Yay: Delicious Caramel Bites

Instead of "Delicious Caramel Bites," these should be titled "MOST AMAZING COOKIES IN THE WORLD!" While we usually try to review only TJs brand foods on this blog, I've only ever seen these in TJs and they are so delicious, they deserve a post. Soft chewy caramel is wedged between two crispy, sugary wafers in a way that will turn any frown upside down. They are bite-sized enough that you can eat a couple without feeling completely guilt-ridden, although beware: once you open the bag it is hard to stop eating these.

Yay: Farm Raised Tilapia Filets

If you must eat frozen fish instead of fresh fish, this frozen tilapia is a a decent option for the price and freshness. They are a meaty fillet that cooks easily with simple ingredients such as a lemon, butter and herbs. I like that they are portioned for 2 people, as fish (frozen or fresh!) does not reheat well.

Yay: Turkey Jerky

Once again, TJs excels at making a preservative-free version of a great food that is normally stuffed with chemicals by other bigger name brands. This jerky is tasty because it is not overly salty, and has just a hint of smokey soy flavor. The meat is tender, but tough enough to enjoy that "jerky chew" experience. The only drawbacks are that it is expensive and it is recommended to consume within a few days of opening, but if you're looking for a healthy, protein-based snack, this jerky will do the job!

Yay: Quick Cook Steel Cut Oats

I'm not much of an oatmeal connoisseur, but I do know that I like my oatmeal plain and natural. I do not like the packaged instant oatmeal from bigger name brands because they have added sugars and preservatives. If you're looking for a natural, basic breakfast, this is a great option. These oats cook very quickly (just like their title says!): add some to boiling water and you'll have a nutritious breakfast in 5-8 minutes.

Yay: Non-Sorbate Pitted Prunes

It is very difficult to find dried fruit with preservatives, but TJs saves the day with these preservative-free pitted prunes. Serve them on a cheese board or just enjoy them by the handful. They are a great after-dinner treat to satisfy a sweet craving while aiding in digestion. Tip: keep them in the fridge and they are less sticky to handle.

Yay: Honey Roasted Peanuts

These little golden nuggets of happiness have just the right combination of salty and sweet: neither is overtly overpowering so that they complement each other nicely. They make a great topping for salad or ice cream, or eat a handful for a powerful punch of protein. Either way, these peanuts are sure to delight!

Yay: Peanut Butter Chewy Coated & Drizzled Granola Bars

If you are easily put off by food terms such as "granola" and "bar," don't be fooled! These delicious bars taste more like dessert than traditionally dry granola bars. They are very satisfying and fill that afternoon food void when one sluggishly craves sweets but needs protein to make it through the rest of the day. Pack one in your lunch or carry one in your pocket!

Yay: Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This is a delectable and delicious dip, and highly recommended. It rivals any overpriced chain restaurant appetizer, and can be served with a variety of munchables including tortilla chips, pita chips, bread or veggies. It is even tasty with TJs Organic Corn Chip Dippers. Serve as a side with a meal or a snack all for yourself, or share at a party if you are feeling generous!

Yay: Bean So Green

I expected these to be disgusting, particularly since frozen broccoli is rarely tasty (it contains so much water that frozen versions are usually mushy). The veggies were surprisingly crisp (for being frozen), and the garlic butter sauce was not nearly as synthetic and heavy as expected. While this won't make the rounds at my regular dinner table, it was a nice change up, and I would recommend it.

Yay: Frozen Blueberries

TJ's frozen fruit makes getting through winter a little easier when you live in a cold climate with limited access to fresh fruits. Every bag is consistently delicious and always perfectly sweet. Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes or yogurt, or just eat them by the handful as a frozen (or thawed) treat!

Yay: Nonpareille Capers

Capers add an element of surprise flavor to many dishes. Do not be fooled by their tiny nonpareille size -- these little flower buds from the caper bush are pickled to add a salty, vinegary punch. They are a great topping for a variety of fish and pasta dishes, adding a gourmet flair to your every day cooking. The best part about these carpers is that even though they are traditionally a gourmet food, TJs sells them at non-gourmet prices (pricing varies by store location).

