Episode 104: Inside Trader Joe's Goes Back to the Future

One-hundred-and-sixty-two years ago, we started a podcast. Well, actually, it wasn't quite that long ago. We started Inside Trader Joe's in 2018, thinking it would be a five-episode opportunity for us to tell our story from our point of view. And now here we are, eight years and more than 100 episodes later. Our crystal ball did not reveal this future, and yet, as we look back on those original episodes – the First Five, if you will – we're struck by how much remains the same. We're still all about the products, our Values still guide us, we're definitely dedicated to not taking ourselves too seriously, the store is still most definitely our brand, and we take great pride in being good neighbors, in every neighborhood Trader Joe's. Take a little walk down memory lane with us as we revisit the First Five. And keep listening for more – just like you'll always find new products in your neighborhood store, we always have more stories to tell! Transcript (PDF)

It's almost spring. Finally. Winter has certainly made the most of itself, and we are jumping into the opportunity to welcome this season of renewal the best way we know how – with a whole bunch of new Trader Joe's products! While delicious new snacks and sweets lead the way – we're talking Salted Caramel Mochi and Sweet Onion Pretzel Sticks – we also have a chance to chat about new Meat and Seafood offerings, and talk Tulips with our resident experts. And unlike some episodes of ITJ that feature predominantly limited availability items, this one is jam-packed with great stuff we're planning to offer every day, in every Trader Joe's store. Listen in, then make your own list and visit your neighborhood store to get the goods. How to Create a Spring Tulip Arrangement Transcript (PDF)

Sometimes a chocolate bar is just a chocolate bar. And sometimes it's something else entirely. Sometimes it's an experience, and sometimes that experience comes with a remarkable history. Trader Joe's Blonde Bar, our first foray into the world of blonde chocolate, is this kind of chocolate bar. Join us as we pay a visit to our Italian bean-to-bar chocolate supplier, where the third generation of the founding family is both honoring their history and embracing modern technologies to push the boundaries of what's possible. Transcript (PDF)

At Trader Joe's, we take product quality, freshness, and value very seriously. In every part of the store, every day. So, when we sat down with a couple of our Category Managers to talk about how they approach freshness and quality, as well as innovation and great taste, there was a lot to discuss. In this episode we're up close and personal with our Fresh and Deli folks. What's the difference between Fresh and Deli? Listen in and find out. We're also sharing some sneak peaks into some new products you'll be seeing in our refrigerated cases… very soon.  Transcript (PDF)

The votes are in, and the time has come to reveal the winners of the 17th Annual Trader Joe's Customer Choice Awards! Seventeen years of celebrating our customers' favorite products, as voted by you, our customers. It's just as exciting to us this year as it was in year one. Favorite cheese? It's here. Favorite snack? It's a crunchy one. Favorite Trader Joe's product overall? It's delicious! We have the results, including a couple of surprises – headscratchers, really, and we're here for 'em. Listen in for all the details, and visit traderjoes.com for the full list. We close out this episode with a little self-indulgence (even more than usual!), and a look toward what's ahead. Transcript (PDF)  

Eat More Cheese. This is not just a piece of advice, it's one of the New Year's Resolutions we're certain we'll be able to keep in 2026. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we talk to our Category Manager for Cheese, who shares her passion for all things fromage, and takes us inside the world of cheese at Trader Joe's, and beyond. Whether you're a regular visitor to the cheese case at your neighborhood Trader Joe's, or you're checking out the shreds, spreads, wedges, and wheels for the first time, there's something here for you, and you might even discover a new favorite!  Transcript (PDF)

Hard as it may be to fathom, we're headed into the home stretch, with almost an entire year in the rearview mirror. This is a time of parties and celebrations, gatherings of families and friends. All of these occasions could benefit from bubbles, specifically those you'll sip in a glass of crisp and refreshing sparkling wine. In this episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we're traveling to Sonoma, deep in the heart of California's wine country, where some of our favorite sparkling wines are carefully crafted and bottled. Travel with us to Northern California, then make the short trek to your neighborhood Trader Joe's and pick up a bottle of your favorite bubbly. It'll make any occasion special. Transcript (PDF)

Oh by golly there's a lot to discover this holiday season at your neighborhood Trader Joe's! In this episode of Inside Trader Joe's, we're sharing an inside look at just a few – okay, 16, so... several? – of our favorite finds for this festive season. Breakfast goodies and crunchy cookies. A quartet of trios ready for gifting to the foodies on your list (including yourself!). Cheeses for all the occasions. And salads and apps to make every gathering great. Tune in, make a list, then hop on your sleigh and head to TJ's to pick up everything you need (and want!) to make your holidays merry and bright. Transcript (PDF)

There's a big holiday meal on the horizon, and Trader Joe's is here to help with all your last-minute planning. In this episode, we're sharing three of our favorite (in this moment) recipes to help make your holiday feast a rousing success. A no-fuss appetizer that overdelivers on flavor. A different – and delicious! – twist on a holiday classic. And a meatless main dish that will make the non-meat-eaters at your table truly thankful they joined your gathering. You'll find all these recipes – and so many more, for every occasion – at traderjoes.com/recipes. [Links to the featured recipes below.] Transcript (PDF) Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates Garlicky Sweet Chili Green Beans Risotto-Stuffed Delicata Squash

Welcome to another episode of the Trader Joe's Wine Club, brought to you by Inside Trader Joe's. In this sip-sized segment, we have a couple of super suggestions for wines to serve for Thanksgiving. It's a big meal, filled with big flavors, and the right wine pairing for such a varied feast can seem elusive. Not anymore. Join us for a conversation with one of our resident wine whizzes, where we uncork a classic California Chardonnay, and a Pinot Noir that proves you can (and perhaps should) serve red wine with poultry. Then head to your neighborhood Trader Joe's to pick up a bottle for today, and another for your holiday meal, without busting your budget!  Transcript (PDF)