What are the best tips and hacks for shopping at Trader Joe's?

1. Go to Customer Services (usually located on the side of the store) for a list of the gluten free option that they carry. 2. Water at Trader Joe's is $0.19 instead of Target's $1.00 Disani water bottle. 3. http://www.milehimama.com/best-of-trader-joes-must-buys/. I would also like to add this: coconut oil. Its cold pressed, organic, and virgin. It's 16 ounce jar for $5.99. Other brands of coconut oil found at Sprouts are comparatively more expensive ($12.99). So you save $7. 4. There is this cow (I can only speak for the Trader Joe's in California) that if children find within the store, they get a prize at customer services. (Most of the time, the cow is found on the labeled shelves.

My favorite Trader Joe's hack is that you can try anything in the store. Trader Joe's is constantly launching new products (some are seasonal and some become staples) and they want you to try it! This hack works especially well with snack items (chips, cookies, chocolates, etc.) I have confirmed with several different stores and they are more than happy to let you sample anything. Once the package has been opened, upon your request, they leave the goodies on the register so other patrons can sample the treat as well. In the past, this hack has saved me from spending money on a bag of chocolate covered potato chips and introduced me to some of my favorite items!

I can only speak of Trader Joe's in San Francisco, Emeryville and Berkeley, CA. 1.Go there early in the morning. Ideally, right after they are open. I noticed many Trader Joe's gets crowded during evenings (6-7PM)  and weekends. I got there at 8AM. Very few customers, no waiting in the line and best of all, freshly stacked items on the shelf giving you a fresh feeling. I love that.  I can browse around, and no one will say, "excuse me" trying to reach a product I am looking at. 2. Free (small) cup of coffee Usually located back of the store is a sampling station where, they offer you Trader Joe's product and self-serve coffee. I did not know about this until a few years ago. It's a great way to taste, sample and find out all the different types of coffee they offer. 3. If you like it, grab it while you can Many of their products come and go; sometimes they never come back. About a year ago, I saw "Truffle Salt" for $5.99 and now, nowhere to be seen. It was a great product at a great price and I have no idea if and when I get to see it again.

In California, the parking lots are too small, so if you're just getting a sack or two of groceries (not a case of wine) ride a bike with side baskets on the rear rack. In the time it takes to find a parking spot at the Sunnyvale TJ, I can park a bike, pick out my groceries, and get in line. If I had a partner, I could even use Sasha's hack to have them stand in line for me as soon as we parked our bikes.

Everyone knows Trader Joe's is famous for their two-buck chuck.  Charles Shaw wines in Oregon are actually $2.99 but still the best bang for your buck.  Whether it's Merlot, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, great wine for the money.  I'm not a big wine drinker but use it in cooking quite often. Dried Cranberries are plumper and juicier than the name brand counterpart.Extra Virgin Olive Oil is always high quality and a great bargain.Orchids are much cheaper here than in grocery stores, florists and nurseries.  They come in a plain clay pot but can easily be dressed up.  Last time I checked the large orchid was $12.99.