Trader Joe’s

This is nice and newly constructed store. It is covenant for people who live in the Carmel Valley area. It is a closer alternative than Whole foods; however it does not have the choice and options as Whole Foods. The prices are good and they constantly have new and amazing specials. It is a good gem if you are looking for organic foods.

I absolutely looove this and any other Trader Joe’s! Very good quality food for a very good price. I love the fact that they always check you are not taking broken eggs or bad fruit or bad veggies. The employers make me smile, always happy and friendly. Best thing about this specific Trader Joes? They have wine tasting! And there is tons of parking space as it is located at the new Pacific Highlands Center. Way to go guys!

This is still a new-​ish store, so it’s nice and clean and organized! I love this location. The aisles are nice and wide, there’s a good selection, and the staff is really friendly. It isn’t the biggest store, but given the size it has plenty of variety and is well-​stocked. Plus, the parking lot isn’t a complete cluster (hint hint, Carmel Mountain Trader Joe’s!). And for those of you afraid of identity theft, yes, their chip readers work.

My favorite Trader Joe’s in San Diego !! Why you may ask ??
Let me count the ways:
* Close to home (10 minutes away)
* Beautiful location at the new Pacific Highlands Center
* Tons of parking — a major relief for you TJ fanatics !
* Near my new gym (Crunch Fitness) and salon and spa (Revive) — A one stop shop for me !
* Friendly staff — always smiling and professional; you can tell they enjoy working here
* Well stocked with all the things I need
* Brand new building: Inside is spacious and clean — well-​maintained
* Affordable produce compared to Whole Foods (Whole Paycheck) — Organic salads, veggies, and fruits are reasonably priced
* Love their frozen section of veggies and fruits– affordable organic items
* Enjoy their fresh juices (OJ, grapefruit, tangerine, greens)
* Affordable bottled juices that are organic and 100% fruit (no additives)
* Yummy dried fruits (persimmons, mango, prunes, figs, apples, bananas) and addicting freeze dried fruits (mangoes, bananas, apples, berries)
* I’m always tempted to buy their fresh flowers ! Beautiful orchids and decent prices !
* They also carry pre-​packaged meals on the go for those too lazy to cook
* Appreciate the vegetarian/​vegan selections– There is a veg-​friendly grocery list available on their website
* I LOVE how they have seasonal items that are only available at TJ locations. I’m a sucker for pumpkin everything during the Fall !
* Fun shopping experience since you always find something new to try ! Yes I love grocery shopping ! Ha !
* They also have some good skincare items, especially for sensitive skin. I’ve purchased their lotions/​creams, body oils, and body wash. No animal testing (read labels) and all natural ! Score !
I am one happy camper !! I’m a regular shopper for sure !! 5 STARS !!! (happy dance)

I am so glad that there is a closer Trader Joe’s to me now!!! I used to have to drive to La Jolla or Carmel Mountain. TJ’s has healthy snacks and a good selection of dried fruit /​nuts that you can’t find at a normal grocery store. Love there Vanilla Clusters and Banana Nut Cereal.

Yay! Trader Joe’s in Carmel Valley. I’m there several days a week. The store is small but has most things I need at great prices. I appreciate the pricing on fish and meat, in particular. The butter lettuce is a fav, but they often run short. The store is very clean and the staff are super friendly and helpful.

As an obsessed fan of Trader Joe’s, I had to leave a review for this new location. For me, it’s all about the ocean of parking spots and the size of the store!
Unlike the UTC or Hillcrest Trader Joe’s, you never have to battle for parking. Since this location is still very new, it’s like a hidden gem that people don’t know about. It’s amazing. Not only is it easy to get to and has plenty of parking, but the actual store is huge compared to other locations. When I come to this Trader Joe’s, I no longer have the headache of looking for parking and trying to get through tiny isles with a cart full of groceries and a toddler. It’s also not too crowded inside, and I go at all different days and times of the week.
Being able to find everything you need without feeling stressed out about going to a busy grocery store is amazing. Let’s hope this Trader Joe’s doesn’t get too busy, and that they keep a good flow of cart-​traffic in the store!

Great location for a TJ, very spacious isles and not crowded. A good section of craft beers, and like any other TJ, they let you split any 6-​pack if you want to get just one bottle. The checkout is always prompt and cheerful, which makes it a pleasure to come here. The only negative about this TJ is that is closes at 9pm instead of 10pm, like the one in La Jolla.

Stunning! The first trader joes in San Diego that I’ve been to where parking wasn’t an issue. The wine selection seems endless and the layout of the store is easy to navigate. Staff was readily available as I couldn’t locate the blueberries. Produce was fresh and presentation was on point. Wish this location was closer to my house.

This location is much newer. I actually went here to buy asparagus and they were out. Who would’ve thought that out of all things that would be sold out?
It seems like they have way more check out stands compared to other locations i’ve gone to in Mira Mesa and Carmel Mtn. The lines went by quickly which is great if you’re just grabbing a few things.
Glad there’s a Trader Joe’s in this area now. Will definitely be coming back here.

Who doesn’t love Trader Joe’s? If you don’t, I’m pretty sure we can’t be friends. This particular new store is pretty darn awesome.
What makes it awesome is the plentiful parking, the wide aisles, and the friendly employees.
The only reason I’m docking a star is that I’ve bought a couple of pre-​made salads that were expired (I didn’t notice until I arrived home.) And some of the dates on items are almost expired. I’m guessing they aren’t going through inventory as fast at they planned.
I’ve been in several times and I have to say the employees have all been fantastic. Super friendly, super efficient, and just plain cool. I love me some Trader Joe’s!

New and accessible! Your typical Trader Joe’s but in a brand new complex. The beer selection is great and they have Grapefruit Sculpin cheaper than anywhere else I’ve seen.
We load up on generic cereals, frozen wontons, olive oil, cookie butter, etc are a few of our favorites.

Large aisles, Yay. I am so happy they opened this one so close to me. My favorite part of shopping here is getting to sample new items every time I go. There is always something fantastic to try. Today was Halibut tacos with Cilantro dressing. The only place i buy my Better then PB! and my Flourless, Sprouted bread!
I also get my alkaline water here. They have the best prices on it unless you go to the plant in Carlsbad. The Red Argentinian Shrimp is the best, but sold out often. We love their trail mixes of just pure nuts, we buy bags of the almond, cashews and dark chocolate chunks. I just picked up some new item I hadn’t seen before, they are British muffins, I will keep ya posted. My son likes the English Bay’s from the market so we will see how these compare. The only place I buy my salad dressing too. The Champagne Gorgonzola is my all time favorite. The parking lot if huge, the store is clean and the staff is friendly. What more can you ask for!

I support all TJs and their «Cookie Butter» empire.
What a pleasant surprise to drive past this little developing area on the way to work. Never will I have to fight with 10 other cars to park in the La Jolla TJ’s parking lot, only to get my car dinged every, time, again. This TJ’s is small but stocking all the right items. You can find 2 flavors of cookie butter, (I prefer the gingerbread variety on… everything!) cookie butter squares, cookie butter cups, etc. Hello, my name is Chang and I am a cookie butter addict. Should also mention, beside the butter-​crack, this TJ’s is also packing super friendly and helpful staff.
Can’t wait to see what else pops up in this shopping center, but TJs, Crunch, Panera and Starbucks (it’s not a shopping center w/​o a Starbucks) is a good place to start.

