I do love me some Trader Joe's. And this one is where I do about half of my grocery shopping. However, there are some issues. Trader Joe's has a lot of really good food at low prices. Their whole vibe is friendly, vaguely earthy, and kind of organic when it suits them. The products they sell, especially the canned, bottled, and boxed foods are generally of high quality and are an excellent value compared to any other supermarket. They manage to cram a lot of goods into their relatively small space, and stock persons are constantly refilling, reorganizing, and rotating everything. However, the produce department's quality is poor to middling most of the time. The fruits and vegetables generally LOOK good, and are organized well, but I can't recall the last time I got a bag of potatoes that didn't have two or three fully rotten spuds in 'em. I've gotten peppers with moldy fuzz growing inside, oranges that were nice and ripe on the ouside, but weirdly bruised and brown on the inside. We've also had problems with some of the refrigerated foods, like "fresh" pasta. We recently purchased some pesto tortelloni and threw it in the freezer as soon as we got home. When we took it out of the freezer, not two days later, it was covered in frozen mold. I wouldn't have seen it in the store, as the mold was covered by the label, but it's clear that the mold didn't grow in the freezer itself. I haven't had these problems at other Trader Joe's locations, so my guess is that there is a problem somewhere in the shipping, storage, or rotation of goods on the shelves here. To sum up: It's fine, could be better, and inspect your food carefully before you throw it in your cart. Avoid the produce, there's a Whole Foods for that not far away. read more

There is a debate on whether T J & Whole Foods are competitors. While WF's mission labels them more of a health food store, with crossovers into standard dietary fare, as well as boasting considerably more square footage, both stores do have common items. I believe the reason TJ has smaller stores is b/c they go to market as a discounter, and certain vendors will not sell to them to avoid cheapening their brand, or not wanting to lower their margins on the wholesale side. Or the competition will complain and threaten to pull the line if the mfr continues to support TJ. That being said, both stores use private labeling. In addition, they obviously spy on each other. For example, when TJ offered Dr. Bronners soap at a deep discount, WF responded right away and matched the price. The main point I wish to make is that on the customer service side, TJ PUTS WHOLE FOODS TO SHAME. Here in Essex county NJ, TJ occupies the old WF location, while WF moved to a larger space in Union ( but still calls themselves "Millburn", b/c it sounds more prestigious--Millburn includes the toney upscale Short Hills). But where they really differ is in customer service-- no challenge-- TJ BY A MILE !! Entering Whole foods is like entering a morgue. The cashiers, with a few exceptions, are rude. They don't make eye contact, They talk to their friends while they ring you up---my complaint to corporate about this was ignored. When I try to aid them by giving them the PLU code on the produce, they get snooty. Now, contrast this with the love shared by the TJ staff. there is obviously an effort to hire people who actually enjoy people. All staff are well-trained on their product line, and if they don't know, they'll ask a team member. they go the extra mile, they seem to like to be there. They work together. In contrast to Whole Foods, whose workers seem to walk around in a daze. OK since this a review about TJ, here are the standouts----- --cliff bars .99¢ (recently a famous convenience store ran a special on these--2 for $3. TJ is .99 every day). --tofu & tempeh, priced below market --tofurkey sausage-about 1/2 price of other stores --nut butters--deep discounts --vegetable oils, esp olive--quality at discount --fish--salmon (coho, sockeye, Atlantic), sea bass, cod, flounder. Frozen but huge savings --breads--ciabatta, challah (certified kosher), wraps. If you don't mind frozen fish ( I don't---freezing kills worms and parasites), you will save a ton. Tuna here is $8.99/lb. versus Whole Foods at a staggering $27.99....??.!!! And its previously frozen! Also, TJ has some terrific macaroons at $4.99 per dozen. WF macaroons will set you back two bucks EACH....EACH!....?? Pumpkin seed oil, a wonderfully fragrant oil: 8.5 oz.-- TJ ten bucks, versus fifteen dollars at WF (please note: WF does carry fhe Flora brand top quality raw pumpkin oil, processed at ultra low temps). Besides food, there are excellent deals here on green products such as natural laundry detergent, dish soap, sponges. Supplements: Three sleeper steals: Aloe vera juice at eight bucks per gallon. And two of the best food supplements one can use: green powder and red powder. The green is made up of cereal grasses run thru a juicer and dried. The red is a mixture of berries, also run thru a juicer, then dried, with the water and most of the sugars removed. Both products have added probiotics. These three products, arguably the most nutrient-dense foods one can use, based on the new ORAC rating, recommended by holistic physicians as part of cleansing protocols, would set you back about one hundred bucks elsewhere. But at TJ, I paid under fifty. Huge savings. Lastly, I wish to give a shout- out to Shakeelah and Amie, who know how to keep it REAL--my favorite cashiers, no doubt. p.s. add these dime pieces to TJ staff--Nioka and Sara. I need I apply for a job there---great scenery!! read more

