We now have two Trader Joe’s in Albuquerque. One is at the Intersection of Paseo Del Norte and Ventura and the newly opened Trader Joe’s is on Indian School just east of ABQ Uptown.
Trader Joe’s is a great place for the person in search of gluten-free foods. First, there are several products under the Trader Joe’s label that are gluten free, and they are as reasonably priced as their other store brand foods. Then there is the excellent labeling on every product in their store. Foods that may not have any gluten ingredients are still off limits to some when they are produced on the same equipment or in the same facility as wheat products. Most every product label at Trader Joe’s discloses this information.
A partial list of gluten-free family favorites under the Trader Joe’s label are: Brown Rice Pasta, Gluten Free Brownie Mix, Gluten Free Ginger Snaps, Gluten Free Granola, Rice Pasta and Cheddar (macaroni and cheese) ,and Gluten Free Frozen Pancakes.
Additionally, there are fun and interesting foods that fit into our diet including gourmet cheeses, packaged fresh produce, frozen seafood, exotic coffees and teas, protein bars and a variety of interesting chips, dried fruits and nuts.
May, 2012 Update: In addition to Trader Joe’s own brand of tasty gluten-free bread, the stores in Albuquerque are now carrying Udi’s bread, hot dog and hamburger buns. The Udi’s products have a lower price than in most of the other grocery stores, and they are on the shelves with other bread products rather than in the freezer.
Several months ago Trader Joe’s began selling its own brand of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are outstanding. Unfortunately, there are relatively few cookies in each package.