After a brief hiatus, my favorite series is back up on the blog! Last year I started sharing my five favorite products from the month and it became a fun way to document what I was trying monthly. TJ’s is my go-to stop for all groceries and with so many new products releasing monthly, I find something new every single time. This month’s collection has a few staples and a few new finds. Read about them below and comment with things you’re loving lately!

Organic Reduced Fat Coconut Milk

While I love most foods, the one that I am still trying to acquire a taste for is coconut. Lately I have been experimenting with cooking with coconut milk and I’m loving this canned version from TJ’s. It has no thickeners or gums, is organic and super creamy. I used it in a last-minute shrimp curry dish the other night and also this Thai Almond Butter Dressing.

Unsweetened Organic Açaí Purée Packets

Ever since I had an açaí bowl in California–basically a thicker berry smoothie in a bowl topped with sliced banana, berries and granola with a drizzle of honey–I have been in love. These bowls are really trendy on Instagram, too, but sometimes it can be tricky to recreate at home if you can’t find açaí. This super-fruit is from the Amazon is sometimes hard to find since it’s pretty rare and can be pricey. TJ’s sells four-3.52 oz. packets of Unsweetened Organic Açaí Purée for $4.49!

Oh my Guava! Juice

I don’t usually have juice on hand in my fridge, but one weekend we were having girlfriends over for a brunch and so my friend Julia and I thought about trading the typical orange juice for guava juice mimosas. This juice from TJ’s is a tropical fruit and black tea combination, which makes it interesting enough to drink on it’s own, but also delicious as a splash with champagne.

73% Belgian Dark Chocolate Non-Pareils

Trader Joe’s chocolate treats section is so extensive that it is hard to pick a favorite, but these non-pareils pretty easily top the list. My roommate Danielle and I have one or two of these every night as a little chocolate treat, usually while we are sipping tea and wrapping up the day.

Minced Garlic

I know some people absolutely despise using pre-minced garlic, but I grabbed one of these jars when I was exploring the spice section a few weeks ago and I have love being able to reach for a teaspoon of garlic from here instead of mincing every time. Plus, it saves my hands from smelling like garlic for a whole day!

No-So-Favorite Items

I did not love the trendy cauliflower rice that has been popular. Have you tried it? The “rice” felt like I was just eating air. It was so light that I felt the meal missing some substance! I also have decided to no longer buy my cilantro from TJ’s. Every time I purchase it, it ends up going bad so quickly. It may just be the way I’m keeping it in the fridge, but I’d rather buy a big fresh bunch from another grocery store.

Tell me, what have you loved from Trader Joe’s this month? I have a few more that haven’t made the list yet that I’ll share either on my Instagram Story or Snapchat, or next month!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela