As we wind down another year on the calendar, this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s is a celebration of the nearly 55,000 Crew Members in the 530 (and counting!) Trader Joe’s stores across the country. Their hard work and dedication make Trader Joe’s a favorite place to shop in neighborhoods from Portland, Oregon to Portland Maine, and San Diego to Miami. We’d like to raise a glass and say “Cheers!” to every Trader Joe’s Crew Member, in every store, every day. Transcript (PDF)

Holiday shopping? Don’t forget to stock up on stocking stuffers, gifts for wrapping, and treats for the most important person on your list… you! In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re decking the halls and walking the aisles of your neighborhood Trader Joe’s, shining the holiday spotlight on some new, limited-edition holiday selections, as well as some returning festive favorites. From wine to oatmeal and chocolate to Brussels sprouts, discovery is the name of the game if you’re looking to add fun and deliciousness to your holiday season. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re travelling to California’s wine country. Our journey takes us through the stunning Sonoma Valley, where we chat with some of the folks who make the wine you’ll find at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. We get up close and personal with some grapes and learn about the work that goes into turning those grapes into delightfully drinkable bottles of wine. And we uncover the secret behind all the great values you’ll find in our wine section (spoiler alert: it’s not actually a secret). Transcript (PDF)

Value – it’s always a good time to talk about value. Look around your neighborhood Trader Joe’s and you’ll see value on every shelf, every day. Those values don’t happen by accident; they’re the result of our Buying Philosophy in action. (Yes, we’re a grocery store with a philosophy.) What does that Buying Philosophy mean to you and how does it impact what you pay at the cash register? This episode of Inside Trader Joe’s goes inside the Buying Philosophy – why we do it, how it works, and most importantly, what it means for you at the cash register, every time you shop. Transcript (PDF)

If pasta is your passion and olives are what you live for, consider this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s a table set for you! We dive into the Mediterranean region in a conversation with an Italian pasta supplier; we get some good info on the state of pasta, olives, and olive oil on our grocery shelves, and we travel to California to chat with a producer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil crafted in the Golden State. You can get an inside look at how this particular EVOO is made – from harvest to table – on our YouTube channel.   Transcript (PDF)

Once again, we’re falling head over pumpkin for fall. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s you’ll get a sneak peek at some of our favorite new stuff, like Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce and Pumpkin Oat Beverage, and even some things that have no pumpkin at all (gasp!), like Butternut Mac & Cheese Bites and Maple Walnut Biscotti. Grab a pen and a piece of paper - you’re going to want to make a list.  Transcript (PDF)

Summer’s here, and the time is right, for shopping at Trader Joe’s. Whether you’re snacking, sipping, slathering, or sizzling at the barbecue, this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s has just the thing to satisfy your seasonal cravings. Returning faves like Key Lime Cookies & summer-fresh stone fruits take their place alongside new arrivals Brazil Nut Body Butter and Sparkling Green Tea with Pineapple. And we have advance scoop on soon-to-be-available Carolina Gold BBQ Chips and Garlic Bread Cheese. Have a listen and perhaps you’ll be dancin’ in the street on the way to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Transcript (PDF)

Are you Team Spices or Team Spicy? On this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we make the case that you can serve both squads, with delicious results. A heated conversation with our resident seasoning alchemist (aka Spices Category Manager) reveals an abundance of seasonings from savory to spicy; and we challenge a Crew Member’s palate with Trader Joe’s products spanning the spicy spectrum.      Transcript (PDF)

Have you ever thought about why cheese melts the way it does? Or why some cheeses melt differently than others? And further to that, why some cheeses don’t really melt at all, but just get a little soft? On this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, our very own “Professor Matt” explains it all to you, with a little help from our resident cheese expert, Kim. From enzymes to acid, and fresh cheese to aged, we bring you the art and science behind one of the best ways to enjoy “milk’s leap toward immortality,” cheese. Stop what you’re doing and melt with us. Transcript (PDF)

Spring is just around the corner, and while some focus on spring cleaning, we instead focus on our favorite seasonal activity, spring eating. (Actually, that's our favorite activity every season.) There are new products arriving in our stores every day, from sweet treats like Chocolate & Peanut Butter Joe Joe's to savory delights like Oven Baked Cheese Bites with Tomato and Chili. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we present a baker's dozen of our new favorites that are sure to put a spring in your step. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we step into the icy wonderland of Trader Joe’s freezer case and find a treasure trove of deliciousness ready to become dinner in minutes. From powerhouses like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Cauliflower Gnocchi to newer arrivals like Breaded Fried Ravioli and Branzino Fillets, there’s always something easy to prepare and even easier to eat. And the delights don’t stop at dinner… you’ll find options for breakfast, appetizers, and especially dessert. Ice Cream (and more!), anyone?  Transcript (PDF)

