More Trader Joe’s Exposed

I love their fried onions in a can; far superior to the French's brand. Side by side, the French's are all breading and grease and the TJ's are crispy, dry and seasoned perfectly. Problem is, they only carry them for 2-3 weeks before Thanksgiving and sell out as fast as they stock the shelves (at least in northern NJ).

I would really like to know who is making these things so I can get them...+READ

I love their fried onions in a can; far superior to the French's brand. Side by side, the French's are all breading and grease and the TJ's are crispy, dry and seasoned perfectly. Problem is, they only carry them for 2-3 weeks before Thanksgiving and sell out as fast as they stock the shelves (at least in northern NJ).

I would really like to know who is making these things so I can get them all year around, rather than purchasing a half dozen cans and having to ration them the rest of the year.-COLLAPSE

By BarbaraNJ on February 9, 2011 09:01 PM

a definite 'NO' on the association with Late July crackers, which my daughter will NOT eat...but gobbles down the TJ ones....and, she was between 2 and 3 when I was wondering the same thing!

By Sbyre888 on February 9, 2011 12:08 PM

Have not read all the comments and perhaps someone might have brought up the following response to this...
Cause and Effect: one of the two founders of this company died last year. Early in his career as a successful grocer in Germany he was kidnapped. A significant ransom was paid , and from that point on he managed his business somewhat like our Howard Hughes did. He was noted for his degree of...+READ

Have not read all the comments and perhaps someone might have brought up the following response to this...
Cause and Effect: one of the two founders of this company died last year. Early in his career as a successful grocer in Germany he was kidnapped. A significant ransom was paid , and from that point on he managed his business somewhat like our Howard Hughes did. He was noted for his degree of caution, privacy and discretion in all his business and personal affairs. This might shade some light on why somethings are the way they are at TJ's. Keep shopping TJ's !-COLLAPSE

By Matuzalen on February 9, 2011 12:55 AM

I think some of the TJ's dairy is done by Strauss. Can anyone confirm?

By foodwinemaven on February 8, 2011 10:49 PM

So did you figure out the butternut squash ravioli? Those things were my go to dinner when in grad school. I miss them :(

By CheesyWiner on February 8, 2011 10:27 AM

A suggestion for the next edition: TJ's Highbrow Chocolate Chip Cookies & Tate's Bakeshop chocolate chip cookies (although I think the Tate's cookies use more butter)

By yellowones on February 7, 2011 07:41 AM

Several things...

First, there are lots of private label manufacturers whose entire production is sent to market with someone else's brand name on it...they don't go to market under their own brand name.

Second, the majority of national-brand manufacturers will not put their flagship recipe into someone else's package...they'll make a similar product, but not the same one.

Third, sometimes...+READ

Several things...

First, there are lots of private label manufacturers whose entire production is sent to market with someone else's brand name on it...they don't go to market under their own brand name.

Second, the majority of national-brand manufacturers will not put their flagship recipe into someone else's package...they'll make a similar product, but not the same one.

Third, sometimes private label customers specify what recipe they want...and the manufacturer makes it to their specifications.

So all your careful "research" doesn't really mean much.(and when you say something looks and tastes different and has different ingredients, how in the world can you say it's the same as Brand X?)-COLLAPSE

By sunshine842 on February 6, 2011 04:23 AM

I wish I could find out who makes their European style yogurt. It's delicious and I love the tartness and texture but haven't been able to find a comparable national brand yogurt.

By jennesy on February 5, 2011 10:53 AM

I think they way Trader Joe's conducts business is smart. They keep is small with only offering "the best" of foods, giving them higher turnover, thus keeping prices low and giving customers the confidence that what they offer is good. I am beginning to think there needs to be more transparency on this site! Is it a product of Safeway or something? :)

By smunley on February 4, 2011 03:03 PM

Trader Joe's Multigrain pasta with Flax.... Find that and I'll love you forever.

By cobaltjan on February 4, 2011 02:04 PM

How are dextrose and glucose mysterious sounding? They're both the name for simple sugars C6 H12 O6 or H-(C=O)-(CHOH)5-H

By zitronenmadchen on February 4, 2011 09:43 AM

>>Trader Joe's is just for wannabe foodies who don't really cook anyway. They have good prices on some stuff but its mostly just "upscale" processed junk food.<
Just what qualifies you to make this statement?
I DO cook, but I am not going to bake bread, make cereal, peanut butter, crackers, yogurt or cheese and I am sure as hell not going to stomp on grapes in the bath tub to make wine. A friend...+READ

>>Trader Joe's is just for wannabe foodies who don't really cook anyway. They have good prices on some stuff but its mostly just "upscale" processed junk food.<
Just what qualifies you to make this statement?
I DO cook, but I am not going to bake bread, make cereal, peanut butter, crackers, yogurt or cheese and I am sure as hell not going to stomp on grapes in the bath tub to make wine. A friend brews beer, but it's more of a hobby than for regular consumption (although it IS consumed and YUM!!), and takes forever besides. Thus, Joe's more than serves its purpose, although I am the first to admit its coffee sucks. At least it doesn't GOUGE ala trendy WF.

