The 10 Very Best Things to Buy at TJ’s, According to the Creator of Black Girls in Trader Joe’s
Instagram has its fair share of Trader Joe’s fan accounts, but on May 14, 2020, Mercedes (Dee) Davis blessed us with one more. At the peak of a global pandemic, the aesthetician by trade started @BlackGirlsInTraderJoes, and in just 17 months Dee’s account has grown to more than 210,000 followers.
“#BGITJ was created to take up space in a space where Black women aren’t always represented,” says Dee. “We should all have access to quality ingredients at an affordable price to feed our families.”
In a way, Dee’s page has served as a kind of introduction for people who may have never stepped into a Trader Joe’s before (but are curious what all the fuss is about). “People were reaching out to me saying, ‘We want to know about Trader Joe’s and what they have there. It’s not in our neighborhoods.’ For a lot of people, it is almost like this unknown,” says Dee.
Her page is so popular, fans have started to ask Dee for merch — tote bags, T-shirts, buttons, and more. “It gives us a way to see each other in the aisle. When I wear my #BGITJ tote, someone always approaches me to ask what’s in my cart.”
Speaking of what’s in her cart, we asked Dee to do the impossible: List her top 10 items at TJ’s. Here are her picks, plus some smart tips for using them!
1. Flowers
“You cannot beat the price of Trader Joe’s flowers — especially during peony season. (That’s my favorite flower.) They come in great colors, are always fresh, and are just a steal. I constantly have eucalyptus hanging on my shower head. You bruise the leaves a bit to release the oils and tie it up on your shower. When it steams up, it smells amazing and for just $4, you get a little spa day at home.”
2. Wine
“Again, the price of wine at Trader Joe’s is unbeatable. My favorite white wines are Nbali, Espiral, Delicious Monster, and McBride Sisters’ Sauvignon Blanc. I was on a really big white wine kick this summer. For reds, I love the Moon X and Ménage à Trois. Those are the two big ones for me. My favorite tip, though? If you buy six bottles, you get a 10 percent discount. Not everyone knows that.”
3. Seasonings
“I’m sorry but I cannot choose just one. I love the Mushroom & Company Multipurpose Umami Seasoning Blend, 21 Seasoning Salute, and their Furikake (it can kick up plain rice to a whole new level). Seasonally, I love their Herbs de Provence on chicken and salad. I always remind people to season their salad — people don’t realize you’re supposed to season your salad.”
4. French Brioche
“Again … you can’t beat the price on this! Brioche is really expensive at other grocery stores but you can buy it for $4 at Trader Joe’s. This bread really lasts — and freezes really well if you’re just one person. I like to take a slice or two and make myself some French toast, because sometimes you wake up and you want French toast on demand.”
5. Unexpected Cheddar
“Let me first say that I love cheese. This cheese is so nutty and earthy. When you melt it, it’s gooey and rich — there’s nothing better. I put this in my shrimp and grits recipe because it gives it that creaminess. It’s also so good in soup. And now they make a shredded Unexpected Cheddar!”
6. Stone Ground Grits
“I really like Trader Joe’s grits. You normally see quick or instant grits, but you don’t always see stone ground. This is a great blank template for any dish. I cook mine with veggie stock and add milk or cream to get a velvety texture. They’re great grits for a great price.”
7. Red Argentinian Shrimp
“The Red Argentinian Shrimp is for someone who has lobster taste but a shrimp budget. These have an almost buttery rich flavor but cost $10 a bag. I just invested in a deep freezer so I can stock up on these.”
8. Lemongrass Body Oil
“If you don’t like lemon (or smelling like a lemon), don’t get this. A little background on me: I’m a certified aesthetician! Skincare is my thing. I put this on really dry skin and then put a regular moisture on top — it works really well to seal it in. It’s a great texture, and doesn’t feel greasy. And the scent is invigorating. Can I mention another product in the beauty aisle? Their Tea Tree Tingle Body Wash gets my honorable mention.”
9. Frozen Vegetable Fried Rice
“Speaking of frozen, let’s sit in the frozen aisle for a moment. This is a great base, specially if you need something to eat real quick. You can eat it as is, but I like to add the razzle dazzle. I’ll put in eggs, edamame, ginger, crushed garlic cubes. If I have a few more minutes I’ll put in shrimp, chicken, or steak. With the veggie rice, you can always add more. “
10. Persian Cucumbers
“I love these. You know all those dips Trader Joe’s has? These are what I dip in them. I like things that are cold for dipping, so I slice these up, add a little salt, and dip them in whatever dip I want to try. “
Are any of your favorite items from Trader Joe’s on this list? Let us know in the comments below.