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A composite image of cans of beans on a shelf at Trader Joe's, and a bag of Trader Joe's mild cheddar cheese sticks.
Canned beans and cheese sticks are some of my favorite things to buy at Trader Joe's.

Ashley Martens

  • I'm a certified personal trainer who loves shopping at Trader Joe's.
  • I pick up proteins like the store's cheese sticks, chili-lime chicken strips, and pork tenderloin.
  • Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi and fresh broccoli make excellent side dishes.

As a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, I try my best to prioritize protein-heavy and nutritious items while food shopping.

That's why I love shopping at Trader Joe's. Since I started visiting the grocery chain in 2015, I've built up a solid list of mindful pantry staples, meats, and frozen items that make quick and easy meals.

Here are some of the many items that always make it into my cart.

I like Trader Joe's peanut butter, which is made with one simple ingredient.
Jars of peanut butter on a shelf at Trader Joe's.

Ashley Martens

Some peanut butters contain added oils, sugar, or stabilizers, so I opt for Trader Joe's creamy, unsalted version instead. I love that it keeps things simple with just one ingredient: peanuts.

Plus, at $2.49 a jar, I can't go wrong with this purchase.

Trader Joe's mild cheddar cheese snack sticks are a good source of fat and protein.
Bags of Trader Joe's mild cheddar cheese sticks.

Ashley Martens

When I need a quick snack, I grab Trader Joe's mild cheddar cheese snack sticks. With 8 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein, this 100-calorie cheese stick keeps me satiated between meals.

I especially love to pair them with a stack of Trader Joe's golden round crackers.

The store's chili-lime chicken strips make taco night a breeze.
A package of Trader Joe's chili-lime chicken strips.

Ashley Martens

I love making tacos and burrito bowls with Trader Joe's fully cooked chili-lime chicken strips — especially if I'm in a pinch. I simply toss the chicken in the microwave and add it to soft shell tacos.

Fresh broccoli makes a great side dish for any meal.
Bags of broccoli crowns at Trader Joe's.

Ashley Martens

Fresh broccoli is a must-purchase item on my bimonthly Trader Joe's runs, mostly because it pairs well with everything. I like to roast it with a drizzle of avocado oil and enjoy as a nutritious side dish.

When I need a break from chicken, I usually opt for a roasted pork tenderloin.
A package of Trader Joe's peppercorn garlic boneless pork tenderloin.

Ashley Martens

Packed with black peppercorns and garlic seasoning, Trader Joe's pork tenderloin is a quick and easy meal, especially when I have guests over.

I like to pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet-potato cubes.

I love elevating my meals with Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi.
Bags of Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi.

Ashley Martens

When I want to sneak extra vegetables into my meals, I reach for Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi.

I pan-fry it with some avocado oil and serve it with chicken for a quick and easy dinner.

Trader Joe's wild-caught salmon is one of my favorite dinner options.
A package of Trader Joe's wild-caught salmon.

Ashley Martens

I love salmon and typically eat it two or three times a week. Luckily, Trader Joe's wild-caught salmon comes in a pack of two filets.

The fish is especially tasty when served alongside steamed jasmine rice and roasted broccoli.

Canned beans are a good plant-based protein.
Cans of black and refried beans on a shelf at Trader Joe's.

Ashley Martens

On days when I'm not in the mood for meat, I reach for a can of beans.

Black beans pair well with jasmine rice, and the store's refried beans taste great with soft tortilla shells.

I always grab a bag of jasmine rice.
A hand holding a bag of Trader Joe's jasmine rice.

Ashley Martens

Jasmine rice makes a great foundation for pretty much any meal. I use it as a base for homemade burrito bowls and stir-frys, or enjoy it as a side dish with any protein source or veggie.

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I'm a personal trainer who's been shopping at Trader Joe's for over 10 years. H…