A former Trader Joe’s employee walked viewers through all the items she thinks are worth buying at the grocery chain. In the process, she shared little-known insider secrets and how to pick produce, which is notoriously bad but cheap.
Nika (@kingggnika) starts off her video by explaining what makes her qualified to share what to buy at Trader Joe’s. “I used to work at Trader Joe’s,” Nika says.
Nika agrees with the criticism of the Trader Joe’s produce but says that “sometimes you can find hidden gems.” “The thing is, you also have to eat it quick,” she says. “Now granted, sometimes quick means within three hours. But still, it’s worth the cost.”
In the produce section, Nika singles out the Harvest Apple Salad Kit, which contains spring mix, cheese, apple cinnamon chips, pecans, and apple vinaigrette. “This one is good,” Nika lauds.
She also points out the Brussels sprouts and raspberries as items she would buy. She praises the chopped spinach in the frozen section, too.
Some other items Nika gives a thumbs-up to are the Trader Joe’s Roasted Potatoes with Peppers & Onions, as well as the Soft & Juicy Mango, Pitted Prunes, Scallion Pancakes, Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups, Organic Seeded Bread, Almond Croissants, canned Yellowfin Tuna, Farm Raised Smoked Trout Fillets, Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches, Orange Peach Mango Juice, and the Ode to the Classic Chip.
“Flowers: They’re the cheapest you can find anywhere,” she says. “Always get candles at Trader Joe’s. They’re reasonably priced, and they smell so good.”
“If you’re going to get any shrimp at Trader Joe’s, make sure it’s the raw shrimp … or the Argentinan Shrimp,” she continues.
Nika also shares with customers a trying-before-buying hack. The hack, as Nika explains, is to “ask anybody at Trader Joe’s to open stuff for you and try it, and they’ll do it.” This prevents food waste and saves customers money as it ensures they like a product before committing to it.
Nika also tries a few new products that viewers previously recommended, and her total bill came out to $178.
@kingggnika Another haul #traderjoes #traderjoeshaul #shoppinghaul #fyp #kingggnika ♬ original sound – Kingkoopa
Nika’s video racked up over 346,000 views, and viewers validated her recommendations.
“OMG as a Korean. I love those scallion pancakes! They are pretty authentic,” one viewer wrote.
“Trader Joe’s flowers are key,” another said.
The Daily Dot reached out to @kingggnika via TikTok comment and direct message.