Seriously, I think that's a bit uncalled for. And snippy.-COLLAPSE

By Whosyerkitty on February 4, 2011 09:24 AM

Produce is definitely picked up regionally--when TJ opened up the East Coast branch, it was announced in advance that they were going to try to sell local produce--or whatever they could get locally (obviously, local tomatoes and strawberries are not an option in the middle of winter). So there is regional variation in produce availability and store-to-store variation in quality.

By aardvark_cousin on February 4, 2011 12:20 AM

Interesting. I think the produce is pretty good at TJ's. The baby bok choy, snow peas, brussel sprouts, etc. are generally pretty fresh and a good value. You have to watch out at TJ's because if you get sucked in to all the comfort food and very available desserts and goodies, you can get FAT (it happened to me!:)

The manufacturing source snooping is interesting. What about their prepared...+READ

Interesting. I think the produce is pretty good at TJ's. The baby bok choy, snow peas, brussel sprouts, etc. are generally pretty fresh and a good value. You have to watch out at TJ's because if you get sucked in to all the comfort food and very available desserts and goodies, you can get FAT (it happened to me!:)

The manufacturing source snooping is interesting. What about their prepared dinners (e.g., beef stroganoff, chicken parm, etc.)? Do they contract those out too?-COLLAPSE

By dave580 on February 3, 2011 11:54 PM

Actually, I don't remember whether it's Safeway or Kroger that has the Lucerne brand, but it doesn't matter--whichever it is, they are manufactured locally, not nationally.

By aardvark_cousin on February 3, 2011 10:26 PM

TJ's has gone downhill over the years since the abandoned the odd-lot model, with great but occasionally unpredictable products (kosher-for-Passover Sauterne for $7.99?? French IQF giant raspberries @$2 for 10 oz??), and shifted toward Aldi's private-brand predictably mediocre model. And, with time, signature external products either disappear or are replaced with TJ's brand imitation. To top it...+READ

TJ's has gone downhill over the years since the abandoned the odd-lot model, with great but occasionally unpredictable products (kosher-for-Passover Sauterne for $7.99?? French IQF giant raspberries @$2 for 10 oz??), and shifted toward Aldi's private-brand predictably mediocre model. And, with time, signature external products either disappear or are replaced with TJ's brand imitation. To top it off, some TJ's branded products (most notably, nuts and peanuts) have been showing up in Dutch, German and Austrian Aldi. I wouldn't serve 60% of Aldi stuff to hungry college students, although the rest is quite competently made and may well be items that are otherwise hard to find. TJ's is now approaching the same ratio--their snack foods (chips, salsa, some of the crackers) are some of most tasteless on the market, even if the ingredients are cleaner than major brands. Notably, most chips taste like cardboard, with occasional overwhelming flavor of salt that fails to cover up any sins. The frozen deserts, with some exceptions, went from exceptional to mediocre--and many are identical to Aldi's European offerings. Midwest, East Coast and West Coast offerings still differ somewhat, although they are increasingly converging.

But, with all that, I find this storyline approach rather nonsensical. With no substantive evidence, ingredient lists should probably serve as a stronger identifier than "taste". For example, there are several brands of organic pretzels, including peanut butter-stuffed pretzel bites. It's generally unlikely that a manufacturer would change a setup to include different-size pretzels with different salt coating between runs. So TJ's pretzels more than likely come from a source different from GHN (I can think of at least two other brands that may be closer, although still not identical). Japanese and Korean roasted seaweed snacks literally come from hundreds of manufacturers, and all are made in Japan, Korea and China. Trying to match TJ's feeble product to any other is idiotic--and, if size/flavor/composition do not match, they are not made by the same manufacturer. It's possible that Destrooper makes cookie thins for TJ's or Aldi (which sells a very similar product in Europe in different packaging), but it's more likely that Aldo manufactures (or hires someone else to manufacture) a crude imitation--TJ's and Aldi product is slightly thicker, coarser and, as noted, different color/flavor. The chances of them being made at the same factory are slim.

