The Trader Joes Effect: an exploration of who I became post-Trader-Joes

Exactly two years ago I had never been to Trader Joes. So, I decided in 2023 to kill two birds with one stone and take my first trip to TJ’s and write a quick review on it for my school’s paper. I have included the article below: 

“I have a friend who is addicted, as are many, to the phenomenon that is Trader Joes. Her whole pantry, fridge, freezer are filled with pre-packaged food from this heaven: mini ice cream cones, caramelized French onion dip, orange sesame chicken, chocolate covered strawberries and so on. Every time I am at her house I am drawn to these said food items until it occurred to me that I had no idea where they came from. “You have never been to Trader Joes?” she said to me the other day. I realized I needed to get there.  

At 5:36 PM on Sunday, October 29, 2023 I drove 25 minutes to experience the delicacy of Trader Joes for the first time. 

My first thought when I entered those automatic doors was that whoever was in charge of marketing should get a raise. The walls and signs were decorated seasonally— painted pumpkins, fall wreaths, corn stalks, hay barrels. Everything came in cute packaging and the signs were hand-drawn big, bold, and colorful— even the checkout workers were in costume. It was instantly inviting and intriguing and I hadn’t even gotten to the food yet. 

The place was buzzing with families, couples, and individuals shopping for the week and stocking up on Halloween candy. On the wall there was a sign for a scavenger hunt for a racoon painting: “Where’s Rocky? Can you help us find him? Let us know where he’s hiding for a sweet reward.” I appreciated this clever way to make shopping more appealing to younger kids. To me, the atmosphere made the visit seem less like a chore and more of an experience. 

In a few words, Trader Joes has something for everyone. Even with food— they have everything. Where else would you find Philly cheesesteak Bao buns? Or pickled pups? Although I personally am not dying to eat these questionable combinations, I am sure there are others who live for special Trader-Joes-only items like these. 

I also noticed that everything is reasonably priced, individually wrapped, and mainly pre-made; Trader Joes is definitely not an ingredient store. However, these meal kits are what make Trader Joes Trader Joes and it wouldn’t be the same if they were selling ketchup instead of a pesto pasta dinner kit. 

Four full bags of food later, I totally get the Trader Joes obsession. A wide variety of unique, inexpensive food all in adorable packaging—what's not to like? If you can, make that extra stop on the way home at Trader Joes. 

Trader Joes: https://www.traderjoes.com/home”

It has been two years since I wrote that, and looking back on it that article was the start to something because I have since joined the “Trader Joes Cult” (a term coined by pop culture expressing one’s absolute infatuation with all-things-Trader-Joes). 

Because it is a solid thirty-minutes away from my house, I have made my TJ expeditions more of a monthly habit. When I go, however, you would think I was stocking up for another pandemic! Some of my go-to grabs are the Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips (chili & lime), the French Onion Dip, and their Chocolate Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones. 

But in retrospect, I have been converted. I have joined the masses. And yes, if you are like the person I once was before Trader Joes (deprived and sheltered from the true gems of the world) please please please take a field trip to your local TJ’s. It will have a positive longlasting effect.