Milburn location: Great staff. The location is popular so there may be items out of stock. Prices cant be beat! Eggs for $2.39! Nice selection of sauces and frozen meals for a bargain. So far Ive only tried one thing that I didn't enjoy but every thing else is super tasty. I also love the fruit and veggies section. Great variety at reasonable prices. I will repeat, the staff is always great, very friendly and helpful. They always go the extra mile. read more

I just got back from this Trader Joe's, was unpacking/cooking and had to yelp as it consistently provides an all-around exceptionally positive experience. The staff is unwaveringly helpful, kind, and cool. I look forward to grocery shopping because of your fine product and awesome people. Update: This location continues to deliver amazing product & exceptional service. Great vibe in there just now, as usual. Keep on groovin, TJ's M'burn! read more

They don't have any alcohol. Crap, now I sound like an alcoholic. This particular Trader Joe's is also rather small, and the selection isn't impressive. Like most Trader Joe's, the prices are low. Just wish the store was bigger, and they served alcohol. There is a parking lot, but it's shared with a Pet Store and a gym so it's often very crowded, and easy to hit people. Be careful! read more

As a resident of Hudson County, I find that this Trader Joe's location is the easiest to travel to and from. The locations in Edgewater and Clifton seem closer physically, but the tight roads and traffic signals make for more than a half-hour drive for me without fail. This location also seems a bit bigger then those nearby. There is a plethora of Trader Joe's brand goods and organic and GMO free based food stuffs from other brands. As a vegetarian I am always happy to see their Soy-based Ground Beef Substitute. I know it doesn't sounds that appetizing, but with a little cumin, turmeric and cayenne pepper it makes for great tacos!! Everything is nicely organized and the carts are not strewn about in the parking lot. The produce is fresh, colorful, and most importantly modestly priced. There is a variety of exotic as well as contemporary food items and lots of choices for vegetarians. They even carry Brussels sprouts on the stalk (seasonal only!!!). Lines seem to flow very well here and the staff is super helpful with bagging and assembling your cart. The only drawbacks are no Chuck and limited sizes/volumes of products. read more

I am a big sucker for Traders Joe. This location I feel is a little bit tidier than other ones so I am a fan. Plus Whole Foods is less than a mile away so if you can't find it here it is easy enough to make another pit stop. Try and come during the week. Weekend is crazy busy. But that's the case for all locations. read more

Okay, I'm sorry for my first review that wrote for this Trader Joe's. I've been going to this location more frequently now, and they are much improved! Small selection of flowers when you first walk in, but I like their cheese section, and their ready-lunches. They have a lot of options available for about $4 (wraps, salads, soups, pastas). Their dairy is really where it's at though. The other TJs I go to in Clifton often sells out of their fruit flavored yogurts very quickly, but this place stays fully stocked and has a wider selection. I love their six-packs of blueberry & vanilla, strawberry & banana, and mango & peach yogurt cups. They have a lot more bacon and meat at this location compared to the Clifton location too. Their frozen foods section is smaller than Clifton's, so you might not find everything you're looking for, the check out area is fast and friendly, and if you're buying a ready-made lunch, they'll ask if you need utensils, which is a nice plus. read more

I live in Jersey City and travel to this Trader Joe's location once a week for my shopping. Huge fan of their healthy selections and even bigger fan of their significantly lower than Whole Foods prices! Hope they open one closer to Jersey City soon! read more

This place--formerly the Whole Foods, is an absolute mad house! Parking can be tough at times as this place gets absolutely jammed. Efficiency and friendliness inside the store are certainly on par with the majority of TJ locations. Given their volume, their turnover is phenomenal. That being said, their produce is almost always fresh and of the utmost quality. Despite the volume, the store is kept quite clean. Items are regularly restocked, and if you can't find it, the staff will usually find it for you. If they can't, they're so apologetic that you almost feel sorry for asking... read more