In general, because there are fewer organic prepared food manufacturers and distributor, there is a greater possibility that organic products come off the same line than non-organic products. It's an interesting guessing game, but one that's not likely to produce consistent results. Ingredient list need not be identical, nor the nutritional 411. But they do need to be close. If one has wheat flour and the other rice flour, it's virtually impossible that they are made by the same people. So that's a loser as well. Overall, if the author says "inconclusive", it really should be a resounding "No!". And "Yes" should be "Probably". Of all the comparisons above, only chili and ice cream look like they are likely coming off the same line. For the rest of the products, the probability of such a match is close to zero. Don't forget that half the time the goal of TJ's (and Aldi) products is to imitate a more famous competitor. If they don't taste similar it's an automatic fail. If they taste and look close, that's a success, but hardly an indication of coordination. So the whole idea behind this series is completely idiotic. If you really want to do this right, do a blind taste test with tasters getting samples of each product (at least 3 in all, if they can be found). Each taster should assign a numerical score to each product and separate scores for every pair of products (so, with 3 products, you have 3 pairs, resulting in a total of 6 scores)--giving a rating of likelihood that the two products are made by the same manufacturer. Then the results should be reported for between 4 and 6 tasters (any more than 6 and the scores should just be averaged, instead of reported individually). Then ingredient lists should be compared separately--and differences, such as the presence of palm oil in one product, should be immediately disqualifying.

Having said that, there is something else you should know. If you compare brand-name and supermarket dairy products, you will find that virtually all supermarket-branded products (cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese) are locally made. Quite often you can find the manufacturing codes and, aside from the lot number, they will be identical to those of a local brand (as opposed to the national brand, e.g., Kraft's Philadelphia cream cheese or Breakstone sour cream). Among other things, it means that, for instance, Kroger's Lucerne brand will differ between regional stores, but will be identical to differently branded products in each region. This is one reason why the claim of TJ's yogurt being identical to Stonyfield Farms product simply does not ring true. Like most national chains, TJ's manufactures dairy and fresh bakery products locally, so they are more likely to match local brands and not national brands.

So, even though I do believe the attempt to make such comparison is worthwhile, here we have a strictly amateur hour production.-COLLAPSE

By aardvark_cousin on February 3, 2011 10:23 PM

I agree with pjack. Most of their products simply are not very good, though there are a few good products in the mix there.

By durhamois on February 3, 2011 01:38 PM

It is extremely rare that a retailer would take a manufacturer’s product exactly as is. The product that becomes private label will be similar to the branded product, but there will be something different in the taste profile.

By gscodras on February 3, 2011 11:57 AM

Trader Joe's is just for wannabe foodies who don't really cook anyway. They have good prices on some stuff but its mostly just "upscale" processed junk food.

By pjack on February 2, 2011 11:00 PM

so someone please tell me where i can find the puffed sesame seaweed rice balls that TJs stopped selling! http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100125205659AAXRaLU

By leblanc on February 2, 2011 08:36 PM

So in other words, Trader's sells tasty food at a much cheaper price? Um, what exactly is the problem here? They can be as secretive as they want as long as the food is healthy and fairly priced.

By nimo on February 2, 2011 08:30 PM

Don't know or care about the secrecy. Loved Trader Joe's when we last lived in the states.
Aldi here in France is great so long as you shop carefully.

Think rjka is right on in the comment above

By Yank on February 2, 2011 01:35 PM

No skin off my nose one way or the other. I have been to Trader Joe's and frankly don't see what the fuss is about. Nothing I've bought there has been anything other than pedestrian.

By jmckee on February 2, 2011 10:35 AM

Speaking as a Product Development Chef, which is what I am. But also as a Canadian, which is also what I am. I find this obsession with the so-called "secrecy" of Trader Joes kind of fascinating. Up here in the frozen north (and boy is it, today!), the grocery world is ruled by Private Label. Thanks to the agressive programs of Loblaws Companies, Private Label drives our market. I love to go to...+READ

