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(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)It was announced this morning that ALDI is going to buy Winn-Dixie supermarkets. That's big news here in Florida where Winn-Dixie still has so many locations in Tampa and St. Pete. It's not known yet which Winn-Dixie stores might be converted to ALDI. But keep in mind another thing. ALDI has a very popular distant relative: Trader Joe's.
According to Aldi Reviewer, Aldi was founded in Germany and came to the U.S. in 1976. A few years later, they bought Trader Joe's. Thing is the Aldi that we know now in America is a separate but related company. Tasting Table explains that Trader Joe's is a subsidiary of Aldi Nord, the "sibling company" of Aldi Sud - the company that owns Aldi here in America. Confused? Yeah me too.
This news today that Winn-Dixie locations will be owned by ALDI, is sparking MY hopes that we get more Trader Joe's locations in the Tampa area. Aldi is great too - there are a lot of good buys. It's definitely the option for the frugal shopper - there are no grocery bags or baggers. You have to leave a quarter deposit to rent a grocery cart. Stores are smaller like Trader Joe's.
Right now we only have the 2 Trader Joe's locations in the Tampa area; one in St. Pete and the other in Tampa. Not too far away is the Sarasota store and a new one coming to The Shoppes at University Town Center.
The Aldi's acquisition will include 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. They hope to have the transaction finished within the next year. The regulatory approval and closing process comes first. The press release mentions only Aldi and Winn-Dixie. There's no reference to Trader Joe's. But one can hope right? [Sources: PR Newswire, Tasting Table, Aldi Reviewer]
Trader Joe's die hard fans and customers have revealed their favorite products for 2023. For the 14th year, Trader Joe's released their Customer Choice Awards. They asked shoppers to pick their favorite item across nine categories: overall, beverage, cheese, entrée, household, produce, snack, sweet/dessert, and vegan/vegetarian. Surprisingly, the viral sensation Mandarin Orange Chicken, was not on the list! Here's the most popular products that Trader Joe's customers love.
You won't find the Mandarin Orange Chicken on this list because TJ retired it. Five other products that made the list in previous years have also excluded. The Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets, Unexpected Cheddar, and Soy Chorizo are also living in retirement. To find their answers on their most popular products, Trader Joe's asked shoppers the important question:
If you were to spend the rest of your life on a deserted island, which nine Trader Joe’s products would you take with you?
The company had over 18,000 customers respond! Here's what made their favorite list. You can find these products at the Tampa or St. Pete Trader Joe's location.
Best Overall: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
These spicy little scrolls made from stone ground corn masa that is cut, rolled, and fried to a captivating crunchiness—then generously dusted with hot chili & lime flavored seasoning.
Runner up:
TJ's Hashbrowns
Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings
Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend - We use this on EVERYTHING (no pun intended)
4 Chocolate Croissants
Best Beverage: Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice Beverage (Seasonal)
This is a three-ingredient blend of 100% Honeycrisp apple juice, water, and bubbles. Too bad it's not on the shelf year-round.
Runner Up:
Triple Ginger Brew (seasonal)
Sparkling Peach Black Tea with Peach Juice
Sparkling Cranberry & Ginger Beverage (seasonal)
Non-Dairy Brown Sugar Oat Creamer
Best Cheese: Cheddar with Caramelized Onions
This full-bodied English cheddar is mixed with onion marmalade for a memorable, sweet-savory bite.
Runners Up:
Syrah Soaked Toscano
Baked Lemon Ricotta (seasonal)
Blueberry & Vanilla Chèvre
Brie (various)
Best Entrée: Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Trader Joe's has the best pre-made meals around. This is an authentic Indian recipe that's mildly spiced and partnered with delicate, fragrant grains of Basmati rice.
Runners Up:
Chicken Tikka Masala
Kung Pao Chicken
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (seasonal)
BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
Best Household Item: Scented Candles
Who doesn't love a scented candle? Trader Joe’s Scented Candles are made with a paraben-free, soy-wax blend imbued with sweet fragrance and hand-poured into a portable lidded tin. They burn for up to 20 hours and have the best seasonal scents!
Runners Up:
Daily Facial Sunscreen
Ultra-Moisturizng Hand Cream
Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo & Conditioner
Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask
Best Produce: Bananas
Trader Joe's Organic Bananas are an incredible value at 25¢ each, every day!
Runners Up:
Teeny Tiny Avocados
Honeycrisp Apples
Brussels Sprouts
Organic Carrots of Many Colors
Best Snack: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
We already told you how delicious this snack is! It's perfect for picnics, beach days, work breaks, movie watching, and anything in between.
Runners Up:
Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers
Organic Corn Chip Dippers
World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs - OUR FAVORITE
Crunchy Curls
Best Sweet/Dessert: Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones
Each crunchy cone is lined with smooth chocolate and filled with creamy ice cream—then dipped in a rich, chocolatey coating.
Runners Up:
Danish Kringle (various)
Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Brookie
Best Vegan/Vegetarian: Kale & Cashew Pesto
The most simple pesto recipe that's perfect for any vegan. Made with kale, cashew and basil. Add garlic to give it a little more flavor, or lemon juice to brighten it up.
Runners Up:
Vegetable Fried Rice
Beefless Bulgogi
Palak Paneer
Cauliflower Gnocchi