Before you jump on the Trader Joe’s bandwagon. educate yourselves. I don’t disagree with frugality but it’s amazing to me that anyone would give this place a 5 star rating.
Pros:
Great pantry selection (dried fruits, nuts, crackers, baking stuff, oils, spices, etc)
Good wine selection
Super nice staff
Large store compared to other TJ’s cause you know… 92 130 baby
Cons:
Limited fruit/​veggies selection that does not look fresh (saw mold)
Some veggies are pre-​cut and bagged. I don’t get why TJ still carries these
Very limited meat selection (some had funny colors)
Half the store is frozen foods (if you’re into that it’s a huge PRO!)
Recent «organic» peanut butter lawsuit filed against them
So I came in to the store about 3 or 4 times already for wine, and each time I only leave with wine. Wandering around the store got me to thinking why I couldn’t get myself to buy their other products…
(Below only applies to the private TJ labels: Trader Joe’s, Jose’s, Ming)
I never understood this TJ’s hype in the first place, how are you marketing yourself as a Natural Organic Health foods store while you sell pre-​packaged cut veggies and nearly half your store is frozen foods? Everyone knows true organic veggies never last in bags for more than a few days tops, even if it’s well refridgerated– so how is it that TJ’s is able to sell these bags of veggies that have a week-​long sell by date and still claim everything is organic and non-​GMO?
It is not a commonly known fact that Trader Joe’s manufacturer for their products is RalCorp, owned by ConAgra who is only 2^nd or 3^rd to Kraft Foods. Do you think diligently seeking out organic processes/​non-​GMO suppliers is a priority for them? Nope. Sure the TJ statement is that they don’t allow GMO foods, but how many giant companies have claimed that and then had lawsuits filed against them? And there’s no outside third party to actually audit their non-​GMO authenticity — their audit team is in house! They also won’t release any of their affidavits stating certain base ingredients such as corn and soy are non-​GMO. Ask any other company and they will gladly hand it over. Oh, and ConAgra has donated over $ 1 million to OPPOSE GMO labeling… so there’s that.
So, this review totally off tangent, but I feel like people should know what they’re buying (into). I just can’t seem to trust these private label products that TJ’s keeps entirely secret from the industry and consumers. And on top of that won’t release their affidavits? Because if you’re not doing anything wrong, you want to expand and spread the good, and you claim to be proud of your products, then what are you hiding? Why can’t you just let us consumers have a peace of mind if you’re really walkin the walk.
TJ’s is like that new guy you’re dating– he’s handsome and charming and he does all the right things to make you feel ahhhmaaaazing, but he never lets go of his phone because he’s cheating on your ass.
If you want to buy real organic non-​GMO foods, go to the farmer’s market and support our local farmers, or stores these farmers cater to like Jimbo’s and Cardiff Seaside Market (and Chino Farms stand in RSF where a lot of restaurants get their supplies). So yeah. 2 stars because I like cheap imported wines.
TL;DR: Great ambiance, sub-​par produce and meats. Why I don’t trust the private TJ labels? TJ partnered up with ConAgra, competitor of Kraft Foods, and does not use a third party auditor for their non-​GMO claims. Uses in-​house audit team, aka «we do what we want!». Does not release affidavits stating foods are truly non-​GMO. Parent company donated over $ 1mil to oppose GMO labeling. Why? Go figure.

Yay! Finally, a TJ’s super close to home. Before this one opened we went to the CMR and Mira Mesa locations. Let’s face it, pretty much all TJ’s locations are awesome, both in customer service/​return policies and friendly workers.
Another thing I love about TJ’s is that their private labels are made with non-​gmo ingredients and all of their canned food items are non-​BPA.
However, I am enjoying utilizing this location prior to all of the stores opening up in the new shopping center. This means ample parking without the threat of getting run over in the parking lot and it’s not crowded there… yet.
Love TJ’s and love love love this location.

Carmel Valley finally has a TJ’s. I have been to every single one around the county, and this one is wonderful. Right up there with the Encinitas one. It’s big and everyone is super friendly, and they remember me! Which is always nice, because they treat you even better than better! Fresh produce, awesome prices (except organic milk $ 6.49 gone up by $ 0.50 but that is everywhere), great fruit, yummy cheese, wine tastings, everything. This is my new and only spot. Thank Goodness!

YAY!
Only two miles from my house and currently with a parking lot that isn’t a total death trap. It’s a small location, but it’s got all my TJs Favs! The staff is friendly and excited to be in the new neighborhood and boy! Are we excited to have them.
I grew up in a household of 7 people, so its hard for me to cook for just 2, TJ’s packaging sizes make it easier and I feel good about the items that I purchase from there. In my past life, I had some experience selling products to this company under their private label and they were truly a pleasure to work with and an exciting brand. They supported our small business at the time, and really launched us into a bigger success: It’s all ancient history now but! To this day really makes me love the store and spending my moola there.
Favorite products include the Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies With Walnuts, the Mac and Cheese Balls (oh yeah!) and all the various fizzy beverages that can be found there. I’m not a big produce shopper here, but meats, cheeses, and more, fo sho!
I’ll probably spend more money here than any other grocer in the area now.