Speaking as a Product Development Chef, which is what I am. But also as a Canadian, which is also what I am. I find this obsession with the so-called "secrecy" of Trader Joes kind of fascinating. Up here in the frozen north (and boy is it, today!), the grocery world is ruled by Private Label. Thanks to the agressive programs of Loblaws Companies, Private Label drives our market. I love to go to Buffalo and spend 5 hours roaming the aisles of Wegman's looking at all the stuff we never get the opportunity to buy. Private Label is just that, Private! None of the companies who do it will willingly tell you who they have making their products. But as I have mentioned here before and as Joyce has said, it's not that hard to figure out most of them. If they have meat in them that's the easiest, go to the USDA web site and look up the establishment number that the package MUST have on it. For things like ice cream or beverages or Yogurt, here's a secret. Manufacturers don't like to change their lines for differing packaging. It is expensive to change a line. So they will make you whatever you want but they will insist that the jar or bottle ot tub, etc. must be the same one they use for their own. So look around on the shelf. Dairy is the easiest because every manuf. has their own tub or carton. You will get pretty close just by looking at containers. But I'm not sure why this is so important. Especially in the case of Traders. They are known as one of the most ethical companies in North Am. Their products are clean and well made and very very safe. They practise excellent shelf logic. If it sells really really well, rotate it off and on the shelf from time to time and demand will always remain high. If you put a product on the shelf and just leave it there, it will be finished in about 18 to 30 months max. We get bored! I think that because Private label is so new to the U.S., it still engenders a lot of suspicion. But it's here to stay folks so now you figure out who to trust for quality (Trader's, Wegman's!, Whole Foods) and who to stay away from. Private Label manufacturers are for the most part pretty ethical types. They are only as good as their last product so they need to be on the money with their customers. General Mills can launch a bad product, let it fail, pull it back in 6 to 8 months and barely see a ripple in the sand. A PL manuf. needs hits, failures spell bankruptcy. Their customers don't stick around without hits! It behooves them to be as good as they can be. I happen to think they are way more trustable than the brands. And most importantly they are the only real innovators left in prepared food. The Brands are usually chicken to try new. PL is where you find the trends crossing over from the food service world to the manufactured world. Yes there's the same old chicken pot pie under the house label but there's also the Thai Massaman Curry which the Brands would hide under a table rather than make, until it's tried and true. Time was we just followed the brands. Now they follow us. Isn't that a good thing? If Traders bothers you so much, don't shop there. That's democracy. Consider a market like ours. We don't have a big enough population to support the variety you enjoy down there. Whether you like Manufactured food or not, we have never seen Jimmy Dean, Marie Callendar, Schwan's, Tyson, Hillshire Farms, Jennie-O, Perdue, Keebler, Bob Evans, Jiffy to name a few! Of the one's we do have, we see maybe 1/4 of what they actually have. Forgive the example but you guys are accustomed to seeing a whole freezer aisle of pizzas. There are 2 brands on the shelves here outside of Private label. There are, God only knows, how many sku's in the Stouffer lineup for you. We see maybe about 15 to 20 max. And so on. And we are definitely not a 3rd world country. Just a smallish one in terms of population. I feel that I need to continue offering you the secrets of food product development to soften your attitudes. If you want it all to be "excellent" and healthy, and safe, and interesting then be willing to pay for it. As I continue to say. There is virtually nothing we can't make for you and put in the freezer or on the shelf but it will cost and that's where we get into trouble.-COLLAPSE

By Chef Wendy B on February 2, 2011 07:32 AM

The article has it a little backwards. It's not necessarily TJ's that wants to keep their suppliers secret. It's alsothe suppliers who don't want you to know that the product they sell at Safeway you can buy cheaper at TJ's

By rjka on February 1, 2011 12:36 PM

I've been to Trader Joe's in California and loved it. The chain will not open stores in my state (Florida) so I'm always glad to know who makes their stuff so I can buy at at my local stores, using the premise that if Trader Joe's likes it, it must be good.

By MysticYoYo on January 31, 2011 10:02 PM

For the person wanting a maple creme cookie substitute, try the maple creme cookies at Dollar Tree. Red package. Same shape and taste as TJ.

By p55v on January 31, 2011 03:29 PM

What's the equivalent of TJ's gingerbread mix? It's very good but TJ treats it as a "seasonal item"--deep winter only. We like it year round.

By glasskayak on January 30, 2011 11:27 AM

I need the maple creme cookie substitute!!(Cranky girlfriend...)

By StewieBoy on January 29, 2011 06:51 PM

I think that the Albrechts are smart. They are hands-on running their business with passion
and dedication. This is what you can do if your company is family owned and not publicly held.
It is NOT Safeway or Ralphs.
I prefer this type of european grocery retailing- always have and always will !

By nasigoreng on January 29, 2011 09:13 AM

Hot damn! This article and the accompanying commentary is exactly why I LOVE chow.com. Keep it coming CHOW!

By ski_gpsy on January 28, 2011 09:25 PM

Now would someone please find me a recipe that tastes just like Honey Maid graham crackers but without the hydrogenated oil, so I can stop buying them for DH. Thank you!

By whataFRUIT on January 28, 2011 06:02 PM

And I don't want to hear any whining about it's too hard to cook or you don't have time. You bless your family every time you cook from scratch (whether they want to eat it or not) and you teach your children to wield this power as well.

By whataFRUIT on January 28, 2011 05:59 PM

IMNSHO the only thing that really counts on any food packaging is the ingredients list on the back. They can call it what they want, partially-hydrogenated oil, fully-hydrogenated oil, fractionated oil, whatever. None of these belong in our food... ever. A shortbread/butter cookie should list its fat component as... butter! Better yet is to find a reliable recipe to make at home, thereby avoiding...+READ

IMNSHO the only thing that really counts on any food packaging is the ingredients list on the back. They can call it what they want, partially-hydrogenated oil, fully-hydrogenated oil, fractionated oil, whatever. None of these belong in our food... ever. A shortbread/butter cookie should list its fat component as... butter! Better yet is to find a reliable recipe to make at home, thereby avoiding paying for disposable packaging as well.-COLLAPSE

By whataFRUIT on January 28, 2011 05:48 PM

I don't get it. You say that Trader Joe's modest networking with other brands is wrong, then talk about how delicious the food is. If you tell me how delicious the food is, and at a discounted price at Trader Joe's, um I'm going to go get it. I don't see what the problem is, Trader Joe's is doing a GOOD thing here. They can afford to buy the wholesale product. I can't.

