The 10 Best Groceries to Buy This January, According to the Creator of Black Girls in Trader Joe’s

A lot of us, myself included, use the month of January as a marker to start eating more healthful foods, spending less money, and aiming to feel better all around. As a regular at Trader Joe’s, I know my way around the store’s aisles, and have a few healthful favorites that I find myself adding to my own cart this time of year. As usual, TJ’s prices are always right.

Check out my list of TJs’ groceries that will help you start 2021 in a more healthful way (for a great price). Let’s call them my “Smart Start” January finds.

A salad kit is one of the easiest ways to get your greens. This mix of kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green cabbage, and red cabbage can be used to top a sandwich, make a salad, or sauté into something creative.

These frozen patties are a true BGITJ staple — I use them all the time. There are so many ways to dress and enjoy these delicious shrimp and pollock patties. Check out how I like to make mine here.

If you’re not interested in spending $10 on a single drink from your local cold-pressed juice bar, I suggest buying a bunch of these juice shots, which come in flavors like No Joke Ginger and Mighty Turmeric. The price is certainly much better.

These frozen mango chunks are the perfect addition to your 2021 morning smoothie regimen. They also taste great straight out of the bag.

This classic salad dressing is surprisingly plant-based. The miso and capers are the real heroes here, which makes it super flavorful.

Easy as … these bars are the sweet, salty, chewy snack you didn’t know you needed. They’ll satisfy your sweet tooth because they’re jam-packed with real cocoa. And they’ll help keep you full until mealtime.

Sometims I like to swap out white rice for this fiber-filled grain alternative that’s made from legumes. It’s gluten-free and organic.

Trader Joe’s unsweetened frozen açai purée is a great way to add nutrients to smoothies and other drinks for a very reasonable price. These packets also mix well with frozen mango chunks and rum (ask me how I know!).

These are one of my top 10 Trader Joe’s groceries of all time — not just in January. I like to use them for all of their dips. I slice these up, add a little salt, and dip them in whatever dip I want to try. 

If you’re trying eat fewer potato chips, pick up these crispy, crunchy, okra bites instead. I love to pair them hummus and my other favorite TJ’s dips. They’re surprisingly light and airy.

What TJ’s groceries are you buying this January?