16 Reasons Trader Joe's is the Best

When I moved to the Big Apple from Miami I didn't think I would ever be able to fill the [800+ mile] void between myself and the nearest Publix Super Market. Alas, I sought and found solace at my new neighborhood grocery store, Trader Joe's.

1. Trader Joe's Wine though

$3 for a bottle of wine, I think I've already made my case.

white zinfandel ftw

2. Speculoos

Known simply as cookie butter, Trader Joe's has decided to refrain from including 'crack' on its ingredients list.

3. Their witty, witty banter

$6 wine you guys!!

burn

DOUBLE BURN

4. You feel like you're on a freaking Hawaiian Island

the checkout is basically a Tommy Bahama fashion show

5. Food costs what it should

think of all the banana possibilities

I want to be friends with whoever bought two packs of TJ's frozen mango chunks

$2 cereal? nonsense!

6. Crunchy Speculoos

It's that good.

7. They're equal opportunists

vegan? no problemo

gluten conscious? come on over!

now vegetarians can enjoy this TJ favorite

8. The staff is knowledgable, friendly, and helpful.

9. This list

1, 3, 11, and 25 though

10. A moment for the reigning champ

literally, just bake and serve.

11. Their hummus selection is on point

white bean, kalamata olive, roasted garlic, without tahini and chipotle hummus, to name a few.

it's party time.

12. Speaking of hummus

sorcery I tell you!

13. They fully embrace pumpkin season

I want pumpkin bread topped with pumpkin butter and crumbled up pumpkin cereal bars, wrapped in pumpkin pancakes drizzled with pumpkin cream cheese.

14. Their products are ethnically diverse

a personal favorite

15. Samples you actually want to try

16. NO coupons (it's just that cheap)

and we love you for it.

Would we wait in line if we didn't?

line to get into NYC's Upper West Side location pre-Sandy