Brand new Trader Joe’s in the 92 130 Carmel Valley area north of the 56 which opened on March 27^th, 2015. This store is located within «The Village» at «Pacific Highlands Ranch». It’s across the street from Canyon Crest Academy and the nearest major cross streets would be Del Mar Heights Rd. and Carmel Valley Rd.
It’s a large®, spacious Trader Joe’s compared to most. I’ve read it’s 14,100 sq. feet and what’s also unique to this location is that it has a wine tasting bar.
As with all the Trader Joe’s I’ve visited — it always has great products (mostly non-​GMO and can also find organic). Great affordable wines and spirits selections too.
Great products and most of all their employees have a positive friendly and helpful attitude.

Holy cow! You mean there’s a TJ’s 5 min away from my house?! Woo hoo!
This new location is perfect. The new shopping center that they’re building has lots of potential. I’m excited to see what other stores will be there. The Trader Joe’s is one of maybe 3 shops that’s current open (along with Panera Bread and an ice cream sandwich or something shop) in this new shopping center. It looks like there’s going to be a crunch fitness and Wells Fargo on the other side of the parking lot.
Anyway, when I walked into the store I was very impressed with how spacious it was. I feel like it’s bigger than most of the Trader Joe’s in this area. Same products but I think it’s a bigger store.
I’m excited to go back to this location since it’s only five minutes away from my house. Looking forward to seeing what other stores will be there as well.

It’s about time! I’ve lived up here for more than 20 years, long back when this piece of land was… well, just a piece of land! I actually live walking distance to «Jimbo’s» but was never a fan. Nearest Trader Joe’s was always just a bit too far for the spur of the moment drive, but now, if I have craving, I could even ride my bike to this place it’s so close.
It’s a new strip mall and there are only two other businesses open right now, but construction is ongoing so I suspect it won’t be long before more is open. The store is well kept and well stocked. I was mesmerized as I walked through the produce section looking at the amazing colors and freshness of the produce. All of the food is top quality and either organic or close to it. Fresh meats, seafood, cheeses, breads, several local micro brews, good selection of wines. Even the candies are extremely tasty!
When I was checking out, the person taking care of me asked me what I thought of the store and I let him know it was my first time. He welcomed me again and gave me a very nice Trader Joe’s bag to take my groceries with. Incredibly friendly and helpful! Although I bought a bagful, I’ll probably be back again tomorrow. I’ve already been letting all of my friends who live in the area about the new Trader Joe’s. No question this was the RIGHT place to put a Trader Joe’s and I can only imagine how well it will do. Thank you for finally bringing one up here!
To the store manager: if I could make a comment — I was browsing your store and just checking everything out. One woman approached me and asked if I needed help. I really don’t know how looking at products equates to «I need help». I thought I person looking up and all around like they are lost is someone who needs help. However, I told her «no» and then proceeded to look at some other products. But she insisted on asking me again if I need help or what I was looking for so I just didn’t answer her. She stood there giving me the most ugly look I think I’ve ever seen! How about just leaving people alone. I do everything I can to give the impression that I DON’T want help and somehow this person see’s it as their duty to bother me even though I never asked for any help, and furthermore, when I said no, insisted on bothering me further and got all bothered because I wouldn’t reply to her. Just leave people alone if they want to be left alone. It’s really simple and requires no effort.

Yay! It’s finally here. The much needed new Center with its cool anchor store, Trader Joe’s. Hoot Hoot! I am not a big Trader Joe’s shopper; but, I am so happy to have this new addition nearby. Need some quick eggs, milk, sugar? Snap! Now, I don’t have to drive miles to hit up a grocery store. There was, and is, a ⁷⁄₁₁ nearby. Why does buying eggs from ⁷⁄₁₁ feel all wrong? Sorry 7/​11, but junk food and slurpee’s are your gig.
Eggs, Milk… That’s just the tip of the ice berg. Lots of gluten free numbers and organic aplenty. Compared to other Trader Joe’s it seems rather sparse in the selections. I am thinking this will change as the store gets a pulse on the community needs. Employees are so happy and helpful. Who doesn’t love that? Uh, in one week I have been there 4 times. How was I surviving before? Ha! All this store needs now is a Redbox. If there were a Redbox, I would be as happy as a dog with two tails! Just saying…

I’ve been so excited for this place to open that I even had it on my calendar. I live in Del Mar and usually make a weekly trek to TJs in UTC where parking is ridiculous. So when I heard about a new TJs opening up in Del Mar I ecstatic! Upon googling it though, I realized that it’s actually located in Carmel Valley.
I was able to check this place out Saturday morning after their grand opening. They carry the same items as all Trader Joes but the aisles are wider. The employees are friendly as always. The store is bigger than the UTC one and the parking is fantastic.
This TJs is located on a lot where there seems to be construction going on to open up more stores. Aside from TJs there is a Starbucks and a Panera. My guess is that until the rest of the shopping center is fully developed, parking is going to be great!
I am happy that I can come here now. This is great.

