My Top 10 Picks at Trader Joe’s

Listen up Lake Norman, WE NEED A TRADER JOE’S! TJ’s is doing it right and we need to bring that happy shopping experience closer to Lake Norman. 

Charlotte currently has 2 locations – University and Uptown. A 30+ minute drive and parking can be a nightmare. If we had a location in Denver (ideal since I live here), Cornelius, Huntersville or even Mooresville, I would go weekly. 

If you have not been, do yourself a favor and go! It may be overwhelming at first, but once you figure out what you love to buy there, it’s like riding a bike – you know what to do, but it brings a new adventure every time. 

Tips for a Healthy TJ Shopping Experience

• Take your time. Especially if you are a first-timer. Browse. Ask questions – the employees love to chat about new items and their favorites.

• Contrary to popular belief, just because it comes from Trader Joe’s does not mean it is healthy! (Note: this same rule applies for Earth Fare and Whole Foods too)

• Like everything else, Trader Joe’s prices have increased, but are still quite reasonable.

• Realize that they do have seasonal items. Items that you love and then are discontinued, only to find that occasionally they come back months later. I am not sure why, but just roll with it.

• I typically do not buy produce at Trader Joe’s. Prices are not fantastic and you need to keep an eye on the expiration dates.

Flowers & Plants

Top picks at Trader Joe’s:

DIPS. Specifically hummus, the vegan cashew pesto, and avocado tzatziki dip. Technically that is 3 items, but we will call it one.

RIDGE CUT POTATO CHIPS. 3 ingredients. Potatoes, sunflower oil, sea salt. Sunflower oil is not ideal, but compared to other chips, these are a win!

SUN-DRIED TOMATOES. In a bag, not in oil. Absolutely delicious and full of flavor. Add to salads, side dishes, on top of eggs, etc. This is also what I use in my sweet potato salad.

CONDIMENTS. Again, technically 3 items but organic ketchup, whole grain and dijon mustards, and organic mayo. Minimal ingredients and all ones you can pronounce.

GOLDEN ROUNDS CRACKERS. My people love the cousin of this cracker that you buy at your local store, but those are full of controversial ingredients These crackers taste the same and are a much better choice if you are going to eat crackers.

COCONUT SUGAR. Good price. While all sugar is metabolized the same in the body, coconut sugar brings a rich panel of nutrients to the table.

TACO SHELLS. You would be surprised at the laundry list of preservatives and ingredients in a taco shell. With taco night being a staple in our house, quality shells are necessary. 3 ingredients: organic corn flour, sunflower oil, and lime.

• SPICE BLENDS and EVERYTHING BUT THE BAGEL SEASONING. Delicious. On everything.

 • CRYSTALIZED GINGER. Again, ginger is great for digestion. This comes in a bag full of sweet chunks of ginger root. A much better choice than Tums.

FLOWERS AND PLANTS. Their selection is gorgeous and they tend to last a while. Studies have proven that having fresh flowers and plants in the house improves air quality and mood. Let’s bring Trader Joe’s to Lake Norman!!

For more on wellness topics beneficial to you, your company, group or organization, contact Lindsey at [email protected]


Lindsey Fisher -
Lindsey Fisher –

Lindsey is an influential professional with 14 years of experience in esteemed leadership roles within the wellness industry. She is a devoted mom, wife, and friend with a strong Christian faith who strengths lie in relationship development, balanced living and giving back to her community. She is profoundly knowledgeable in human physiology, nutrition, lifestyle disease, stress management and successful work-life integration.

Lindsey has an innate ability to easily connect with her clients and provide customized programming to achieve established goals. She has built her business based on an exceptional knowledge of interpersonal connections and integrated health solutions for her clients. She has taken her experience and knowledge to the next level to effectively collaborate on marketing solutions for her clients and companies in the wellness industry.

Lindsey currently offers speaking engagements, workshops, accountability programming, and one-on-one coaching.

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