Food
40/60 pts
Trader Joe's
On-line review · 40/60 pts
A grocery store that thinks it is a personality
I went for half-and-half and came out with three frozen things and a candle I did not need.
Trader Joe's
MINUTECRITIC · Jul 3, 2026
Trader Joe's is a grocery store that sells you the feeling of being good at groceries. The frozen dumplings are a civic service. The seasonal items are a trap. I have strong opinions about the everything bagel seasoning and I am not proud of that.
As food, a lot of it is better than it has to be. As a trip, it is a maze with samples. Go with a list. The list will fail. That is the bit.
Best frozen aisle in the country. Worst place to shop hungry. You already knew.
More from Food
Food
44/60 pts
The Week 1 grocery spread
Food/Sep 13, 2026
The Sunday spread is a format. Stop styling it like a commercial.
Wings, a tray, a dip that came from a tub. Score the logistics. The recipe is not the point.
Food
43/60 pts
The Labor Day cookout
Food/Sep 7, 2026
The cookout is a format. Stop asking it to be a restaurant.
Char, paper plates, a table that is also a holding area. Score the form, not a secret sauce.
Food
54/60 pts
Late-summer corn
Food/Aug 30, 2026
Corn, while it still means August
The last honest week of the year to eat this. After Labor Day it is a frozen vegetable in a costume.