By Uh1yssuh on January 27, 2011 10:09 AM

The chili comparison cracks me up! Same chili pic on label and all! HAHAHA!

By lrebetsky0423 on January 27, 2011 02:54 AM

Tight-lipped Germans or not, I have never been disillusioned as to the capitalist way -- companies are in it for profit (yep, it's true). Why build another factory when there is one making the same or similar product already? That would be wasteful by way of duplication of effort, and thus poor environmental/economic stewardship, my friend. And therein is found the savings for the consumer. So...+READ

Tight-lipped Germans or not, I have never been disillusioned as to the capitalist way -- companies are in it for profit (yep, it's true). Why build another factory when there is one making the same or similar product already? That would be wasteful by way of duplication of effort, and thus poor environmental/economic stewardship, my friend. And therein is found the savings for the consumer. So TJ's is a high-class generic or store brand for certain items. Been done for years by other grocery chains. Yes, I have occasionally cringed at certain convenience foods "of the moment" in my local TJ's. I know better than to buy them. Still, "The May 2009 issue of Consumer Reports ranked Trader Joe's the second-best supermarket chain in the nation, after Wegmans.In June 2009 MSN Money released its third annual Customer Service Hall of Fame survey results. Trader Joe's ranks second in customer service. Ethisphere Magazine named Trader Joe's one of the most ethical companies in the United States in 2008, 2009, and 2010." -- Wikipedia (Jan 26, 2011)
I love Trader Joe's, and the folks are AMAZING. I've shopped in 7 stores in 5 states and have never found a more helpful, lively bunch. Time to go make some TJ's Bed Time tea (just like Sleepytime, but half the price).-COLLAPSE

By DaisyD on January 26, 2011 08:32 PM

Dear Joyce,

Would you happen to have an idea where the natural chicken and organic chicken comes from?

By MeLikeToEat on January 26, 2011 03:11 PM

Dear Joyce Slaton,

I think you have missed (or maybe just decided to ignore it) why the comments for the previous article was negative. It is because you sensationalized the whole deal like the usual media nowadays to make the issue more dramatic. It reminds me of the cable news networks. The problem was more with your tone rather than the actual fact.

I recommend you to behave more like an...+READ

Dear Joyce Slaton,

I think you have missed (or maybe just decided to ignore it) why the comments for the previous article was negative. It is because you sensationalized the whole deal like the usual media nowadays to make the issue more dramatic. It reminds me of the cable news networks. The problem was more with your tone rather than the actual fact.

I recommend you to behave more like an objective journalist (if you don't consider one, ok that's fine then and ignore the rest of the comment). And please, if you decide to acknowledge the comments, then give a direct response to those comments on your article on why you sensationalized it instead of just evading that responsibility. Your response was indirect at the best.-COLLAPSE

By rubenhan on January 26, 2011 12:03 PM

You know what though MEH so you found out that lots of overpriced organic, natural, and whole food brands make a store brand label for Trader Joes? I don't see what the big deal is. They have good food and food is good food and it's cheaper. I just don't see the problem here. We have been begging for one for years in my town and according to the manager of one in the nearest city it sounds like...+READ

You know what though MEH so you found out that lots of overpriced organic, natural, and whole food brands make a store brand label for Trader Joes? I don't see what the big deal is. They have good food and food is good food and it's cheaper. I just don't see the problem here. We have been begging for one for years in my town and according to the manager of one in the nearest city it sounds like it might happen. I like having it there even if most everything there is Store brand I have no problem with that.-COLLAPSE

By fireyvixen on January 25, 2011 02:53 PM

I don't live near a TJ's and it's not worth it for me trek out of my way to save a buck. So what secrets have been revealed here? If I'm near a TJ's then I'll keep it in mind.

By MrsT on January 25, 2011 01:23 PM

The 'gist' of Joyce's article is basically this: she doesn't know anything.

I think somebody just had to write something to meet some deadline. But I don't really know.

By conquer on January 25, 2011 10:35 AM

glbtr,

Our TJ's doesn't have a liquor license. What say you?

By DeisCane on January 25, 2011 10:01 AM

TJ's is basically a liquor store anyway. They sell "healthy" snacks to give cover for those who come here mainly for the cheap booze. More floor space just for booze in TJs than any other "supermarket". One more lie and false front Americans love about their own denied drug habits.

