My Favorite Items at Trader Joe's Right NOW!

I am a frequent shopper at Trader Joe's. They have some great GF items that do not break the bank. I go through phases where I think one product is out of this world and everyone and their Mother should be eating it. So, I thought I would share with you my ultimate Trader Joe's Products of the moment.

1. Cilantro and Chive Yogurt Dip: I eat this with GF chips or fresh veggies and I am over the moon. I love the fresh flavor that this dip packs. So incredible. 
2. Gluten Free Brownie Mix: It is not an expensive mix, I like the packaging and it is easy to make. So, those are three pros and I cannot find a con. It even cuts like a cake because it doesn't holds together well. Trader Joe's, you did well when you created this mix!
3. Gluten Free Granola: I have seen two varieties and both are frequent visitors in my home. The packages are generous and for around $3.00 a bag, I think that is a pretty good deal!
4. Trader Joe's 100 Calorie Chocolate Bars: YUM! Five bars come in a box and they are so delicious.

How to make homemade pancakes fluffier & my thoughts on a mix..

Buttermilk. It is a good way to make pancakes fluffier and I think yummy. I just started doing this and I totally notice a difference. When a mix says milk, I substitute low fat buttermilk and I think it helps!


Now, for my thoughts on this mix...I could take it or I could leave it. It is a good mix but there isn't a WOW factor. I think I prefer the Trader Joe's Mix to it actually.

Trader Joe's Gluten Free & Dairy Free Homestyle Pancakes

I have been on a total pancake/ waffle kick with my son. I think my obsession is mainly based because I can load up pancakes with berries, bananas and raisins and we are starting our day off right. My new favorite is not a mix but a box with makes it totally easy because sometimes I don't have time in the morning to deal with the hassle of mixes. Trader Joe's has a GF and Dairy Free box available in their freezer section. My favorite part is that they come wrapped already packaged according to serving size. The picture shows the serving size (3 pancakes with syrup and raspberries) This breakfast is awesome!

The stats (pancakes only)
Serving size: 3 pancakes
calories: 230
total fat: 4.5
carbohydrats: 41 grams
sugars:
protiens:5

Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pancake & Waffel Mix

Every Day Is A New Post This Week! DAY TWO! TODAY I BRING YOU....

I like pancakes, yes I do, I like pancakes...how about you? Woo hoo! I am giddy! I like pancakes and I like this week. It is exciting!

Do you know what, I also like? I like these pancakes! Trader Joe's, you know your stuff. I am rarely disappointed in you. The packaging does not lie, it is easy to prepare! I made these for breakfast and I was full until dinner!
I am not going to post nutritional information like I normally do. You can add anything to these and it changes the stats. I served mine with butter, fresh fruit and syrup! YUM!

Pick these up and try them for yourself!

Trader Joe's Organic Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats

I was a big fan of Rice Crispy Treats and I am really bummed out that they are not gluten free. I know that Rice Chex treats are even more delicious (OK, my opinion) but I liked the convenience of unwrapping that blue, sinful package and indulging in some yummy goodness! My mother came home with from Trader Joe's recently with a box of ORGANIC BROWN RICE MARSHMALLOW TREATS! I was so excited I couldn't wait to try them! Plus, the box advertises that it is gluten free, vegan, free from high fructose corn syrup and low in sodium! Sounds like a winner...right?

The Review:

These caught my eye before dinner and I wanted to try them so badly. However, I had to follow the advice that I now give my own child and I resisted the urge to eat sweets before dinner. I quickly ate my dinner and waited until I was no longer full. I unwrapped the package and noticed a funky smell coming from the treat. Hum...did I want to eat this? I was committed. I had already unwrapped it and the curiosity was already too high, I had to find out if it tasted like those treats I once loved so much. I bit in expecting ecstasy and all I got was a nastiness with a kicking after taste. Yuck. I was not feeling nostalgic one bit. Maybe that smell was a warning? I should have known better.

The Verdict:

The Stats:
Serving Size: 1 Bar
Calories :100
Total Fat: 2.5 grams
Carbs: 18 grams
Protein: less than 1

Trader Joe's Gluten Free Rice Pasta & Cheddar

"This is totally the most amazing rice mac & cheese I've ever had. It's soooo good. U have no idea. Really. I love it. I love it so much I want to marry it."


That is on the back of the box. That is a lot to live up to. Did it?


The Review:
Pretty good! The box was pretty extreme! I wouldn't marry the mac and cheese, I personally prefer a cheesier mac but hey, I will take it! I served this for lunch today with some hot dogs.

Here is my son chowing down:




So, this is my final decision on the Mac:



The Stats:

Serving size: 1 cup prepared
Calories: prepared 280
Total Fat: 3.5 grams
Carbs: 52 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sugar: 3 grams
Protein: 6 grams

Trader Joe's Sweet Bail Pesto Smoked Chicken & Turkey Sausage

These are all natural, MSG free, gluten free (obviously), 170 calories per link (4 links in a package) low in carbohydrates (1g) and high in protein (21 g) . They are also easy to cook, you just decide on if you want to pan fry, bake, BBQ, or broil for 12-14 minutes on medium heat.

The taste is really good. I totally recommend these yummy sausage links! They are not overwhelming with the pesto and they are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. These will make it on my standard Trader Joe's Shopping List.