I usually go to the Westfield one but, lately, have been in a rush and this one is closer. It's a pretty small store and some of the aisles are quite narrow. I also think the layout is a little weird, the way the frozen is and just how nothing seems to "flow." I often find myself going back and over through the same aisles over and over again because I made a wrong turn or missed something. Either way, the staff is super friendly and that's really important to me. Parking lot is usually packed but come late at night during the week and you'll be fine. Gotta love TJs! read more

The problems with this location is it's size which can lead to frustration when crowded. A lot of the shoppers who go there will literally run you over if you are not careful in the lot. Another issue is that they open a bit too late. read more

This new location just opened a week and a half ago, and I'm very glad it did. Sometimes when I'm in Manhattan I'll stop at their Union Square store if I'm in the area, but then I'm traveling by foot and public transit, so I'm limited in the amount of stuff I can bring with me. Now I can drive to Millburn straight down Route 78 in 20 minutes, buy frozen food, and get home before it melts. Awesomesauce. The store seemed pretty well-run for a place that had only been open for a few days. One drawback is that they don't seem to have any beer or wine, but if you really want your Three Buck Chuck, the Westfield location isn't too far away. Also, it looked like they were out of vanilla soy ice cream, which made me sad. But obviously not so sad to prevent me from giving them four stars. It's still too far away to make my regular grocery store, but I can see myself making a trip out there once every week or two to stock up and support my trail mix granola bar habit. Holy crap those things are addictive. I may need to check into rehab before long. read more

I love Trader Joe's in general-- it's a store that grows on you as the small size and limited number of brands initially makes it feel like there's nothing there, but as you get to know the merchandise, they've got great deals and a large, well-edited selection. But what makes this particular location exceptional is the staff. Caring, friendly, intelligent, helpful. They pack your bags for you and don't roll their eyes the way the Whole Foods staffers do. They know their merchandise and will let you know if, say, you've got a bruised apple or if something similar is on sale. My understanding is that TJ's pays their people a much better salary than their competitors and it really does seem to pay off-- the store is always crowded, particularly on weekends, but the lines are efficiently run and management seems to make it a priority. read more

I was shopping here the other day and I bought a package of chicken noodle soup and when I brought it home it was a rubber flange that must've come off in the factory and ended up in my soup it was really disgusting. I know Trader Joe's has been in the news for quality problems but this was the first time I ever saw it up close and personal. I emailed them at the headquarters a week ago so still waiting to hear back from them.just be careful if you order something that's premade and packaged! Buyer beware. read more

Trader Joe's - Grocery Near Me - Millburn, New Jersey

Convenient to anywhere off of Route 78, the Millburn Trader Joe's is small but mighty. Smartly angled aisles allow them to pack the punch with live plants, bread and cereal, fresh produce, meat, and cheeses, followed by aisles and aisles of specialty products. The staff here are friendly and fun, remaining positive in the face of an impending crisis (such as a missing ingredient from your list, or something much needed but very much scarce that day.) They usually have well-stocked shelves and a lot of staff on hand, opening new registers when the line grows beyond two people or so. I'd love to review Trader Joe's and all of their fantastic products but I will review this location to keep it relevant. This terrific TJ's is right next to PetSmart, so one of us picks up treats for the pets and socializes our dog while the other gets the grocery list started next door. Check out the demos that run back by the coffee and fridge corner, there's always something tasty in addition to a fresh pot of coffee and some kind of juice or tea to try. Some of my favorite, hardiest indoor plants were purchased in this location and they do a great job of keeping things fresh and new. Travel here during non-rush-hour times to get the most of your experience. And PS: if the parking lot fills up like it did during very heavy snow piles, the lot adjacent up the slope is just as good (next to the gym). read more

I love Trader Joe's!!! I hate that this location doesn't have wine like the one in Westfield, but I know that isn't their fault, it's the stupid NJ law that limits the number of grocery stores that are allowed to have alcohol for a particular chain.... I think only 2 are allowed in the state, so Westfield and Princeton get alcohol, and Millburn does not. Boo. I always find that they have everything I want in stock, and I can get whatever I need here. I don't love the parking lot here, and it is often crowded so I do try to go during off-hours. But the staff is friendly, the selection is good, and the price is right. I'm a fan! read more

