Inside Trader Joe's

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re travelling to California’s wine country. Our journey takes us through the stunning Sonoma Valley, where we chat with some of the folks who make the wine you’ll find at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. We get up close and personal with some grapes and learn about the work that goes into turning those grapes into delightfully drinkable bottles of wine. And we uncover the secret behind all the great values you’ll find in our wine section (spoiler alert: it’s not actually a secret). Transcript (PDF)

Value – it’s always a good time to talk about value. Look around your neighborhood Trader Joe’s and you’ll see value on every shelf, every day. Those values don’t happen by accident; they’re the result of our Buying Philosophy in action. (Yes, we’re a grocery store with a philosophy.) What does that Buying Philosophy mean to you and how does it impact what you pay at the cash register? This episode of Inside Trader Joe’s goes inside the Buying Philosophy – why we do it, how it works, and most importantly, what it means for you at the cash register, every time you shop.   Transcript (PDF)

If pasta is your passion and olives are what you live for, consider this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s a table set for you! We dive into the Mediterranean region in a conversation with an Italian pasta supplier; we get some good info on the state of pasta, olives, and olive oil on our grocery shelves, and we travel to California to chat with a producer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil crafted in the Golden State. You can get an inside look at how this particular EVOO is made – from harvest to table – on our YouTube channel, here.   Transcript (PDF)

Once again, we’re falling head over pumpkin for fall. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s you’ll get a sneak peek at some of our favorite new stuff, like Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce and Pumpkin Oat Beverage, and even some things that have no pumpkin at all (gasp!), like Butternut Mac & Cheese Bites and Maple Walnut Biscotti. Grab a pen and a piece of paper - you’re going to want to make a list.  Transcript (PDF)

Summer’s here, and the time is right, for shopping at Trader Joe’s. Whether you’re snacking, sipping, slathering, or sizzling at the barbecue, this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s has just the thing to satisfy your seasonal cravings. Returning faves like Key Lime Cookies & summer-fresh stone fruits take their place alongside new arrivals Brazil Nut Body Butter and Sparkling Green Tea with Pineapple. And we have advance scoop on soon-to-be-available Carolina Gold BBQ Chips and Garlic Bread Cheese. Have a listen and perhaps you’ll be dancin’ in the street on the way to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Transcript (PDF)

Are you Team Spices or Team Spicy? On this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we make the case that you can serve both squads, with delicious results. A heated conversation with our resident seasoning alchemist (aka Spices Category Manager) reveals an abundance of seasonings from savory to spicy; and we challenge a Crew Member’s palate with Trader Joe’s products spanning the spicy spectrum.      Transcript (PDF)

Have you ever thought about why cheese melts the way it does? Or why some cheeses melt differently than others? And further to that, why some cheeses don’t really melt at all, but just get a little soft? On this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, our very own “Professor Matt” explains it all to you, with a little help from our resident cheese expert, Kim. From enzymes to acid, and fresh cheese to aged, we bring you the art and science behind one of the best ways to enjoy “milk’s leap toward immortality,” cheese. Stop what you’re doing and melt with us.   Transcript (PDF)

Spring is just around the corner, and while some focus on spring cleaning, we instead focus on our favorite seasonal activity, spring eating. (Actually, that's our favorite activity every season.) There are new products arriving in our stores every day, from sweet treats like Chocolate & Peanut Butter Joe Joe's to savory delights like Oven Baked Cheese Bites with Tomato and Chili. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we present a baker's dozen of our new favorites that are sure to put a spring in your step. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we step into the icy wonderland of Trader Joe’s freezer case and find a treasure trove of deliciousness ready to become dinner in minutes. From powerhouses like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Cauliflower Gnocchi to newer arrivals like Breaded Fried Ravioli and Branzino Fillets, there’s always something easy to prepare and even easier to eat. And the delights don’t stop at dinner… you’ll find options for breakfast, appetizers, and especially dessert. Ice Cream (and more!), anyone?  Transcript (PDF)

The votes have been cast, the ballots have been tallied, and the winners have been verified! Inside this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s we reveal the results of the 12th Annual Customer Choice Awards. From Favorite Cheese to Best Beverage and Favorite Trader Joe’s Product Overall, this awards show has everything other awards shows have, and has been proven to be 242% more delicious. Transcript (PDF)

