Traders Joe’s one of that last American institutions that is so great.

We’ve got Ralph’s, Vons, Gelsons and Pavillions, Bristol Farms and Whole Foods, we even got Erewhons grocery exclusively in California for the young upwardly mobile profiles and yummy mummy yoga set, the 99 cent store and food for less, for the less well heeled but no where delivers the must return for specialty items you just cannot get anywhere else.

I’ve been shopping at Trader Joes for years. And safe to say I love it and whilst some might say you cannot get everything you need there like branded laundry detergent, I’ve swapped over to their free and clear liquid detergent which is beautifully scented with lavender, cheaper than the branded versions and equally effective.

There are a few things unique to Trader Joe’s I buy every week and couldn’t get anywhere else which is why their customers are so loyal. The merchandising and store layout might not be as “corporate” as other stores, more a farmers market feel but I like that and the flowers are better and cheaper than the actual farmers market. I like to go to the one in Santa Monica at least once a month. There are a few different ones, one on Wednesdays and one on Saturdays. I like the one on Sundays from 8.30am -1.30pm on Main Street.

I digress.

Things worth making a trip to Trader Joes for:

The pirates booty, a cheesy, cross between Cheetos and popcorn snack.

Ready made fresh Bruschetta topping, chopped tomatoes, herbs, garlic in the same green tub it’s been packed in for years, makes a great side salsa, or perfect bruschetta, tastes completely homemade, because it is.

Chocolate coated coffee beans you won’t be able to resist. You won’t find these delicious treats anywhere else.

All the small batch brews and IPA mean you can try something different pretty much every week and support small brewing companies. The wine selection is really good too.

And the fresh ready made salads, all priced between $3 and $5 dollars are larger than average portions and every possible variation, spinach, chickpeas, beans, Mexican salads, corn, quinoa, Caesar. If you like salad there’s no where better for selection or price, with or without meat.

And don’t get me started on the breads, biscuits and cakes. It’ll take you months to get through trying all the various choices to determine which are your favourites. If you like exploring different things it’s the place for you. The selection and quality is second to none.

And you’d imagine an offering this spectacular would have a spectacular price tag and yet it’s the opposite.

Shopping in Trader Joe’s won’t break the bank, unlike stores with similar offerings like whole foods or Erewhons where just a few items can rack up a $100 bill very quickly.

Trader Joe’s has managed to build amazing relationships with their suppliers to provide a fresh food offering second to none across the world.

If you find yourself Stateside, make a point of popping in and having the Trader Joe’s experience, a master class is healthy California lifestyle, sustainability, shopping small and local and good vibes and value.

This is not an advertorial. I don’t work for Trader Joe’s, never had, just a genuine loyal customer.