I love this place. I have always had good interactions with the crew members, but there was one time that took the cake. My 3 year-old was having a major meltdown because he wanted ice cream and my 1 year old was trying to climb out of the cart... Chaos just chaos. Of course, they helped me bag and get out of there, but on my way to the parking lot, Mel, came running out with a bouquet of flowers and wished me a better rest of the day. I thought that was one of the sweetest things any stranger has done for me, especially after my kid just deafened half of the people in the store! Thanks Mel! read more

I think I'm the only person who doesn't like Trader Joe's. I go in wanting to find things and come out virtually or totally empty handed. Their prices are low, but mostly so is the quality. It seems a good place if you want a lot of packaged frozen meals you just reheat. Or snacks and chocolate and ice cream and party dips. And then they have basics like dairy and English muffins. I can't imagine doing all my shopping here, and if I want a nice cheese I'd rather pay a few extra bucks at Whole Foods. OK if I need to grab some crackers or eggs or whatnot real quick. read more

One of my favorite grocery stores! They have a great variety of things from organic pastas to yummy snacks. I personally looove the "everything but the bagel" seasoning! They even have free samples daily! I always end up spending less than expected and always look forward to trying new things from here. read more

Smaller than other locations of TJs but still a good place to shop. Love me some TJs. If parking in the lower lot is packed, there is an upper lot with a lot more parking and there is a staircase which leads down to the store. read more

I just love shopping at Trader Joe's! The prices are unbeatable! I love the quality of their food. Baby spinach, avocados, fruits, tenderloin chicken, Angus steaks, juices and much much more! read more

The have a really great selection of gourmet chicken strips. I especially love the plain grilled chicken strips, they are juicy and flavorful. Perfect strips for salads. Cashiers are super friendly but the managers at the guest nook are a little moody, they could use a class in customer service. But still love the products so I visit often. read more

This is the first Trader Joe's I've experienced, thanks to bff's urging and I likey. Despite the "meh" reviews its received, I liked it. It was small-ish but the staff were very willing to help. I also like their selection of desserts and teas. *I agree - parking is a nightmare there. read more

I have been shopping in this TJs since it opened and my appreciation for the store and the employees only grows with each visit. I have always found the "crew members" to be helpful and courteous, but the other day I had a special encounter. I have amassed many many bags over the years that I keep in my car and use religiously. On this particular trip after filling my cart to the brim, I bent down to get them and they were gone. I panicked in a ridiculous way and went looking for them, while the woman checking me out patiently started her work. Thankfully I found them and was able to help bag, etc. as I would normally. This particular associate, whom I have seen in the store for years, gifted me a new TJs bag just because she saw how distraught I was at the thought of losing mine -- or maybe because she saw how nuts I am about those bags! Whatever the reason, it totally made my day, and I just had to write. I wish I had caught her name -- I will definitely amend this to include it when I do. TJs has been and remains my place to shop! read more

This location is a bit small. Not a fan of the odd registers that are a trademark of Trader Joes, but I love the prices and fresh flowers. The small greeting card section (near the flowers) for $1.00 is a super deal and worth stocking up for future occasions. I go during the week to avoid crowds but I can see how crowds, erratic thinkers and obnoxious customers could infiltrate the place during the weekends. Not crazy about a food store being right next to a pet store and that I had to walk past the "poop bag" stand on my way in. read more

Great selection and nicely organized... a quality TJ's, for sure. They usually have everything in stock, and even when it's crowded it's not too hard to get around. What prevents this from being 5 stars is the inconsistent attitude of the cashiers. Sometimes I'll get a chipper person who smiles and is genuinely happy to have a job. Other times I'll get a completely disgruntled person who wants to take out their life's sadness on me, by slamming my items down and failing to make eye contact once. What are TJ's requirements for hiring people? It seems like they pick names out of a hat, randomly. The cashier inconsistencies make the experience unnecessarily awkward. In an age where many people would kill to have a job, angry employees at the register are completely unacceptable. read more