By glbtrtr on January 25, 2011 08:44 AM

All Jules Destrooper biscuits are still being made in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The company has two production sites: Lo and Ypres.

By Foxeyblue on January 24, 2011 12:54 PM

The black bean and corn enchiladas, a favorite of mine, are also by Amy's.

By Joan Kureczka on January 24, 2011 10:28 AM

re: TJ's private label beers. The Stockyard Oatmeal Stout was from Goose Island in Chicago (Great Lakes Brewing Co. is in Cleveland) but the current version is brewed by Gordon-Biersch, San Jose, CA (which has brewed other TJ's labels in the past). Their Anniversary Ale (still on the shelves in some stores) is from Unibroue in Quebec.

By JessKidden on January 24, 2011 03:49 AM

When I am in TJ's, I totally get the feeling that I'm in a glorified version of a Cost+ food section, or the "gourmet" reject isle in a TJ Max.
("tj" related ??)
It feels (and tastes) like they're selling over-stock of pseudo-gourmet food that TJ's bought on-the-cheap, and then re-labeled foe sale to pseudo-hip housewives, who themselves have been re-labeled with discount clothes from TJ Max.
...+READ

When I am in TJ's, I totally get the feeling that I'm in a glorified version of a Cost+ food section, or the "gourmet" reject isle in a TJ Max.
("tj" related ??)
It feels (and tastes) like they're selling over-stock of pseudo-gourmet food that TJ's bought on-the-cheap, and then re-labeled foe sale to pseudo-hip housewives, who themselves have been re-labeled with discount clothes from TJ Max.
Go figure.-COLLAPSE

By Freq Band on January 24, 2011 02:57 AM

Also the frozen croissants are made by Galaxy Desserts. They are a lot cheaper at TJ's than at Williams-Sonoma.

By PBCook on January 23, 2011 04:55 PM

Tjs also private labels beer. Mission street pale ale and ipa are made by firestone walker in san luis obisbo and stockyard stout is from great lakes in chicago

By chuckl on January 23, 2011 03:27 PM

the comparison seaweed snaks are Amy's not SeaSnax. Exact same packaging, just a name change. About $2 diff.

By toodie jane on January 23, 2011 11:59 AM

I like peanut butter, especially TJ's.....

By Jeremy01506 on January 22, 2011 05:41 PM

WANT TO KNOW WHO HAS THE ABSOLUTELY BEST COOKIES, WHICH ARE IMPORTED FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD?? GO TO ANY CHINESE STORE AND GO TO THEIR COOKIE ISLE. ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS. THE FIRST CHINESE STORE OPENED UP NEXT TO OUR HOUSE IN DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA. IT OPENED THIS LAST YEAR NEXT TO RITE AID PHARMACY, AND THEIR ADDRESS IS: 2797 South Diamond Bar Blvd. Diamond Bar, CA 91765. I DON'T KNOW THE STORES...+READ

