There are biggergrocery store chains, but Trader Joes has a cult-like following that some of its competitors dont.
The over 3 million@traderjoesfollowers on Instagram is proof of that.
Is it because of the addictive mandarin orange chicken?
Trader Joe’s offers vegan Tikka Masala. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder
The caramelized onion dip, Everything But the Bagel Seasoning or dark chocolate peanut butter cups?
Those are definitely on our love list.
You brew coffee at home, you dont walk into Target and you refuse to order avocado toast.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries… One way Trader Joes keeps prices down is by buying directly from manufacturers and growers.
This is especially true with produce and baked goods, because they venture to source those items locally.
Our 12 Favorite Trader Joes Finds
For Cheese Lovers
Trader Joes knows you love cheese.
A 5 oz goat cheese log costs $2.99 at Trader Joes.
A similar selection costs $11 to $16 at Walmart.
It has tasty red and white wines priced about an average of $2 less than other national retailers.
Trader Joes Villa Antica Asolo Prosecco DOCG Superiore is $8 a bottle.
For All-Day Snacking
Do you have a sweet tooth?
Dreaming up recipes for cookie butter, or just dreaming about Trader Joes dark chocolate covered marshmallows?
A bag of peanut butter filled pretzels (16 ounces) is $2.49 at Trader Joes.
A slightly larger bag is $5.79 at Whole Foods, and a 24 oz.
container is $6.79 at Kroger.
We have to talk about ice cream a little more.
Trader Joes does not always have the best deals on regular ice cream.
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For Healthy Eating
Trader Joes puts a lot of thought into its produce buying.
According to itspodcast, it usually avoids produce that has been ripened by chemicals.
Produce is delivered daily, and produce coolers are relatively small so items can be quickly sold and replaced.
It also buys directly from growers, which helps keep the prices lower.
It also means that there is less consistency in what you buy regularly.
A fan of its organic portobello mushrooms will find that sometimes they come washed, and sometimes they dont.
The real savings are for organic produce, usually significantly so compared to other grocers.
More than a third of TJs produce is organic.
However, you’re free to get bagged greens at major retailers for less on sale.
There are both good and not-so-good reviews of Trader Joes produce.
Part of that might be the way the company prices produce.
Instead of everything costing a certain amount per pound, it prices per item.
If it is something that you might eat quickly or freeze, it is a good deal.
For Freezing
There are big price differences between items fromTrader Joes freezersand other retailers.
A package of four turkey burgers (16 ounces) costs $3.79.
Walmart has the closest item price wise 32 oz turkey burgers for $9.64.
Trader Joes sells a variety of frozen fruits for good prices.
Frozen pineapple, peaches, blueberries, and mango cost less than other retailers.
Frozen vegetables are on par with most other stores, with the exception being Trader Joes cheaper organic prices.
For Natural Grazing
Big savings on dried fruit and nuts can be found at Trader Joes.
A 10-ounce bag of organic dried figs is $2.99 there.
Compare that to $3.79 for a smaller, non-organic bag at Winn Dixie.
Dried dates, apricots, apple slices and other fruits are all cheaper at Trader Joes.
Nut prices are more variable.
Expensive nuts like cashews, almonds and nut mixes sell for a little less per ounce at Trader Joes.
Peanuts are cheaper at other retailers.
If you are a baker, Trader Joes has the best prices for baking nuts.
For example, slivered almonds are about 30% less than at all of the other retailers.
For Party Fun
Humans have been eating appetizers since they could socialize.
While the idea is that they can spur on your appetite, lets be real.
We could easily eat appetizers for our meal.
you might heat up mini wontons from Trader Joes for $3.49 or from Albertsons for $4.45.
For Dip Addicts
Trader Joes has a great selection of hummus and dips.
The caramelized onion dip will taste good as a sandwich spread.
Theyve figured out how to put the addictive bagel sesame seasoning blend into a dip too.
An 8-ounce container of organic hummus is $2.99 at Trader Joes.
A 10-ounce size costs $5.99 at Albertsons.
If you like your dip with a spicy kick, theres a tasty cauliflower jalapeno version.
Does the cauliflower make it count as a vegetable serving?
Dont judge our tacos!
Feeding four people would cost $21.79 with Trader Joes items, and $27.30 with Krogers.
For Saying Thank You
Heading to a party and need quick and easy gifts for the hosts?
Flowers from Trader Joes work every time.
A dozen Trader Joes roses are $10, while the same bunch costs $14 at Albertsons.
Cards are a dollar.
It is easy to stock up with cards for most occasions.
The cauliflower gnocchi is delicious with Alfredo or red sauce.
Gluten-free bagels are $4.99 (and tasty!)
A similar item costs $7.79 at Safeway.
Shoppers can get updated lists of gluten-free, vegan and kosher items from the staff.
Thekosher listruns eight digital pages.
Good luck trying to find specific items.
They dont have a delivery/pickup service either.
The biggest downside might be that beloved items go in and out of stock.
You might become addicted to its cauliflower gnocchi and then it is gone.
My favorite trail mix disappeared after a month, never to return.
Traders Joe, youre such a tease.
Not everything is always a deal at Trader Joes.
Meat prices are not particularly better than anyone elses.
Its toilet paper doesnt think softness is a virtue.
Its gluten-free pizza crusts fall apart.
The selections in general are more narrow than other retailers.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
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When money is tight,these resourceswill help nearly everyone.
Is Trader Joes Worth It?
Trader Joes stocks healthier versions with a larger percentage of organic items, with prices lower than Whole Foods.
you might find flavors from around the world for the same prices as familiar items.
And it tries to work sustainability into its packaging and procurement.
Rampant inflation has raised prices everywhere, but theyve gone up less at Trader Joes.
The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics.
