How to Shop With Diet Restrictions at Trader Joe's

Grocery shopping can be a nightmare. It can be even more difficult when you have food allergies or diet restrictions. 

I (Savannah) live in New York City, and the primary options for grocery shopping are Whole Foods or Trader Joes. Trader Joes tends to be more affordable, yet they don’t offer as many options for those with diet restrictions (like me!). They offer a considerable variety of allergy-friendly products.

But maybe, like me, you’re on a budget. You can’t afford that extra that extra couple of bucks.

You might be newer to shopping with diet restrictions! The tips below will help your shopping experience at Trader Joes be efficient and simple.

Go At The Right Time

Timing. Is. Everything. Whatever you do, try not to go to Trader Joe's around 5 or 6 p.m. It's extremely busy with lines, endlessly winding around the already crowded store. You need to take time to really look at the products, read nutritional labels and compare prices. If you are constantly bumping into people, having to push people out of the way, or wrangle for the last item on the shelf, you are not going to be able to do a good job vetting products.

In my opinion, the best times to shop at TJ’s are in the morning, or after 7 p.m.

Ask Employees to Find Things Faster

When looking for a specific ingredient, you may waste time wandering aimlessly. Just ask an employee, they are more than willing to point you in the right direction and save you lots of time.

Cheaper Priced Fresh Veggies

Fresh veggies at Trader Joes are ALWAYS CHEAPER than at Whole Foods... however, they don't have as many *fancier* veggies such as Japanese Pumpkins.

However, for your standard lettuce, broccoli, carrots and potatoes, definitely buy them at Trader Joes. They also have organic options.

Special Allergen-Friendly Items

Trader Joe’s surprisingly has various gluten-free items, like Joe-Joe's Gluten Free "Oreo" copycats. Many Whole Food's locations don't carry gluten-free Oreos! Trader Joes's gluten free pumpkin pancake mix is also to die for! They also have Low FODMAP friendly Hemp Seed protein powder! 

If you are wondering about other gluten-free products they offer, a simple google search will do the trick. Click here to read a list of gluten free products from their official website!

Overall, you'll spend less money at Trader Joes and probably save time, effort and resources. Just make sure you carefully read nutrition labels, go in with a plan and block off enough time.

Happy shopping!