WANT TO KNOW WHO HAS THE ABSOLUTELY BEST COOKIES, WHICH ARE IMPORTED FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD?? GO TO ANY CHINESE STORE AND GO TO THEIR COOKIE ISLE. ABSOLUTELY MARVELOUS. THE FIRST CHINESE STORE OPENED UP NEXT TO OUR HOUSE IN DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA. IT OPENED THIS LAST YEAR NEXT TO RITE AID PHARMACY, AND THEIR ADDRESS IS: 2797 South Diamond Bar Blvd. Diamond Bar, CA 91765. I DON'T KNOW THE STORES ADDRESS, BUT THEY ARE A BIG GROCERY STORE THAT IS DOWN FROM RITE AID ABOUT 3 OR 4 STORES DOWN FROM THEM. YOU CAN'T MISS THEM. THEY ARE AT THE END OF THE PLAZA. THEY HAVE A LOT OF GREAT CHINESE INGREDIENTS, FOOD, VEGETABLES, ETC., FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO COOK ASIAN FOOD. BUT THEIR COOKIE ISLE IS AWESOME. THEY HAVE ALL KINDS OF COOKIES I HAD NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. I WOULD DROP AN EASY $70.00 A WEEK ON JUST COOKIES THERE. THEY USED THINK I WAS CRAZY BECAUSE I WOULD COME IN AND ONLY BUY COOKIES. LOL. I LOVED THEM. WE MOVED AWAY SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WHEN OUR HOME BURNED DOWN, BUT I IMAGINE THEY STILL CARRY ALL THOS COOKIES. I KNOW THEY CARRY THOSE BUTTER ALMOND COOKIES AND THOSE BUTTER CRISP COOKIES ALSO. THEY HAVE THOSE WONDERFUL COCONUT FLAVORED BISQUIT COOKIES THAT HAVE THAT SWEET HONEY GLAZE ON THEM, WHICH ARE SUPER GOOD TOO. THEY HAVE A VANILLA WAFER COOKIE THAT ARE TO DIE FOR, IN A BLUE BAG. THEY COME IN HAZELNUT, CHOCOLUTE, VANILLA, AND LEMON FLAVORS, AND ARE SO DAMN GOOD. THE HAVE A SOFT DOUGHY VANILLA COOKIE THAT IS SO GREAT ALSO. MY MOUTH IS WATERING RIGHT NOW. THEY HAVE A LOT OF FANTASTIC COOKIES THERE. THEY HAVE ALMOND COOKIES JUST LIKE THE ONE'S THAT YOU GET IN CHINESE RESTAURANTS THAT ARE SO GOOD TOO. AND JUST DO MANY OTHER KINDS. IF YOU ARE EVER IN THAT AREA IT'S SO WORTH IT TO STOP AND GET A LOAD OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES, BELEIVE ME. YOU FAMILY WILL WORSHIP YOU FOR IT. MARK MY WORDS. SOME OF THE COOKIES ARE A LITTLE PRICEY, BUT CONSIDERING THAT THEY ARE IMPORTED FROM FRANCE, BELGUIM, ASIA, SPAIN, THE U.K., THE NETHERLANDS, AND ELSEWHERE IT'S EXPECTED. THEY ARE PRETTY MUCH IN LINE WITH REGULAR COOKIES IN MOST STORES THOUGH. I WAS PLEASENTLY SURPRISED WHEN I MADE THIS LITTLE DISCOVERY. I NEVER BOUGHT ANYTHING ELSE IN THE STORE BECAUSE I DON'T COOK CHINESE FOOD VERY MUCH, SO THE ONLY THINGS I EVER REALLY BOUGHT WAS THINGS LIKE PEANUT OIL, FLOUR, SOY SAUCE, FISH SAUCE, AND OTHER SIMPLE THINGS THAT WE USED ON FROZEN FOOD DISHES OR IF WE BOUGHT CHINESE TAKE-OUT OR CHINESE FOOD FROM A TRADIONAL RESTAURANTS. ANYWAY, STOP IN THERE AND GET SOME YUMMY, DELICIOUS, AND AWESOME COOKIES FOR YOUR FAMILY. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY AT ALL. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS!!-COLLAPSE

By DJO1962 on January 21, 2011 10:19 PM

Rubbish, rubbish, rubbish. Stop comparing apples and oranges. Start making sense.

By ambler on January 21, 2011 09:25 PM

I don't think the Desrooper and TJ's almond cookies taste the same at all. The TJ's are thicker and not nearly as delicious.

If the two soy yogurts taste so different, what makes you conclude they are made by the same company?

By gnosh on January 20, 2011 08:03 PM

Love to know! Keep doing it, please.

By ImAnAunt on January 20, 2011 10:19 AM

Nice post. I shop at Trader Joe's regularly and find this sleuthing of product origins an interesting diversion. Perhaps it is those who are posting hateful comments who really lack for something better to do.

By exit2lef on January 20, 2011 04:18 AM

Who cares? I get good quality for a more reasonable price at TJs. Shop there most days.

By janetproudfoot on January 19, 2011 09:32 PM

Ridiculous topic. Who cares? We can decide whether we want to buy from TJ's on our own, thank you very much. Find something productive to do.

By chowlovers on January 19, 2011 07:23 PM

The author really needs to find something better to do with their time.

By piano boy on January 18, 2011 07:21 PM

In your strawberry yogurt review, you say the TJ version tastes much better ("the Trader Joe's was better because it tasted "something like actual strawberries." The Silk yogurt tasted like "goo, with a lot of vanilla in it, and maybe strawberry way back in there somewhere."") And yet, with so much difference in taste, you decide the TJ version is still made by Silk? Hmm, not the conclusion I...+READ

In your strawberry yogurt review, you say the TJ version tastes much better ("the Trader Joe's was better because it tasted "something like actual strawberries." The Silk yogurt tasted like "goo, with a lot of vanilla in it, and maybe strawberry way back in there somewhere."") And yet, with so much difference in taste, you decide the TJ version is still made by Silk? Hmm, not the conclusion I would have drawn.-COLLAPSE

By Karen_Schaffer on January 18, 2011 05:26 PM

I loved this article. I love Trader Joe's but they do seem ultra secret squirrel about everything. Thanks for the food heads up. They refuse to move to my area so I'm forced to find alternatives.

By danielleisnesting on January 18, 2011 03:56 PM

Ditto....Sensationalize Much!!!