I am very disappointed that Trader Joe's has not followed the trend of all other food stores to offer curbside pickup. The reason given is to save the money needed in investing into the software for online ordering. Instead they say they are investing in their people. I suppose they feel that regular testing of their employees [if they do that] would prevent their employees from contracting COVID. That is simply wishful thinking. Testing their employees eliminates only a few people from the pool of possible carriers. The shoppers going in and out of the store are also part of the pool of possible carriers and they cannot be tested. Checking temperatures accomplishes little. People with COVID are more infectious before they have any symptoms. Because of the crowded stores, both their employees and the shoppers are more likely to contract the virus . If Trader Joe's offered curbside pickup, however, fewer shoppers would enter the stores. By reducing the exhalations of infected individuals that others inhale, they would reduce the chance of infection in the store . Curbside shopping would also offer vulnerable individuals the option to shop at Trader Joe's with lesser risk of contracting the virus. Trader Joe's must reconsider its priorities. Is it more important to save the money for the software needed to implement curbside pickup, or Is it more important to protect the health of the community including their employees? read more

Friendly place with great service. Try Trader Joe's Red Wine as your everyday wine. Great value and great taste. I also buy their name brand canned salmon. This stuff is caught in the Pacific Ocean and they sell it for much cheaper than the regular supermarket. Try to go off hours as the parking lot can get really jammed on weekends. read more

I like Trader Joe's in general and the employees are great but I'm not a fan of this location. It is packed and crazy. I can't even find parking in the lot and have to park next door at the Petsmart, which by the way is at a higher elevation and stairs separate the 2 parking lots. Inside is kind of small and there are people everywhere and their carts just stationary blocking passage. It becomes single file and you just have to stand there and wait for the path to clear. Maybe it's not the people, but the set up of the aisles. There are bottle neck areas. I'd rather travel to the one in Westfield from now on. read more

My favorite of all the NJ based Trader Joes. The staff is friendly and receptive to get products from inventory when they appear to be out. Check out is always pleasant and I am always asked if I have found everything. This TJ does not have beer or wine but that's not an issue that will impact the ate rating. read more

My go-to Trader Joe's location as it's on my way to and from work. It's a bit on the smaller side and since I only ever go after work it's always packed, but they almost always have what I need and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Like everyone else I wish they sold alcohol at this location, but thems the breaks. My biggest gripe with this location is the parking lot. It's tiny and full of morons who cannot drive in huge SUVs. Suburban New Jersey at its finest! read more

A little small, and a little crowded, but it still has what I need. The parking is tight, and so are the aisles. Otherwise, it's not a bad TJ's, since they have everything I like to get from any other TJs, it's just small, and they can't help it due to the location they're in. read more

I shop here for my family every week. The staff is nice and someone here even gave my husband some flowers to take home for me after we had our baby. They have samples all the time. They hardly ever run out of stuff and help you find things when you need help. They are great with returns. The layout is good and the bathrooms are pretty clean. I find this place better laid out than the Westfield location and the staff and customers are far more friendly. I would leave my husband for only one man. Trader Joe. read more

I'm from Brooklyn, where there's a line at the Trader Joe's checkout almost anytime of day or night -- so this location is a huge improvement! Good selection, I've never had to wait in line, and staff are always very friendly. Trader Joe's is my go-to grocery store, and their prices are much more reasonable than Whole Foods. read more

I've been to 3 or 4 Trader Joes in NJ and this is my favorite one. Helpful and friendly staff. Their frozen Mexican entrees and thin crust organic pizzas are great. Good selection of breads, nuts, dried fruits. They always have a sample of coffees and small snacks or produce to taste near the back of the store aisles. My only complaint is their lack of variety of produce and coffee and tea selections. Try one of their brand of biscotti or Madagascar vanilla wafer cookies that come in a small tub. You won't be disappointed! read more

I usually go go the Westfield location so I was pleasantly surprised at the size & inventory of this store. They had items the Westfield location doesnt even carry I will definitely be back read more

This store is pricey, but for a good reason. I like the whole idea of it trying to be healthy with all natural foods and organic. They taste the same as the regular food products, however they are much healthier for you. The staff there is very nice, efficient, and helpful. Overall, this is a great place to come if you want to go for a quick shop, but remember if your planning on buying groceries for a week or too, bring your wallet read more

This is a good Trader Joes. The layout is a little weird. And it's a bummer that there's no wine. But it's near the freeway, making it easy to reach when I'm doing other shopping. The layout is a little wonky. They're trying to make the best use of space so things are a bit hidden. I couldn't find limes one visit, but realized on another visit that they are hidden in a corner. It's worth it to make a couple trips around the store when you're first figuring it out. read more

Love the Millburn store (though as someone else mentioned no alcohol). I try to do most of my shopping here before hitting up Whole Foods for everything else I can't find at TJ's. The prices are great and the vibe is fun. read more