Today was the grand opening of the store. Nice wide isles and plenty of friendly checkers. Got my free shopping bag with the postcard I received in the mail. Nice to have TJ’s so close to my home now. It’s located near the corner of Carmel Valley Road and Del Mar Heights Road. While it’s not the biggest store, it does have the essentials you would find in most Trader Joe’s. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Yay! The long awaited, newest Trader Joe’s finally opened in San Diego! I live in the neighborhood, so this was certainly a warm welcome into the community!
I just got home from visiting my new go-​to TJ’s (which today is the grand opening) and loved everything about it. The floor plan has your simple, typical layout, so no surprises there. When you first enter the one and only door to the store, the florals and produce is to your left with beer, wine and other spirits on the other end to the very right. Everything else in between is also there and navigating through TJ’s is fairly easy once you know what you need & know which of the five rows to find it. I appreciate the space in the produce section since that seems to be the busiest area (at least in the times I usually go).
This Trader Joe’s is easy to get to from the 56 freeway once you exit Carmel Valley Road and head north for about half a mile as you see it visibly tucked in the corner of the brand new, still under lots of construction, The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch strip mall. My husband and I have been going to the Trader Joe’s in La Jolla, Carmel Mountain or Scripps Ranch locations for years for our weekly purchase of their yummy, ready made $ 3.99 salads we like buying for lunch during the week. Needless to say, this new location makes it a hundred times easier and convenient to get to since it’s only two exits away from our home, woo hoo!
As usual, you also get your friendly TJ’s staff that is always willing to help. Sally was so kind to pull our cart over to her empty lane and happily assist in ringing up our goodies. Since today was the grand opening, we scored on a free recyclable bag they were bagging up our groceries with.
I’m super happy that this Trader Joe’s made its way to our part of town and I’m sure others in the Carmel Valley community will agree with me on this.
Welcome to the ‘hood, Trader Joe’s…we’re excited you’re finally here!
Side note– Panera Bread slated to open on April 6^th… it’s a few doors down from TJ’s another great addition! #excited lol!

I think all the house moms musta taken the day off because there were just so many soccer moms here today (pretty ones too!). Many of us were looking forward to the opening of this brand new, built from ground up, Trader Joes opening in this part of town. Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons gets kinda boring and lame after a while so having this TJ here brings a new life to this ‘hood.
Opening day didn’t disappoint as the store handed out leis and tote bags (I think you needed a flyer for that). There were tons of employees greeting customers as well as helping everyone with ‘where can I find this’ questions. I had two employees come up to me, without me asking, because I looked a bit lost wandering the store. So that was great.
The layout is different. The cashiers are all to the right of the store when you enter. Produce is to the left, frozens in the middle, and most importantly — the booze is to the far right of the store :)
They seem to carry a nice variety of craft 22 oz beers as well (see pic).
I picked up a few items for a pot luck party tonight. They sell langostino tails for $ 11.99 in the frozen section. I also picked up an affordable tequila (not sure if it’s their bottom shelf brand) but it’s a nice tequila that people seem to enjoy at dinner parties.
They seem to have a HUGE selection of wines too (no shocker there). Still the best prices in town and my best friend still swears their Two Buck Chuck (now $ 2.49 — boo) still tastes like a $ 20 bottle of wine if you open it and let it breathe for a while.
Check out was a breeze and the cashier was so funny. He gave me one of his leis b/​c I hadn’t received one yet so that made my morning.
This location is worth a look if you’ve never visited a brand new Trader Joes. The layout of the store is a bit strange but their inventory seems quite sufficient. The cashier also told me to visit again soon because they will have a wine tasting bar open in the next few months.

I finally have a trader joes by my home! I am so happy that I don’t need to make grand plans to go to TJ’s!
This TJ’s is located in a brand new and still under construction shopping center so there is tons of parking at this point.
Employees are just as fabulous as you would expect here… Excellent!!!
Store is layed out slightly different than I’m used to but soon this will be the norm for me.
So incredibly happy!
Welcome to carmel valley