Yay: Vegetable Gyoza

Frozen gyoza found in standard grocery stores is typically disgusting because they are easy to overcook, filled with preservatives, and generally end up mushy or rubbery. These vegetable gyoza are super easy to cook on the stove top, using a few teaspoons of an oil of your choice (such as peanut or canola), browning them for a few minutes, adding a few teaspoons of water, and covering them for steaming. Outside of a restaurant or homemade, these preservative-free bites make a quick and easy accompaniment to any stir-fry dish or as a snack by themselves.

Yay: Candied Pecans

This little golden nuggets of tasty goodness are super pricey for the small amount, but are worth it for adding that extra "YUMMY" to a dish. The front of the package says it all: they are crunchy with just the right amount of sweet. I used them in a spinach salad, and these are not nearly as sugary as pecans found in restaurant salads. The front of the package says great for snacking, but beware because they will not last long!

Yay: Fire Roasted Red Peppers

Another staple for any culinary pantry, these fire roasted red peppers are a quick alternative to roasting your own red peppers. The lack of sodium is remarkable compared to standard grocery store brands, giving these peppers a fresh and sweet taste to complement many different dishes. Use them in pasta primavera, use as a topping for making your own pizza, add to pasta salad, or impress your friends by adding them to an antipasto plate.

Yay: Baked Cheese Crunchies

It is a challenge to find a snack at TJs that I do not like. That probably says more about my love of snacks than anything! These Baked Cheese Crunchies are extraordinary! They have 50% less fat than big brand cheesy puffs, and taste better too because they don't have the standard chemical preservatives. They are less greasy too, although the cheese powder still gets on your hands. The cheese flavor has a less saturated, more natural taste than big brand cheesy puffs. Be careful, these tiny bites might seem harmless but they are very addictive. The bag will be gone before you know it!

Yay: Extra Lean Angus Ground Beef 96% Lean/4% Fat

This lean ground beef always looks fresh and natural, and it claims right on the package that the cattle were raised with no hormones or antibiotics. Be aware that this beef is much pricier than what you'll find in your standard grocery store, however if you need meat quickly and are close to a TJs, it is worth the extra few dollars because it always tastes good and freezes very well for later use.

Yay: 50% Less Salt Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews

These cashews are a must-have item for any pantry. Among several of TJ's "50% Less Salt" options, they are priced better and taste better than the leading name brand cashews. They truly are less salty than your average bag of nuts, and while they make a great snack, they also add distinct flavor to stir-fry and baked goods. Everyone always eats the cashews out of the nut mix first, so why not grab yourself an entire bag of cashewy goodness?

Yay: Sparkling Lemon Spring Water

I'm a self-proclaimed bubbly water aficionado, and never realized TJs had sparkling water until I found it tucked away in a corner of my store. This isn't my favorite bubbly water by any means, but the price (79 CENTS! although prices may vary by store) and overall taste is why it gets a Yay. The bubbles are much smaller than other sparkling waters (i.e., La Croix), which some people might find pleasing. I prefer a larger bubble of carbonation. The natural lemon flavor is barely noticeable, which some people may also find pleasing. How do you think it would measure up in a carbonated water taste test?