The votes have been cast, the ballots have been tallied, and the winners have been verified! Inside this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s we reveal the results of the 12th Annual Customer Choice Awards. From Favorite Cheese to Best Beverage and Favorite Trader Joe’s Product Overall, this awards show has everything other awards shows have, and has been proven to be 242% more delicious. Transcript (PDF)

Some might say everything’s coming up roses, but why stop there? In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we take a deep dive into all the plants and flowers, with an update on what’s changed in the world of greens and blooms over the last year. We also get some insights into the world of plant-based products, the constant evolution of vegan foods, and even some innovations in plant-based packaging! Transcript (PDF)

While the holiday season looks a little different this year, the Crew at Trader Joe’s are finding ways to celebrate the best of the season. In this episode, we chat with Crew Members from around the country about their favorite holiday traditions and holiday products at Trader Joe’s. Sparkling wines, multiple hot cocoa options, a cauliflower-centric take on classic latkes, charcuterie for days, candies, and of course cookies… beware, you will want cookies when this one is done! Transcript (PDF)

The holiday season is upon us, and your neighborhood Trader Joe's is bursting with inventive, intriguing, incredibly inviting food and drink (and soap!) to fill your shopping cart. In this Mini Shopping List episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we treat you to some of our new favorites you'll find in stores only during this holiday season. Have a listen... and have a pen & paper at hand – you'll want to be sure to add some of these to your shopping list. Transcript (PDF)

Pumpkin, pumpkin, everywhere, good enough to eat! That could be our motto here at Trader Joe’s – at least in autumn. In this short-shopping-list episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re diving deep into Pumpkin Season, with new pumpkin-forward products you’ll find throughout the store. Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Slims? Check. Turkey & Pumpkin Mole Burrito? Sure! Spicy Pumpkin Curry Simmer Sauce? Oh. Yes. And so much more. If your shopping list is feeling a little “same old-same old,” have a listen and discover some great new stuff you’ll find only at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Transcript (PDF)

Even in these times of constant change, there’s one thing that’s remained constant, and that’s our commitment to innovating and developing new products to bring to our stores. We’ve made some adjustments to the way our Tasting Panel meets – who knew video conference tasting could be a thing? – but the basic function of the panel remains the same today as it’s ever been… making sure we’re bringing you delicious tastes from around the globe, and offering them at great values, every day. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re taking you inside the Tasting Panel, in today’s format. We’ll talk about how the changes have impacted product development, and we’ll hear about some new initiatives we’ve put in place to help us find vendors who might not have had access to our Tasting Panel process in days past. Transcript (PDF)

Whether you’re sipping from a glass or swigging from a can, beer may be the ultimate summertime beverage. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we take you deep into the history of beer, and jump into the present with conversations about the beer you’ll find at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s – including a discussion with one of our longtime brewery partners. Of course, when drinking beer, one must have snacks, so we have some snack pairings to suggest as well. How best to enjoy this episode? We suggest you pour your favorite brew, fill a bowl with snacks, sit back, and have a listen. Transcript (PDF)

If you’ve been shopping from the same old list week after week, or even month after month, you might not know that even now, Trader Joe’s is introducing great new products every week. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s – a Shopping-List Short – we’re talking about a bunch of new things that have come in recently, and even more that are about to arrive at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Because even when life is unpredictable, one thing you can always count on is Trader Joe’s delivering great values on delicious stuff you won’t find anywhere else. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re bringing you more information about how we’re responding to Covid-19, both in our stores and throughout our supply chain. The activity in our stores has been constantly evolving over the last few months, from packed aisles to social-distancing. So, too, has the volume of products flowing in and out of our stores. We’ll talk about how that in-store activity has impacted our supply chain, and how we’ve continued – and even strengthened – our commitment to being a good neighbor, through our longstanding Neighborhood Shares program. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we’re talking joe, as in, that cup of joe you’re drinking right now. We pay a visit to one of our longtime coffee suppliers, folks we’ve been doing business with for nearly 40 years! We spend some time with the folks who find the special, limited edition coffees you’ll find in our stores throughout the year. And we try to find the secret to what makes the perfect cup… spoiler alert… it appears this is different for every coffee drinker. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a casual cupper, there’s something here for everyone. Just like the coffee section at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we're bringing you an update about how we're responding to COVID-19. These are not ordinary times. In fact, every day, it seems like our definition of unprecedented changes. What will never change is our commitment to you, our Customers, and to our Crew working in your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. We remain focused on making it possible for you to buy the groceries you need, as well as ensuring the safest possible environment for Crew and Customers at all times. Episode 23 Transcript (PDF)

