Aren’t Trader Joe’s and Aldi the Same?

People often (incorrectly) assume Trader Joe’s and Aldi have the same parent company. The two businesses were separately owned by two German brothers. Originally the brothers jointly owned Aldi in Germany. However, after a difference of opinion, they amicably split the company into Aldi Sud and Aldi Nord.

Aldi Nord acquired the Trader Joe’s chain that started in California. Aldi Sud operates the Aldi locations in the United States. Confusing?  The Kitchn further explains the Aldi and Trader Joe’s connection, for those who want to dig deeper. However, like Aldi, Trader Joe’s relies on separate manufacturers to make their products, placed in Trader Joe’s packaging. The practice is often called “private label.”

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Labeling Guidelines

Trader Joe’s website states “If you see “Gluten Free”on a Trader Joe’s product, this means that the product has been validated to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten (or made in a certified gluten free facility). Individuals with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity must avoid gluten for their health.”

Some people, myself included, choose to eat some items not specifically labeled gluten free, based on ingredients. Trader Joe’s has stated in past emails, “We do have many products that are made in facilities that don’t process gluten, even though it’s not labeled gluten free. Generally, [the reason it’s not labeled] is because the supplier doesn’t want to pay for certification.”

Gluten Free Bread & Baked Goods

Trader Joe’s stocks gluten free white sandwich bread and gluten free whole grain bread. Many people declare this to be their favorite gluten free bread.

They also sell gluten free bagels, and I especially love the “Almost Everything” Bagels. Not a fan of “everything”? They sell plain gluten free bagels as well. Every fall people look forward to the gluten free pumpkin bagels from Trader Joe’s.

This small Gluten Free Yellow Mini Sheet Cake from Trader Joe’s is SO good. My husband and I bought this to celebrate our anniversary, just the two of us.

Gluten Free Cookies

People LOVE Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Joe Joe’s cookies. The gluten free chocolate chunk cookies pictured below are definitely a fan favorite. They also have gluten free oatmeal cookies as well. They stock many more gluten free treats than I can picture here. **Update- The Gluten Free Joe Joe’s now contain oat flour. 

Gluten Free Frozen Foods

This highly popular Gluten Free Cauliflower Gnocchi is now labeled gluten free. I really like Iowa Girl Eats’ tips on cooking cauliflower gnocchi. Trader Joe’s also sells cauliflower and butternut squash pizza crusts, which ARE labeled gluten free.

I have not personally tried these gluten free chicken nuggets. I know my friend Amanda of Eat at Our Table loves them, as do the rest of her family.

You’ll find many Trader Joe’s gluten free foods in the freezer section. This gluten free macaroni and cheese works great in a pinch. They also stock a gluten free cheese pizza, and a gluten free Chicken Tikka Masala. There are also many other items, again not specifically labeled gluten free, that contain no gluten ingredients.

Don’t forget breakfast. These gluten free toaster waffles are way cheaper than the name brand ones you find in other stores. They also sell gluten free (and dairy free!) frozen pancakes.

Gluten Free Cereal & Grains

Can’t Eat Oats? Then you’ll love this gluten free and grain free granola from Trader Joe’s. It does contain almonds, so if you have a tree nut allergy you will want to avoid this.

Gluten Free Dry Goods & Spices

You can stock your pantry will all sorts of gluten free goodness at Trader Joe’s. They sell their own gluten free all purpose flour blend, as well as almond flour. In addition, they stock various mixes. Their gluten free pancakes mix is an old standard.

While the Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Brownie Mix is a permanent product at the store, their website says the Ube Mochi pancake and Waffle Mix is a limited item. (But I swear I see it there all year round.)

At this point, I think the words “Everything But The Bagel” are synonymous with  Trader Joe’s. On top of the famous seasoning blend, they how have Everything but the Bagel smoked salmon and Everything but the Bagel yogurt dip.

This is not listed on the Trader Joe’s gluten free list, however none of their spices do either.  However, I consume this, their baking powder, and cocoa all  without issue.

While these Trader Joe’s Fried Shallots are not specifically labeled gluten free, they have only two ingredients – Shallots and Palm Oil. These are a great substitute for French Fried Onions at Thanksgiving.

Gluten Free Fresh Foods

For those who are wondering, Trader Joe’s offers a wide variety of fresh foods. Produce, bagged salads, a large cheese selection, dairy and non-dairy alternatives and eggs.

This fresh gluten free fettuccine is popular with so many people. If you liked the ones during the Aldi Gluten Free Special Buys this year, I’m 99.9% certain this is the exact same manufacturer, which is Taste Republic.

I love that Trader Joe’s offers a plain gluten free ravioli year round. I have a video where I make breaded and air fried ravioli. These would be PERFECT for that recipe. In the fall, Trader Joe’s also sells a gluten free pumpkin ravioli.

This gluten free pizza dough can be a huge time saver. It’s sold fresh, not frozen, so you don’t need to wait for it to thaw.

Gluten Free Snacks

So many tasty gluten free snacks abound at Trader Joe’s. Some are unique, like this Gluten Free Sweet and Spicy Rice Cracker Mix.

In addition, they sell some fun potato chip flavors, some of which are seasonal.These Ranch Flavor Rolled Corn Tortillas chips are SO much fun to eat!

Gluten Free Seasonal Items

Just like Aldi, every season new Trader Joe’s gluten free finds hit the shelves. Everyone’s excited about the fall offerings every year, including this gluten free pumpkin pancake mix, and their gluten free pumpkin bread mix. In addition you’ll find their maple butter, apple cider jam, and new gluten free pumpkin bagels at this time.

These Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Spice Donut Holes are a newer item. They are SO good. I could easily eat them all in one sitting if left to my own devices. They also sell gluten free chocolate donut holes year round.

Different seasons offer different items. I *think* this gluten free cornbread mix is only available in the fall.

Stuffing and frozen gluten free pie crusts hit the shelves last year mid to late October.

To see the newest product releases, I highly recommend following the Instagram account @traderjoesglutenfree, as well as the official Trader Joe’s account, highlighted below.

Shopping Gluten Free at Other Stores

Looking for more information about shopping gluten free? You can check out my articles about shopping gluten free at Aldi, Kroger, Meijer, Horrocks and Plum Market. My friend Sandi has excellent posts about shopping gluten free at Walmart and Costco.

SO MUCH MORE!

Trader Joe’s offers more than I can possibly photograph and mention. Please comment with your favorite Trader Joe’s gluten free items below!

Trader Joe’s Online Info

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