My daughter and I have celiac disease. Both of us were recently diagnosed. I shop at Whole Foods for our gluten-free food because they have the best selection I've found anywhere. Then a few weeks ago, a woman I know suggested Trader Joe's. She said it might have more gluten-free options than even Whole Foods. So I went there one morning when my daughter was overdue for a nap. I needed to get her lunch food quickly and with as little fuss as possible. Unfortunately, going to Trader Joe's was a complete waste of my time. First, after going down every single aisle in this pretty tiny store, I found roughly two gluten-free items, both of which were useless to me. While perusing, what I found was that a) the people who shop there reminded me of my home--New York. They were rude and rushed, and unwilling to move aside when someone needed to get by them, and b) almost all the food is gourmet, overpriced, pre-packaged products. If I'd randomly picked up three items in the store to purchase, I easily would have spent $25. Unfortunately, I have to spend more money than I'd like on gluten-free food, but like most people, we live on a budget and seeing the amount of money some people drop on ""gourmet"" food is offensive to me. I know that sounds bitter, and it is, but my point is that this store is for the more financially fortunate people of the world. Those of us who don't have $20 to drop on a microwave meal are not intended to shop here. If you're looking for organic, healthy groceries, especially if you have celiac or allergies, go to Whole Foods. Their gluten-free stock is as good as any I've seen. Trader Joe's is utter nonsense. Their stock is pathetically small, and the prices are pathetically high. If you're an average-income person who lives on a budget, steer clear of Trader Joe's.
Pros: Clean, Conveniently located in Cary
Cons: Overpriced, Rude customers, No options for people with special dietary needs, Small
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