-packed tofu is Trader Joe's Organic Sprouted Tofu. I comes in a 2-pk so that you only need to open 1/2 of the package if you are making a small amount of a recipe (from the book: Scrambled Taco or Sofritas). Store in the fridge or put it straight...
Tempeh
Trader Joe's Organic 3 Grain Tempeh is my favorite - an 8 oz package provides 40 grams of protein, is ~$1.99 and it freezes perfectly. We make a batch of Austin's Seasoned Tempeh every other week and enjoy it on sandwiches and in our Crazy Salad Foodie Bar. Many...
Sun-dried tomatoes
Many varieties of sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, but these are dry and can be re-hydrated or chopped dry and added directly to a dish.
Turmeric – fresh and dried
Turmeric is an amazing root with a huge amount of research detailing the plethora of health benefits. It can be purchased fresh in the produce aisle (look next to the ginger root), or dried in powder form. The fresh root can be frozen.
Shallots – fresh and dried
Fresh shallots are in the produce area, usually right next to the onions and garlic, or dried in a jar.
Paprika – Smoked – dry spice
Smoked paprika should not be confused with "regular" paprika (bell peppers dried and ground), as the flavors are completely different. Be sure to have smoked paprika on hand, as it is a wonderful addition to many soups, marinades and several recipes in The Foodie Bar...
Nutmeg – whole or ground spice
Nutmeg can be purchased whole and grated with a microplane, or purchased ground. The outside of nutmeg can be ground and is sold as mace.
Cumin – ground dry spice
Cumin seeds can be purchased whole (and toasted in a dry pan before grinding for maximum flavor) or ground. If you are not fond of cumin, try ground coriander.
Sunflower Seeds – TJ
I use raw sunflower seeds in a variety of dressings and sauces and recommend them in place of nuts (for those with nut allergy). They are sold in bags (great price at Trader Joe's) and in bulk (supermarket). I keep them in the freezer.
Rice – Brown – Jasmin
Since all white rice starts off as brown (in the whole grain version), every variety that you enjoy can be found as brown rice (Jasmin/Basmati, etc.). I keep it in my freezer.
Potatoes – sweet – orange colored flesh
These sweet potatoes are delicious and commonly labeled as "yams" - though true yams are very large roots, can weigh over a hundred of pounds, are white in color, and commonly grown in Africa, Asia or the Caribbean. If you plan to roast them whole, but have had these...
Potatoes – Sweet – Light colored flesh
When many people think about sweet potatoes, they might picture a bright orange dish on the Thanksgiving table. However, these sweet potatoes with light colored flesh are VERY creamy when cooked (the orange colored flesh can be a little stringy, and are great when...
Pickles – (sandwich slices)
Start looking at ingredient labels when shopping for pickles and you'll find that nearly all varieties at local supermarkets use food coloring. However, Trader Joe's organic kosher pickles do not. Keep them in the refrigerator once opened.
Peanut Butter
Your peanut butter should have 1-2 ingredients - peanuts (and maybe salt). That is it! No other ingredients are needed! I usually buy peanut butter, at Trader Joe's (organic if they have it in stock). We like the chunky variety. If you are used to the "no-stir" kind,...
Pasta – You have options!
My Pasta Foodie Bar includes many different noodle options - some of which are pictured below: Whole Grain (durum wheat), Edamame & Mung Bean, Edamame, Quinoa & Corn. Also look for noodles made from black beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and lentil. The...
Almonds
When I can't find local almonds at our Farmers' Market, I usually purchase them at Trader Joe's. I store all nuts in the freezer.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are tasty and a phenomenal source of the mineral Selenium. In fact, you wouldn't want to eat too many, and put yourself at risk for developing a toxicity! 4 a month (at one sitting) have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. You can also make my...
Mustard
My daughter and I love all different types of mustard! There is wonderful research that even just a pinch of mustard powder added to greens can boost the health promoting power! Be sure that you purchase a mustard without any food dyes. Trader Joe's has quite a...
Mushrooms – fresh
Fresh mushrooms can be purchased at any grocery store, though I buy a 24 oz container of them at Costco each week for my Garlic Mushrooms (recipe in The Foodie Bar Way) and on my website (www.TheNutritionProfessor.com). When choosing white button mushrooms, always...
Marinara (tomato) sauce
Growing up in an Italian family, we always made our "red sauce" from scratch, so I am pretty picky. While I love to make my Quick Tomato Sauce (in The Foodie Bar Way), I always have a few jars of Trader Joe's Organic Spaghetti Sauce with Mushrooms on hand. Not only is...
Lentils – Red Split
Red split lentils are great in the Seasoned Lentils recipe, or in a marinara sauce, as they get very soft and completely lose their shape. Do not use these red split lentils in the Cauliflower Lentil Filling recipe (Nacho Foodie Bar), as the texture (very soft) will...
Lentils – green – whole
While there are a variety of lentils, these green whole lentils are perfect for the Cauliflower Lentil Filling in The Foodie Bar Way's Nacho Foodie Bar, because they hold their shape. Do not substitute red split lentils, as the texture (very soft) will disappoint you....
Thyme – dried herb
I usually buy Thyme at Trader Joe's.
Oregano – dried herb
I buy organic oregano at Trader Joe's or Cost Plus World Market and sprinkle it on my salads, into dressings and in a bunch of other recipes!
Mint – fresh herb
I buy fresh organic mint every week, either at the supermarket, or at Trader Joe's (if I am planning a trip there). I pop open the containers and am careful to get the best looking leaves, as some have molded in the packages. The organic mint that I have purchased at...
Basil – dried herb
I typically purchase dried basil at either Trader Joe's or Cost Plus World Market, very reasonably priced, though it is also available at local supermarkets, as well.
Mixed Greens – (a.k.a. Salad Greens)
I buy triple washed organic salad greens (16 oz container) every week for my Crazy Salad Base. I am very picky when I choose the container, and every once in a while, I will find leaves that have already started to decay. I will typically throw away a few leaves, but...
Zucchini – grilled – frozen
Trader Joe's now carries zucchini in the freezer aisle, grilled without any oil!
Edamame – frozen – ready to cook
I buy organic edamame (soy beans) out of their shells for our Un-Fried Rice Foodie Bar. They are ready after being cooked in boiling water for 4-5 minutes.
Cauliflower – grilled – frozen
I was so excited to discover that Trader Joe's now carries frozen cauliflower grilled without any oil.
Peas – frozen
Peas are a great source of protein and an extremely tasty addition to any salad (you've might have been missing out all of this time)! I keep several bags of organic peas in the freezer, so I can add them to any recipe on the fly.
Mango – Dried
Trader Joe's sells dried mango (without sulfur or sugar). They are chewy and delicious!
Pineapple – dried
Trader Joe's sells wonderful dried pineapple, without any sulfur or added sugar. I like using this dried pineapple when making a carrot cake version of my oatmeal cookies!
Pears – organic
Every time I go to Trader Joe's, I always check to see if they have any bags of organic pears (2 pounds/bag). I let them ripen on the counter until the stem end gives to a little pressure and then I keep them in the bottom drawer of the fridge.
Fruit Spread – organic strawberry and raspberry
Trader Joe's sells these tasty organic fruit spreads that are sweetened with juice, unlike most jam/spreads (sweetened with high fructose corn syrup or white sugar). Use a clean knife, being careful not to contaminate the spread in the jar (esp. with a knife used to...
Ginger
Ginger root can be purchased fresh in the produce aisle and kept in the freezer, or powdered in the spice/baking aisle.