Yay: 10 Minute Farro

I never cooked farro before trying TJs 10 Minute Farro. I had tasted it many times before this and always assumed it was a difficult grain to cook, much like rice. I assure you that if I can cook this stuff without messing it up, you can too (I am the world's worst at cooking rice, therefore my entire culinary life changed when I found TJs Frozen Brown Rice). Farro can be quite bland alone, so I recommend finding a recipe; I used this one from Whole Foods found here, making it into a cold salad as a side dish. I am curious how to use it in a hot dish. Do you have any other farro recipes to share?

Yay: Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix

This Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake mix is delicious! Although I typically do all my baking from scratch, I've also never seen crumb cake in box mix form. It is very easy to make -- you just need milk, butter or vegetable oil, some more butter, a bowl, a spoon, a cake pan, and about 60-75 minutes. It takes a very long time to bake -- 40-60 minutes depending on the cake pan size and your oven -- but it is worth the wait because of the taste and simplicity. The cake comes out moist and fluffy, and the crumb topping bakes to crispy perfection. Bring this to a holiday party and you will hear rave reviews about your baking skills!

Yay: Creamy Fresh Goat Cheese with Herbs

Goat cheese is a must have for anyone who wants to add a gourmet flair to their dishes, and this Goat Cheese with Herbs is an excellent tool to have in the kitchen. The herbs in this cheese are a useful touch because they add a subtle flavor to a variety of dishes. Serve on crackers with a plate of fruit, mix in with red sauce to get a creamy style sauce, or add to salad for that extra gourmet flair. It complements the Candied Pecans in a spinach salad, and will impress whomever you prepare meals for!

Yay: Organic Corn Chip Dippers

This hearty, crunchy chip is a great addition to any party with dips! I recommend using it with heartier, chunkier dips as opposed to thinner ones (i.e., do not recommend it with the Mild Salsa, even though the salsa is delicious). These will work well with chunky guacamole and taco dips because they are very thick and sturdy, and therefore less prone to breaking. They will not leave you with a mess on your hands. Do beware though -- they are just as addicting and filled with fats as standard brand chips!

Yay: Vanilla Flavored Whey Protein Powder

This is a tasty and simple way to add more protein to your diet. Mix some in a smoothie or shake, or add some to baked goods such as pancakes or homemade granola bars. The vanilla flavoring is subtle and not sugary tasting. The serving size is 2 scoops, but I find this makes shakes a bit too thick and gelatinous in texture, so I typically use one scoop. How many different protein shake combinations can you make?

Yay: Shelled Soy Beans Edamame

These are found in the refrigerated produce section of Trader Joe's. They are slightly salted and must remain chilled. While I prefer shelled edamame because a mouthful of soybeans all at once is just too much and I like the act of getting them out of the shells, these are easy to pack in lunches and take on the go because they do not require thawing (frozen shelled edamame require thawing/microwaving). They come in a small, resealable plastic package to keep them fresh.

Yay: Mild Salsa

This is a very tasty salsa, particularly since it lacks all the preservatives of standard brand jarred salsas. You actually find this in the refrigerated section of TJs, compared to typical groceries stores where you find room temperature salsa in the chip aisle. This item is a bit on the thinner, runnier side, therefore I recommend it more as a topping for your Mexican inspired dishes or as a cooking ingredient, as opposed to dipping with a hearty chip. Or you could just find a thinner chip too!

Yay: Veggie Chips

These are a light, airy snack that satisfies a craving for crunch, salt and carbs. Don't be fooled by the packaging: these are made with vegetables but are potato based. Thus, they have similar fats and calories as regular potato chips. However, they are much tastier than regular potato chips! They are ridged, but cut thicker than standard brand chips, allowing them to hold up well to dips (such as Hummus Dip). They are have a fluffy feel to them while leaving little grease on your hands. Serve them at your next party or keep the whole bag to yourself!

Yay: Baby Spinach

I have yet to purchase a "bad" bag of baby spinach from Trader Joe's. It is always fresh, not wilted, crispy and delicious. Many times I've tried to purchase spinach from a different grocery store with standard packaged brands, and the bottom 1/3 of the bag is nearly useless because the spinach is wet and wilted. At $1.99 a bag the price is comparable too (although your store's pricing may vary). Top with some Candied Pecans and a delicious cheese, and you've got yourself one yummy salad!