Some might say everything’s coming up roses, but why stop there? In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we take a deep dive into all the plants and flowers, with an update on what’s changed in the world of greens and blooms over the last year. We also get some insights into the world of plant-based products, the constant evolution of vegan foods, and even some innovations in plant-based packaging!   Transcript (PDF)

While the holiday season looks a little different this year, the Crew at Trader Joe’s are finding ways to celebrate the best of the season. In this episode, we chat with Crew Members from around the country about their favorite holiday traditions and holiday products at Trader Joe’s. Sparkling wines, multiple hot cocoa options, a cauliflower-centric take on classic latkes, charcuterie for days, candies, and of course cookies… beware, you will want cookies when this one is done!   Transcript (PDF)

The holiday season is upon us, and your neighborhood Trader Joe's is bursting with inventive, intriguing, incredibly inviting food and drink (and soap!) to fill your shopping cart. In this Mini Shopping List episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we treat you to some of our new favorites you'll find in stores only during this holiday season. Have a listen... and have a pen & paper at hand – you'll want to be sure to add some of these to your shopping list.   Transcript (PDF)

Pumpkin, pumpkin, everywhere, good enough to eat! That could be our motto here at Trader Joe’s – at least in autumn. In this short-shopping-list episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re diving deep into Pumpkin Season, with new pumpkin-forward products you’ll find throughout the store. Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Slims? Check. Turkey & Pumpkin Mole Burrito? Sure! Spicy Pumpkin Curry Simmer Sauce? Oh. Yes. And so much more. If your shopping list is feeling a little “same old-same old,” have a listen and discover some great new stuff you’ll find only at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Transcript (PDF)

Even in these times of constant change, there’s one thing that’s remained constant, and that’s our commitment to innovating and developing new products to bring to our stores. We’ve made some adjustments to the way our Tasting Panel meets – who knew video conference tasting could be a thing? – but the basic function of the panel remains the same today as it’s ever been… making sure we’re bringing you delicious tastes from around the globe, and offering them at great values, every day. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re taking you inside the Tasting Panel, in today’s format. We’ll talk about how the changes have impacted product development, and we’ll hear about some new initiatives we’ve put in place to help us find vendors who might not have had access to our Tasting Panel process in days past. Transcript (PDF)

Whether you’re sipping from a glass or swigging from a can, beer may be the ultimate summertime beverage. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we take you deep into the history of beer, and jump into the present with conversations about the beer you’ll find at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s – including a discussion with one of our longtime brewery partners. Of course, when drinking beer, one must have snacks, so we have some snack pairings to suggest as well. How best to enjoy this episode? We suggest you pour your favorite brew, fill a bowl with snacks, sit back, and have a listen. Transcript (PDF)

If you’ve been shopping from the same old list week after week, or even month after month, you might not know that even now, Trader Joe’s is introducing great new products every week. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s – a Shopping-List Short – we’re talking about a bunch of new things that have come in recently, and even more that are about to arrive at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Because even when life is unpredictable, one thing you can always count on is Trader Joe’s delivering great values on delicious stuff you won’t find anywhere else. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re bringing you more information about how we’re responding to Covid-19, both in our stores and throughout our supply chain. The activity in our stores has been constantly evolving over the last few months, from packed aisles to social-distancing. So, too, has the volume of products flowing in and out of our stores. We’ll talk about how that in-store activity has impacted our supply chain, and how we’ve continued – and even strengthened – our commitment to being a good neighbor, through our longstanding Neighborhood Shares program. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re talking joe, as in, that cup of joe you’re drinking right now. We pay a visit to one of our longtime coffee suppliers, folks we’ve been doing business with for nearly 40 years! We spend some time with the folks who find the special, limited edition coffees you’ll find in our stores throughout the year. And we try to find the secret to what makes the perfect cup… spoiler alert… it appears this is different for every coffee drinker. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a casual cupper, there’s something here for everyone. Just like the coffee section at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we're bringing you an update about how we're responding to COVID-19. These are not ordinary times. In fact, every day, it seems like our definition of unprecedented changes. What will never change is our commitment to you, our Customers, and to our Crew working in your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. We remain focused on making it possible for you to buy the groceries you need, as well as ensuring the safest possible environment for Crew and Customers at all times. Episode 23 Transcript (PDF)