By Bacchus101 on January 17, 2011 03:22 PM

The fact is that Trader Joe's is not the only grocery store chain that does this. Private manufacturers co-pack products for numerous brand names that is a fact of life. I used to work in the auditing industry of meat and poultry production facilities. Grocery stores chain do not often "own" their own production facilities, instead they find a manufacturer go can make it for them, who meets their...+READ

The fact is that Trader Joe's is not the only grocery store chain that does this. Private manufacturers co-pack products for numerous brand names that is a fact of life. I used to work in the auditing industry of meat and poultry production facilities. Grocery stores chain do not often "own" their own production facilities, instead they find a manufacturer go can make it for them, who meets their cost, specifications, and standards. And its is not suprising when you find that the same great product developed for a chain of restaurants is also sold to a school lunch program. When a private manufacturer develops a good product, they will most likely produce it under whatever brand name they can. You might also want to consider that when a chain grocery store purchases a product to sell, they often have "requirements" of their producers, especially when its their brand name; which in the end benefits the consumer, such as stringent food safety audits/requirements. Food for thought.-COLLAPSE

By ktapp on January 17, 2011 03:46 AM

Most admirable, Joyce. I just love Trader Joes. Have been buying just about all my food there, considering the long trek from the West Village. Because it's cold, cold winter, I have occasionally shopped elsewhere and get occasionally disappointed. Thank you Trader Joes for keeping me healthy and happy.

By ZaZa on January 16, 2011 12:32 PM

Interesting taste comparison but I'm just happy for all the TJ's goodies regardless of who manufactures them! Private labels tend to be kept secret since it could destroy the branded business so I don't blame either side for keeping things quiet.

More tasty food for everyone so I'm happy!

By RonboNC on January 16, 2011 07:43 AM

The late July crackers are much tastier than the Tjs version. I don't think they make them.

By JudiAU on January 15, 2011 08:51 PM

Good work Joyce! I enjoyed your defense for even writing this article, it made good sense but think it's a shame that you had to explain so much. Some hounds need a distemper shot. Looks like TJs is still offering good prices on most items as well. If only I didn't buy so much when I visit there.

By givemecarbs on January 15, 2011 03:26 PM

Having a late night chocolate attack. I was already deciding on what to make right now, chocolate waffle cookies vs. chocolate biscotti Wish I had TJ's Ultra Chocolate Ice Cream right now!

By mara44 on January 13, 2011 10:02 PM

The seaweed snacks are annie chuns, I believe.. a HUGE seller in my food coop, same packaging, tastes pretty much the same. Annie Chun probably also does their rice noodle soup bowls.

http://www.anniechun.com/our-food/seaweed-snacks/sesame

By cheflaura on January 13, 2011 06:01 PM

There's a different brand of Korean seaweed at Whole Foods (in the Asian food section) that is packaged almost identically to the TJ's one. (Here it is--Sea's Gift: http://www.amazon.com/Seas-Gift-Seaweed-Roasted-0-2-Ounce/dp/B000HVX6NK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top ) And yeah, why not report on this stuff? I think it's kind of interesting, especially if TJ's does stop selling something I like in the...+READ

There's a different brand of Korean seaweed at Whole Foods (in the Asian food section) that is packaged almost identically to the TJ's one. (Here it is--Sea's Gift: http://www.amazon.com/Seas-Gift-Seaweed-Roasted-0-2-Ounce/dp/B000HVX6NK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top ) And yeah, why not report on this stuff? I think it's kind of interesting, especially if TJ's does stop selling something I like in the future. Plus it explained why I dislike TJ's vegetarian chili so much--most Amy's stuff tastes terrible to me (why do things have to taste VEGETARIAN!!!! instead of just tasting good and, coincidentally, meatless?). Oh well, DIY chili is better.-COLLAPSE

By wintersweet on January 13, 2011 04:43 PM

Oldunc, this is Chow. It's not the Washngton Post. They're not in the business of finding the next Watergate.

By NYCkaren on January 13, 2011 12:27 PM

Who did the comparison on the peanut butter pretzels?? The two taste nothing alike. I suggest you rinse your mouth out and taste again- this time keep your eyes open- because I think you may have grabbed from the same bag twice.

By mw1149 on January 13, 2011 08:29 AM

This is a story? It's hard to believe, with the state of the press, that there are excess reporters out there this desperate for material.

By oldunc on January 13, 2011 05:36 AM

They used to have a great bottled [medium Mason jar] Cioppino Sauce and some funky pasta- squares. Love to see that. About 2005-6.

By miikimama on January 13, 2011 12:33 AM

Too much salt added to all their products, and pretty much to ALL
American packaged/processed foods. Compare some time the sodium content
of a jar of Analisi brand Ceci (Italy)(buy that at Molinari's Deli)
with a can of TJ Garbanzos!

By aattlee on January 12, 2011 11:29 PM

I believe I read that their greek yogurt (nonfat plain) is Okios. Can anyone confirm/deny?

By enbell on January 12, 2011 10:16 PM

The seaweed snacks are made by Annie Chun.

By goodhealthgourmet on January 12, 2011 08:17 PM