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we don’t talk about food. Nope. Instead, we’re talking about skin care, hair care, self-care… candles, cleansers, & scrubs… Known in the biz as HABA (for Health and Beauty Aids) and HH (for Household), this category of stuff at Trader Joe’s may be small, but it sure is mighty. We’ll take you inside what makes a good Trader Joe’s HABA product, reveal what all those complicated-sounding ingredients are all about, and chat with a TJ-HABA Super User who has some great tips for making the most of your HABA dollars! And, we’ll reveal some super-exciting soon-to-arrive HABA products that will have your skin smiling as summer approaches. Transcript (PDF)

Did someone say chocolate? Why yes, yes we did! In fact, we have lots to say about chocolate – an entire episode worth. In episode 21 of Inside Trader Joe’s, we take you deep into the heart of chocolate, revealing the answers to such mysteries as: What are all the percentages about? What makes white chocolate chocolate? Does all chocolate have sugar? Is there anything Trader Joe’s hasn’t covered in chocolate? We’re also revealing the winners of this year’s Customer Choice Awards – the results may surprise you! Episode 21 Transcript (PDF)

Cheese makes the world go ‘round. Or, at the very least, cheese often comes in rounds, and we’d go to the ends of the earth to get our hands on some good cheese. In this episode, we take you on a journey through the world of cheese, going around the globe and back again to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. We spend some time with an English cheesemaker, we talk with a local TJ’s Crew Member who loves cheese as much as we do, and we learn about which wines pair best with certain cheeses, and we find out about a few special cheeses you’ll find in our stores during the holiday season. Episode 20 Transcript (PDF)

The holidays are finally here! We pine for this season all year long, and we’re constantly at work developing and refining our holiday product lineup. In this episode, we’ll introduce you to some of the new delights you’ll find in your neighborhood Trader Joe’s this holiday season, we’ll learn about some of our Crew’s holiday traditions, we’ll get some table-scaping advice from our resident flowers and plants authority, and we’ll share some songs in the spirit of the season… as only Trader Joe’s could present them! Episode 19 Transcript (PDF)

Whether you're shopping for staple spices or in search of the next big thing, the spice section at Trader Joe's is the place to be. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we take you on a journey through our own spice trade. Along the way, we'll learn a bit about everything from garlic to cinnamon, and Everything But The Bagel to... well, have a listen to find out what's coming next. Episode 18 Transcript PDF

In this episode of Inside Trader Joe’s, we come to you live (well, we recorded it live) from the Trader Joe’s Annual Captains' Meeting. Every year, we gather every Captain (Manager) from every Trader Joe’s across the country together, in one place, to let them know where we’re going, say thanks for all the great things that have happened over the last year, and to give them some useful information to bring back to their stores. We’ll hear about some delicious new products (even for pets!) coming soon to a Trader Joe’s near you, and we’ll have a little fun with our Captains along the way. Episode 17 Transcript (PDF)

In this episode, we’re digging deep into the world of Produce. Chances are, you don’t spend so much time thinking about your greens, your berries, your stone fruits, your avocados… (well, you probably do think about avocados quite a bit). The thing is, we spend loads of time thinking about all of it, so all you have to think about is what looks good when you walk into your neighborhood Trader Joe’s. We find out what it takes to ensure every one of our 488 stores gets the best produce we can find, from all around the world; we talk packaging, and steps we’re taking to reduce our produce packaging; and we’ll answer the burning question… what’s more popular, fruit or veggies? Episode 16 Transcript (PDF)

In this episode, we’re tackling the questions YOU (our listeners) asked. From the pretty straightforward “How do you decide what to sell?” and “How do you know what your customers want?” to the more philosophical “Why don’t you have WiFi?” and “Why not sell your products online?” We collected your questions and gathered some super knowledgeable Crew Members to help us answer them. Tune in to find out, once and for all, why we don’t carry diapers, and why we do plan to keep introducing limited availability products. Episode 15 Transcript (PDF)

It's the episode where we talk about the abundant flowers and plants you'll find at your neighborhood Trader Joe's. We travel the world in search of the most beauteous blooms and festive flowers, and we bring them to you at prices that really define value. How on earth do we do it? Have a listen. Got a question you'd really like to ask the folks who make things happen here at TJ's? Send it to us at [email protected]. We'll use as many questions as we can in an upcoming episode of Inside Trader Joe's. Episode 13 Transcript (PDF)

