Trader Joe's Avis 212

I used to think Trader Joe's was a hardware store (when I was an adolescent. Then I discovered it in college, and I've been a fan ever since. I realized that the items sold are either healthier, less expensive, or both compared to most other grocery stores. I would like to see the resurgence of Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 soap, though! :)

Going downhill fast. I used to be a devotee. Then the quality started slipping. Latest the Organic Earl Grey Tea Bags, which I have been purchasing for years and years. I was shocked to discover this latest batch tastes literally like dish water. Zero black tea taste. Zero Bergamot taste. Zero taste. I returned the two unopened boxes. SMH. I understand the need to continually focus on the bottom line, but the new manufacturer of these is clearly ripping the company off.

I was buying regular blueberry muffins for years. They were one of our favorites, and we were always stocked our freezer for later use. Now, it's absolutely horrible. Probably the Company are using some very cheap ingredients. Taste too artificial, not natural, leaving horrible aftertaste that made our family sick. Even smell is horrible! What's going on? Why without informing your customers, you've abruptly changed your recipe? You have to return the old product back!!! This is very unacceptable!!! Very disappointing customer!!!

On several occasions, a visit to TJ's would result in previously purchased items being out-of-stock (OOS) or worse, discontinued due to being deemed "seasonal". Until now, these excuses were accepted. When searching for a staple, everyday item (capers), their response to being OOS warranted this review as it undermines the traditional levels of customer service and shows a complete lack of respect or caring for their most important asset, their customer!
Their knee-jerk excuse was "we don't do the ordering" (only reporting an OOS situation), but when asked how best to ensure product is received, their response (from the store manager) was unconscionable. "Go on to our website and write a comment explaining your issue and request the (capers) be ordered for this store". Seriously!!! My reply was "so you want ME to do YOUR work for you". OMG. Is this the way TJ treats their customers? This system is in need of change. What does TJ's really think of their customers??? I now have my doubts.

We have been to both Trader Joe's in Kansas City since Thanksgiving 2025. Last visit was last week Jan/29/2026.
Both were great , customer service rocked, we had 2 different associates ask us if they could help and tracked down some product locations for us. Cashiers were very helpful and guided us through checking out.
BOTH are very busy and my wife and I can see why. We live in Springfield, Mo, so we can not go up there weekly.
Us Queen City of the Ozarks residents want a TJ in Springfield.....

There should be a disclaimer for buying food at TJ. It should read, ‘If you eat meals at Applebees, Chili’s and other places like this, Trader Joe’s food will be enjoyed by you.

The manager at Store 191 was pretty rude. We had brought our dog in, which I had done many times before. He is in the process of being ESA certified. The manager told us that we had to leave immediately. I needed one more item and he said I couldn’t finish my shopping, but had to leave.
I can see addressing the situation, but being a little more lenient as we were
less than 5 minutes from finishing.
Our dog was quiet and not threatening to anybody else. So, once his certification is finished, you are not going to have a dog who reacts any different to a situation that he was in at Trader Joe’s.
You have lost a customer. But then again, that manager could care less.

Trader Joe’s – 4121 NE Halsey St, Portland – 1/5

A Pattern of Dismissed Customer Safety and Privacy

I have shopped at Trader Joe’s for years, yet my visits to this location on July 11, 2025 and January 2, 2026 left me feeling harassed, unsafe, and dismissed when I raised legitimate concerns.

The first incident began when I mentioned that orange juice I purchased had spoiled. I did not ask for a refund, but management escalated the situation, spoke harshly in front of staff and security, and implied wrongdoing. While leaving peacefully, security guard LaShawn photographed my license plate without explanation, creating a serious privacy concern.

On January 2, 2026, a minor incident with a single broken egg highlights a clear contradiction in corporate messaging. I was checked out at the register farthest from the entrance, near the restroom. After I offered to replace the egg, LaShawn immediately appeared at my register. Tim Martin later stated LaShawn “was not targeting me” and that security exists to support the crew first, yet this raises the question:

If he was not observing me, how did he know the egg was broken and move to the exact location I was at?

These repeated incidents—ignored concerns, invasive observation, and a lack of accountability—reflect tokenism, where staff diversity is used as optics while customer safety and dignity are minimized. Written responses to questions about license plate photographs, purpose, storage, and safeguards have yet to be provided.

Warning to Black & Non-White Shoppers

During my visits, I repeatedly felt closely observed and monitored while shopping peacefully. Leadership dismissed my concerns, prioritizing the crew narrative over the safety of customers of color. In a climate reminiscent of New Jim Crow–era suspicion, I urge Black, Indian, Fijian, and other non-white customers to be aware, advocate for yourselves, and document interactions.

This behavior should never have occurred at a store I trusted. Food is for everyone. Respect should be too. It's not our fault you guys can't keep food fresh. Don't buy their meats it stinks literlly.

It was great!

Don't understand why trader joes is so popular. Small and jammed parking lots, limited selections, not so convenient locations, and average prices. If I want convenience, I would walk 5 minutes to my local Safeway. If I want best prices, I could drive to Costco. If I want huge selection, I could also go to Safeway. Some might like the vibe, but to me, I go there to get what I need, not to indulge in a club.

Scamming with produce that you can't check for the quality. I lost my trust in Trader Joe's produce, they're cheating you guys!
They sell you diluted milk, it varies from 30 - 60% water in it, especially if you buy 1 gallon organic milk or half gallon organic milk. Seems like it's cheaper than in most other places, but paying cheaper for diluted milk with water?
It's hard to check unless you make your own yogurt as I was doing it lately. Other milks bought from trusted producers give up to 85-90% white mass with the same technique used during preparation, while Trader Joe's milk gives you 40-50% (1 gallon container), at best 70% (half gallon).
Most likely, that's not organic milk either!
Not going to spend my money there anymore!

The store is awesome always great produce, The employees are very helpful and always smiling. So grateful for trader Joe's.

I have noticed that the quality of the products as well as the products that are available at Trader Joes has gone down. The produce in the bags often times seems pretty old, but well preserved. They use pretty bad ingredients in their products. I would give a 1 star, however their staff are nice and helpful and you usually don't have to wait a long time in line. Some of my favorites like the dried persimmons are gone.

I have been generally satisfied with Trader Joe's. However, I have been increasingly disappointed with some of their offerings. Today, I purchased Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas. I baked them, as per instructions, and they came out as just a mushy tasteless mass of nothingness. After a few bites, I threw it in the garbage. This isn't the first time I've experienced this phenomenon. My suggestion to TJ shoppers is to be wary of some of the frozen fare. It varies widely. Please invest in a test kitchen, guys!

Trader Joe's always has fun seasonal items and their frozen meals are lifesavers on busy nights. I just wish there was one closer to my home.

I think the facts that the food quality seems to be better than Kroger. And I find it to be cheaper. Definitely a better experience all around

great shopping experience

Trader Joe's punitively respond to polite requests to take into consideration evidence of the employee's misconduct and provide more clear information but they keep a blind eye on their employees' behavior.

They have a big selection, good produce and it's actually fun to shop there. I love the employees. It's a good and positive feeling inside.

My experience is great at Trader Joe’s.. just bought a number of items for guest coming.. super reasonable and tasty!

My new experience with the California Rolls was terrible!! Rating:: Minus Zero
The rice was dried out.. formed a wad of a circle that with one twist, would separate from the center contents!!

The small inner core was tasty. Threw away all the rice.!! A waste.. and disappointment!!