The Trader Joe’s grocery chain has a cult-like following — and for good reason! From the whimsical boat motif to the private-label food products you won’t find anywhere else, there’s so much to love at Trader Joe’s. And it’s about to get a whole lot better. Here are 10 tips to help you maximize your money at Trader Joe’s.
1. Buy bananas
For decades, Trader Joe’s famously sold bananas at just $0.19 per pound. In 2024, the chain raised the price to $.24, but this is still a lot cheaper than almost anywhere else.
2. Buy cereal
Not many people know that Trader Joe’s-branded products are actually made by well-known manufacturers. The grocery chain negotiates with the manufacturers to repackage their products under the Trader Joe’s name, enabling them to sell what is essentially the same product at rock-bottom prices. For example, Joe’s Os are just $1.99, while the comparable Cheerios starts at $3.99 a box and only goes up from there.
3. Don’t forget the Two-Buck Chuck
While it’s closer to $4 by now, this Trader Joe’s wine, officially called Charles Shaw, has been a cult favorite for years. If you’re lucky enough to have an alcohol-carrying Trader Joe’s near you, choose from the wide selection of wine offered at the grocery chain next time you shop, all for less than $5 each.
4. Get your frozen broccoli at Trader Joe’s
Walmart charges $0.22 an ounce for its organic frozen broccoli, while Trader Joe’s sells it for just $0.17. Don’t leave the store without picking up some of this nutrient-dense veggie.
5. BYOB (bring your own bags)
At many Trader Joe’s, you can be entered into a raffle to win a $25 TJ gift card when you bring your own bags and spend a minimum of $25. Find out if your location offers this perk by asking at checkout the next time you bring your own bags.
6. Return any private label product for a full refund
If your Trader Joe’s product doesn’t turn out to be what you expected, you can return it for a full refund or exchange it for a similarly priced product.
7. Use manufacturer’s coupons
While most people shop Trader Joe’s for their exclusive products, you’ll also find many products from other manufacturers. Not many shoppers know that Trader Joe’s will honor manufacturer coupons for these products.
8. Shop seasonal products
Trader Joe’s offers a generous selection of seasonal products throughout the year, of both food items and decor. For example, during the autumn you’ll find more than 100 pumpkin products on the shelves of Trader Joe’s, as well as candles priced at just $3 a piece. Seasonal items will go quickly, so shop early in the season for the best pickings of the store’s exclusive and bargain-priced products.
9. Keep up with the Fearless Flyer
You won’t find discounts or coupons on Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer, but the store does highlight special deals on some items. It also shows you which rotating products are being sold now so you can better plan your shopping. Of course, a favorite of the flyer is the fantastic recipes it features for seasonal products.
10. Buy fresh produce
Trader Joe’s famously features fabulous pricing on fresh fruit, so don’t forget to stock up next time you shop there. You can pick up a whole pineapple for just $3, which is at least 25% cheaper than competitors. Pre-cut fruits and veggies can be pricey, though, so it’s best to give these a skip and cut your own produce at home.
Don’t spend a dollar more than you have to at Trader Joe’s! Use these hacks to get the biggest bang for your buck at the private-label grocery chain.
Happy shopping!