I’m generally not one of those people who sticks to the exact same recipes and products all of the time. I very often make replacements – whether it be using a new flavor, brand, or variety of my favorite foods. And, my recent visit to Trader Joe’s has resulted in just that.
For example, I replaced my usual sandwich thins for TJ’s whole wheat slims. I’d be lying if I said they weren’t pretty much exactly the same…
…but they still made for the perfect veggie burger + hummus sandwich.
My favorite blondies are pretty much in a league of their own, but these Brown Sugar Bars make for a quite phenom replacement. They’re easily one of the best impulse purchases I’ve ever made.
The only problem with these babies is that they’re…well, literally babies. Nothing an extra serving (or two) can’t fix!
Reason #26 why peanut butter flour is a trend that I will shamelessly follow?
It’s an easy (and tasty) replacement for nut butter when I want some mousse action.
Sometimes I make replacements because I want to try something new.
Sometimes it’s to take advantage of a sale.
Every time I get this strange little bout of excitement for being “spontaneous” 
- Do you ever replace the variety/brand of your favorite foods?
- What’s a recent impulse purchase you made?
I bought some pumpkin butter and habanero lime salsa yesterday, and I can’t wait to try both of them out!! I must say, Trader Joe’s is the BEST store to go to for new purchases…if only the one around here weren’t so crowded!!
I saw those the other day. I picked them up for my mom, since I am allergic to nuts, but they looked so good!!
I’ve never seen those brown sugar bars, they look great! I always get the Cats cookies… those are my trader joes impulse purchase, and yes, I still consider it impulsive even though I always walk in knowing I’ll walk out with some Cats, or maybe all three flavors.
I love finding at least one new product to try when I’m at the store! It’s way more fun that way
I’m so brand loyal that I rarely replace it with another brand. My husband thinks I’m crazy for this.
I usually get nervous about trying new brands! I always get scared that I’m not going to like it and then it’s a complete waste (umm, hello, strugglin’ college student anyone?!). I guess I’m more picky with some things compared to others. It’s really a sickness, I think! Hah. But I also have a serve case of impulse buys. Sticking to the grocery list is never an option. My impulse buys usually involve sweets and while I’ll never understand the impulse, I certainly appreciate them!
Dude, Trader Joes stopped carrying my Everything Pretzel Slims. Tragic. lol.
What are these pretzel slims you speak of?!
Everything Pretzel Slims, omg they are the best. 23 pretzel thins are like 100 calories. Now TJs only carries plain:( they are hiding in the chip aisle, or should be:)
I eye those bars every time I walk down the freezer isle of TJ’s - they look divine!
You *must* get them next time! I just ate some (ahem, 3) last night straight out of the freezer, and I actually liked them better that way.
Those blondies look beyond tasty..yummmmmmm!
My hubby tried to repolace my Brach’s candycorn with generic. It was not a win!
YES! I always do, but then I get upset when it’s not as good. I looove Smucker’s natural pb but I bought TJ’s and WF and neither is as good. My most recent impulse purchase: Justin’s Hazelnut butter (OMG I am obsessed, pretty sure the jar is going to be gone in like a week). Last time I was at TJ’s, I bought the individual servings of goat cheese in a bag (I <3 goat cheese) and the frozen halibut fillets.. they were the bomb until I bit into a bone (and got really freaked out).
I bought the peanut flour too! I couldn't figure out anything to do with it other than substitute it for protein powder in protein cookie dough. Do you have any other ideas?
Hey Lindsay! I’ll probably have more posts coming up with how I use peanut flour (because I’ve been using it *a lot* lately). In fact, I definitely want to experiment baking with it! But for now - I definitely suggest mixing it into yogurt and oatmeal. I had a big bowl of peanuty oats for breakfast this morning
You could also mix the peanut flour with a little bit of water or milk and it turns into a peanut butter-like consistency!
I also get a rush from trying new foods, especially if they surprise me by being extra-tasty. I haven’t tried peanut flour yet, but I just might have to.
Pretty much every week I buy a different kind of cereal and bread…I also enjoy switching up my snack foods and treats based on what I’m craving and what’s on sale!
Hi Gracie!
I’m a brazilian girl who happens to think she was born in the wrong country, altought I love Brazil, I just ADORE your country. Because of that, I found your blog yesterday, I can’t remember how, though. Anyway, I’ve read about 60 posts from yesterday till today and I’m in love with your blog. I gotta say, you are amazing and you write amazingly. You’re blog is unique. I’ll come back here everyday.
We’re the same age, and just like you, I’ve recently graduated at college and I’m now working at my dad’s business.
I just wanted to tell you to keep doing your great work with your blog. You look like the person everyone wants as a friend.
Can’t finish without asking… what’s the deal with nuts butter? How good can it be? hehehe
I wish I could have all these deliciouness you have everyday and still keep fit!
CONGRATULATIONS ON EVERYTHING!
Hi Camila! Goodness…your comment just about made my day
You are such a doll!!
The deal with nut butter is that it is delicious *and* super healthy! I’m no expert, but I find that the fat in nut butter makes it incredibly filling. Why is it that you can’t eat it??
Take care, sweetie! xoxoxo
GOD I MISS GREEK YOGURT! We don’t have it in Brazil!
Those brown sugar bars look super moist & delicious!
I bet they would be good crumbled into the Greek Yogurt
(I tend to put tons of stuff in my yogurt)
meh I am pretty loyal to brands but not 100%…I like to try new things esp those that others recommend. on my list is that peanut flour for SURE!! ah those blondies look SO darn good!
I like trying out new brands because there’s always the chance that I’ll like it better than the brand I’m currently buying. Some things are irreplaceable though! Such as my Kashi cereal.
I bought a Lucy Ricardo costume for Halloween. I already had a costume but when I saw it I decided to try it on for kicks and then I just couldn’t leave without it! lol
WOW! Peanut Flour..sounds like a great idea! Any other suggestions on how to use it? Does it have a peanut butter flavor taste?
I neeed to find that peanut flour! It seems like TJ’s is the only place that sells it, though…and the closest one I know of is 6 hours away. :/