Come with us on a delicious journey through the freezer case at Trader Joe's. Hear how frozen foods can be fresher than the "fresh" foods; come along as we sample some of our Customers' favorite frozen finds at a neighborhood Trader Joe's; find out about some new treats coming soon to a Trader Joe's near you. Along the way, we'll share some info about how long frozen food keeps in your freezer (a good long time, it turns out), and the very best way to prepare our much-loved Cauliflower Gnocchi. If you're a frozen foods fanatic, or even if you're more fickle about freezer fare, this episode of Inside Trader Joe's will leave you hungry for more. (Figuratively and literally, we hope) Episode 12 Transcript (PDF)

Our approach to sustainability is simple. We all want to leave the planet a better place than we found it. At Trader Joe's, we're working hard to do just that, in part by reimagining how we approach packaging in our stores. We've eliminated certain types of packaging, we're reducing other types of packaging, and we're taking steps to remove more than a million pounds of plastic over the next year alone! We're going to the store, to a recycling plant, and to a next-generation manufacturing facility dedicated to making a positive impact, one plastic bottle at a time. Episode 11 Transcript (PDF)

At Trader Joe's, we are focused on growing, every day – with every product, in every store. We're opening new stores, hiring new Crew Members, meeting new Customers, and developing new products. Whew! In this episode, we talk about finding new store locations, we chat with customers at one of our original East Coast stores, and we look forward to some delicious new products coming to your neighborhood Trader Joe's in the year ahead. Episode 10 Transcript (PDF)

When we say we travel the world in search of great products for our customers, we really mean it! In this episode, come along with us as we circumnavigate the globe, finding the WOW in locations around the world, from South Korea to Southern California, with stops in places like New Zealand, Thailand, the Republic of Georgia, Puerto Rico, and so many more! Episode 9 Transcript (PDF)

It's beginning to look a lot like the holidays at Trader Joe's! How do we come up with all the great holiday products you'll find at Trader Joe's every year? How long does it take to make all that delicious stuff come to life? What's new this holiday season? And did you know Dog Advent Calendars are a thing? Come Inside Trader Joe's and we'll help you get into the holiday spirit. Ho Ho Ho ! Episode 8 Transcript (PDF)

Trader Joe’s has been selling nuts, wine, and cheese since our even-humbler beginnings. In this episode of “Inside Trader Joe’s,” we explain which nuts our customers are the most nutty about. We recommend some cheeses you may not have tried. And we reveal which wines are, we believe, the best in the store – at any price. Episode 7 Transcript (PDF)

When it comes to quality, Trader Joe’s sets a high bar… way above what the law requires. In this episode, we explain what’s in the food, what’s not, and what will never be. So if you’re avoiding artificial flavors, added sugar, GMOs, or MSG, or think maybe you should, this episode is for you. Also, a new “mask” that could be fun for Halloween, and just happens to be great for moisturizing year round.  Episode 6 Transcript (PDF)    

Sometime, someday, you may need a little help from a neighbor. Millions of us do. Find out how we try to be good neighbors in every one of the 475 neighborhoods we serve. Then, honest answers to some of the toughest Customer questions we receive. Like, “Why did you drop my favorite product?” and “What’s up with the parking lot?!” Finally, we peer into our crystal ball to see the future of Trader Joe’s – come along for the ride and join our shopping adventure! Episode 5 Transcript (PDF)

Oh sure, we could sell your favorite Trader Joe’s products online, but that’s not who we are. We could collect data about you, but that’s really not who we are. We strive to make shopping at Trader Joe’s an enjoyable experience, a fun adventure. For many, a Trader Joe’s store has long been the place to buy wine, and they ask us, “How do you do it – offer such great wines at such great prices?” We’ll show you the secret on a trip to Napa Valley, California. And why are Trader Joe’s Crew Members so happy, anyway? The answer is surprisingly simple. Also, the inspirational advice that one customer gave TJ’s CEO. Episode 4 Transcript (PDF)

Informative and Seriously Not Too Serious – That’s always our goal at Trader Joe’s. We want our Crew Members and Customers to find it easy and fun to explore our stores, discovering everything from unique international fare and American basics, to vegan, to gluten-free, and low carb options. We’ll explain why Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer has been called “a cross between MAD magazine and Consumer Reports.” And we’ll try some delicious bites at the Demo Station, because the best way to be informed is to taste for yourself. We bravely reveal some of our biggest product failures. And we ask our Crew Members the important question, “How many Hawaiian shirts do you own?” Episode 3 Transcript (PDF)