While I was in Phoenix for Easter a few weeks ago I made a trip to Trader Joe’s to pick up groceries for a photoshoot. I love exploring new TJ’s locations in every city I travel to because they are all so different. I saw my classic favorites, but couldn’t help roaming to explore new ingredients. My favorite items from this month are totally across the board, but are a fun variety. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

If you know me, you know that I am still working my way onto the coconut bandwagon. I purchased coconut oil to ease my way in and did in fact end up using it for cooking. The flavor is mild and it worked really well. However, my favorite use has been as moisturizer before bed on my hands! I cannot tell you how much I love it – more than any other lotion I use.

Frozen Brown Rice

While this has been a favorite for more than a year, I was reminded how much I loved it when I was traveling last month and needed to rely on quick dinners. I keep this brown rice in my freezer so I can microwave it in three minutes and have a perfect side to veggies, meats or any dinner.

Roasted Plantain Chips

My dad will occasionally buy plantain chips when he goes to stock up on Cuban food staples, so I finally decided to try them at Trader Joe’s. I could have eaten the bag hands-down at once. The chips are super salty (in just the right way), have an addicting crunch and are a really fun snack.

Cookie Butter Ice Cream

For less than $5, this ice cream simply cannot be beat! If you have not tried Trader Joe’s cookie butter, think of Biscoff spread, or almost like graham crackers turned into a nut butter consistency, swirled into vanilla ice cream. It is absolutely addicting and challenges me on my motto of “everything in moderation!”

Pitted Deglet Noor Dates

I have been seeing people on Instagram using dates in their smoothies, so I decided to try it out. I loved swapping a squeeze of agave for one date to add natural sweetness. When I bought these from TJ’s, I transferred into a ziplock bag to keep them fresh. If you use them for smoothies, just blend a little bit longer to ensure the date gets incorporated.

Not So Favorite Items

TJ’s was pushing the coffee flavored items a lot in the Fearless Flyer. I picked up the Vienna Coffee macaroons and did not like them at all! They were sooo sugary. I also tried the individual matcha powder packets in hopes of getting on the matcha bandwagon, but did not really find the right water to powder ratio.

What favorites have you had this month?

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela