These are my picks for the best food at Trader Joe’s because they’re yummy, nutritious, and affordable! If you’re looking for unique specialty foods at an affordable price, I’ve found the hidden gems.
I don’t know about you, but I used to be intimidated by Trader Joe’s because I thought it was only for fancy foodies with much larger grocery budgets. However, after I went there for the first time, I was blown away! The number of different food categories they offer, compared to traditional grocery stores, is amazing!
After my first experience, I must say that Trader Joe’s fans have been right all along. It’s now my new personal favorite grocery store for finding unique hidden gems at an affordable price. So, if you want to discover the best food at Trader Joe’s for the best prices, keep reading.
Update: It’s been several years since I originally discovered Trader Joe’s in California, and with a few moves, it isn’t always on my usual route. However, every now and then, I apply the methods I teach in Grocery Budget Bootcamp to see if it’s worth adding Trader Joe’s back into my shopping routine. And for certain items, it is!
Enrollment in Grocery Budget Bootcamp is currently closed, but you can check out my FREE Fight Inflation Workshop. You’ll get access to three AMAZING video sessions focused on how to save money on food right now, despite rising grocery costs.
THE BEST FOOD AT TRADER JOE’S
The following list isn’t in any particular order. And I didn’t include prices since they vary greatly from place to place. However, if you’re following the methods I teach in Grocery Budget Bootcamp, then you’ll know why these 18 items are some of the best foods at Trader Joe’s!
Chocolate
Let’s just start with one of my favorite products, shall we? A good portion of Trader Joe’s chocolate is fair trade and organic (I didn’t have time to check every label). The fair trade label means that the farmers are getting paid a fair wage for their hard work, and the organic label gives me peace of mind that the sweeteners used in the chocolate aren’t HFCS or other artificial sweeteners (here’s why I avoid those ingredients).
I buy the darkest chocolate they have, which is either 85% or 72% cacao, and use it in my favorite sweet treat – Chocolate Chip Cookies. It is also delicious in Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Brownies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins, and Homemade Peanut Butter Cups.
Baking Powder
My regular local grocery stores don’t offer aluminum-free baking powder, so this is the best way to purchase it (unless I order a big 2-pound tub from Amazon).
100% Hardwood Briquettes
This is my favorite new product from Trader Joe’s for a good reason! These briquettes don’t come with the chemicals that treated charcoal does, but stores charge a pretty penny for briquettes. Fortunately, these briquettes are not only affordable, but you get three times as much as the typical bag of charcoal!
So while it’s not technically food, this food-adjacent item makes my list of the best items at Trader Joe’s.
Coconut Oil
Although I currently buy coconut oil from Amazon, this has been a monthly staple for a long time. It’s not only the best price in the area, but it’s the best tasting too!
Sesame Oil
Trader Joe’s sells smaller bottles of sesame oil, which is nice considering you use just ½-1 teaspoon in each recipe. I don’t use sesame seed oil in every stir fry I make, but it’s a must in Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli and Chinese 5-Spice Chicken.
Gluten-Free Pasta and Pasta Alternatives
I didn’t take specific note of the prices on every gluten-free item here, but I did notice a very good selection of gluten-free foods. Organic corn pasta, quinoa pasta, brown rice pasta, and even polenta were on the shelves, and this is likely the favorite aisle for gluten-free folks.
I know that gluten-free foods tend to be more expensive anyway. While the first line of defense would be to eat more naturally gluten-free foods (like fruits and veggies), it’s nice to know there’s an affordable option when you just want a bowl of pasta.
Dried Garbanzo and Dried Black Beans
Dry beans tend to be cheaper than canned beans. And when I can find them for under a dollar a pound, I’m excited to stock up! These beans are packed with protein, making them the ideal choice for crafting well-rounded, complete meals. My favorite way to cook beans is in the Instant Pot!
Coconut Milk
It’s incredibly easy to make your own coconut milk at home, but we used to buy this before I knew that was even possible! There’s no added anything to this can of coconut milk, which is a win in my book. Plus, its smooth texture is one of my favorite things about it, especially for those who have aversions to textures.
Canned coconut milk works better for recipes like No-Bake Blueberries Pie and Mashed Cauliflower, so it’s still on my shopping list.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a very “fancy” flavor to ordinary meals like Tomato Basil Soup, and Trader Joe’s has the best price in my area. It far surpasses Costco’s price, and the smaller wedges are perfect for our monthly budget and recipes.
In fact, many of the cheese options at Trader Joe’s are at a great price. Unexpected cheddar cheese is one that I like to buy in a block. It has hints of Parmesan flavors, too!
Gorgonzola
We often buy Gorgonzola instead of blue cheese because you can use it interchangeably in most recipes. True blue cheese is pretty pricey, but like Parmesan, this cheese is very affordable.
The per-package price is very affordable, too, making it easy to get just as much as you need for the month or recipe, as opposed to a huge brick from Costco that you put in a drawer and end up forgetting about until it gets moldy (I might know something about that from experience).
Organic Whole Wheat Pasta
The pasta here is just a little bit more than the per-package price at Costco, which is great if you only need one package of spaghetti instead of nine. It’s also MUCH better than what I’m able to find locally.
Bonus points for being whole grain and even more for being organic (which means it’s not enriched with synthetic vitamins). Plus, you can get several varieties of pasta too: spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, spirals, macaroni…
Sunflower Seeds
We use sunflower seeds in our salads for crunch, as protein in our granola bars and protein bars, and to make Sun Butter when we’re out of peanut butter. These right here are always on my shopping list.
Spices
Trader Joe’s has a decent selection of spices, and while some can be found elsewhere for a better price, they’re all priced low – even the “fancy” ones. When you’re shopping for spices, definitely check out their selection first because most grocery store prices for spice blends start AT LEAST a few bucks higher.
Raw Honey
I was SHOCKED to see this on their shelves, but they have raw honey for super affordable prices. The only downfall is that it wasn’t local. The smaller jar was from India, and the larger jar was from Mexico. However, if you don’t have a source for affordable local honey anyway, you might as well consider these!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
It is REALLY hard to find affordable unsweetened cocoa, let me tell you! Unsweetened cocoa powder is vital in sweet treats like Triple Fudgy Paleo Brownies and Chocolate Avocado Mousse.
White Balsamic Vinegar
Oddly enough, this was on my “to find” list when, lo and behold, Trader Joe’s carries it! I know this specialty vinegar would cost at least $4 at my local grocery store, not to mention what other health food stores might charge. As a lighter sister to the traditional balsamic vinegar, this would make some delicious salad dressings!
Balsamic Vinegar
I’m reluctantly adding this one to the list because I’m a bit bitter that Trader Joe’s has such a great deal on balsamic vinegar. Costco charges much more for the same thing! Consider this trip a lesson learned. I’ll get my balsamic vinegar (and likely all vinegars) from Trader Joe’s from now on.
Uncured Nitrate-Free Bacon
This isn’t the best price I’ve seen for nitrate-free bacon, but the cool thing about Trader Joe’s is that their prices are consistent. If no one has a sale or Grocery Outlet runs out of our favorite brand, I know I can get some here.
Trader Joe’s also sometimes has the “ends and pieces” variety of nitrate-free bacon, which sells for less. It’s definitely fattier than regular slices, but it’s an easy way to get some real bacon bits and bacon grease to keep those taste buds satisfied.
BEST FOODS AT TRADER JOE’S: 4 RUNNERS-UP
These are items that are priced great, but I wouldn’t normally buy them. I either make them at home or skip them for something cheaper. But I’m including them here because they are affordable if they are food items that you have on your shopping list!
Organic Corn Taco Shells
Sometimes, taco night needs a crunchy taco instead of a plain old corn tortilla, and these shells are the best bang for your buck. You’re getting organic corn and avoiding GMOs, plus you’re getting two more shells than most other boxes. Win!
Sweet Chili Lime Sauce
This sauce has some added sugar, but I couldn’t help but write the price down after buying something similar for more.
Orange Marmalade
It’s really hard to find marmalade, jams, or jellies without High Fructose Corn Syrup. And they usually cost two arms and a foot! This one isn’t cheap, but it was worth buying for a special treat.
Organic Chocolate Syrup
We literally buy maybe two of these a year, so it’s just worth the extra few bucks to me. Besides, the organic variety again means there are no HFCS or other artificial sweeteners. It’s the perfect balance for curing that sweet tooth cravings while sticking to your health goals.
POPULAR TRADER JOE’S MUST HAVES
I see these items on Trader Joe’s Must Haves lists all the time, but I haven’t tried all of them just yet. They tend to be a bit more processed, so check the ingredient lists first, but sometimes a grab-and-go snack or specialty food item fits in with an 80/20 real food lifestyle!
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Green Goddess Salad Dressing
- Mandarin Orange Chicken
- Mini Ice Cream Cones (the frozen section has lots of fun food!)
- Cauliflower Gnocchi
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (perfect for stocking up in the freezer)
- Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Gone Bananas Frozen Treat
- Jicama Wraps (a fun alternative to a sandwich)
- Rolled-Corn Tortilla Chips
- Avocado Toast Spread
- Butter Cookies
- Mediterranean Style Hummus (with just the right amount of garlic)
- Mac and Cheese Bites
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust
BEST ITEMS AT TRADER JOE’S: THE BOTTOM LINE
What makes something the best food at Trader Joe’s?
- Smaller quantities. Trader Joe’s is an excellent place to shop when you want affordable, high-quality foods, but don’t need the large quantity that buying in bulk comes with.
- Specialty items. When you’re looking for a very specific “specialty” item, there’s a good chance they have it, AND it will cost less than your local grocery store.
- Unique seasonal items. From specialty flavor combinations to classic favorites (like pumpkin spice!), Trader Joe’s is known for its limited-time seasonal offerings.
So, the next time you decide to go grocery shopping, hit up your local Trader Joe’s and fill your carts! Who knows? You might find some new favorites you never would have thought to purchase before!
Have you tried any of these Trader Joe’s products? Let me know in the comments!
FAQS ABOUT THE BEST TRADER JOE’S ITEMS
What is Trader Joe’s famous for?
Trader Joe’s is known for their unusual flavor combinations. For example, I’ve seen Crunchy Chili Onion Peanuts and Pumpkin Butter. I highlight more of the fun foods and shopping experiences in this post.
Is Trader Joe’s considered expensive?
That depends. Like any grocery store, you can find great deals! I did find many really good prices on foods I normally buy. The processed foods and unusual finds will be more expensive. Using your price book is always helpful. Here’s how Trader Joe’s actually compares to one of the more expensive health food stores.
What are the best Trader Joe’s items in the snack section?
You can find some healthy snacks at Trader Joes, but it will depend on what you’re looking for and what your budget is – snacks are one of the easiest items to overspend on at Trader Joe’s! Check out this list of healthy snack ideas for kids before heading to the store.
Is there anything I SHOULDN’T buy at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s is NOT the place to buy fresh produce. I thought their produce section lacked much diversity and was also on the expensive side. You could easily find better deals at your local farmers market or even your grocery store if need be.
WHAT TO BUY AT TRADER JOE’S AND OTHER STORES
- What is Cheaper: Trader Joe’s vs. Whole Foods
- Ultimate Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe’s
- Best 11 Things to Buy at Whole Foods
- 9 Practical Ways to Save at Whole Foods
- Costco Grocery Shopping Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Shopping at Aldi
- 15 Ways to Save Money at Sprouts Farmers Market
I don’t know why, but I can’t locate the printable complete list at the bottom of this post. 🙁
It’s emailed to you when you enter your email address Tony. Did you check your spam folder?
Hi I was wondering which location this data is from and how recent is it?
Hi Valerie! It’s from a location in Monterey and is about a year old. Prices are verified periodically, but we haven’t done a full blown walk through yet. 🙂
I’m trying to find the Trade Joe price for their Thai Lime Shrimp Skewers. Please let me know…. Thanks!!! :-)))
Hi! While all this looks VERY interesting (as I’d LOVE to cut our monthly grocery bill, so would my hubby), as I guess I’d be considered a food geek, I’m wondering about your thoughts on the items on the Trader’s download list you provide. I used to buy all our groceries at Trader’s, until I started learning more about real food, and reading their labels. Sadly, most all of the foods at Trader’s contain soy and sugar, as well as items I can’t pronounce. And their produce, even organic, is so bottom of the barrel they go bad very quickly, or often times I find them moldy at the store. And most every time I go in there, they have a recall on one or more of their Trader’s labeled items. 🙁
Thanks so much! I’m enjoying getting some wisdom from you. 🙂
Blessings.
Colleen, which item(s) are you concerned about in particular? I will say that most of the pre-packaged items at TJ’s like the cake mixes and such are just as processed as any other store. Buying them at Trader Joe’s doesn’t make them healthy! The majority of the items on my personal TJ shopping list are whole foods (specialty cheeses, nuts/seeds, etc.) too!
Fermented kraut is healthy, taste and about a 3rd the price of Sprouts.
YUM – thanks Debs!
Yes, the ice cream is divine, BUT the Coffee ice cream is even beyond that-the best I have ever tasted..
LOL – thanks Marlene!
I, too, love TJ’s and am fortunate that they opened one about 5 min. from my house in September of this past year. Since I am retired and my husband is working part-time, we have to watch our spending. I did want to mention that the price you quoted for parmesan is for the US made parmesan. The Italian Parmiggiano Reggiano is much, much more expensive. I do understand that for those living on a strict budget, why you would choose the less expensive one. However, having lived in Italy for many years, Parmiggiano Reggiano is the only one I buy, because once you eat it for 20 years, you can’t go back to a US made. It’s just important to keep this in mind when comparing prices. I was so happy to find that TJ’s carries some real cheeses from European countries at prices that beat any other source. I also buy Swiss Emmantelar, Swiss Gruyere, and Holland Gouda there. As to balsamic vinegars, it’s important to read labels when comparing prices. The real deal will only have grape must and is aged for a minimum of 12 yrs. and comes from Modena, Italy, which is why it is so expensive. Another really good balsamic vinegar is a mix of grape must and aged balsamic vinegar. Still very good, but it doesn’t have to age as long because they add some aged with the new. If you see one that has caramel coloring, preservatives, or anything else on the label, then it’s imitation and that is why they can sell it so much cheaper. I am not judging anyone for what they buy. I think it just helps to know when you are comparing prices, exactly what you are comparing. I always enjoy your posts, Tiffany. Thanks for sharing with us. I found some new things to look for at TJ’s.
Thanks Tiffany for this platform!
You’re most welcome Jasmine! Thank you for your encouragement!
Hi – I’m a Fellow Foodie, Mom, and concerned about my grocery spending, so I’m happy to find your article about Trader Joe’s and some of the items it offers. I also work at a Trader Joe’s and wanted to remind you that TJ’s food has no preservatives (other than salt) or artificial colors or flavors and no GMO (genetically modified organisms) in its ingredients. For a Mom who is concerned about the food she feeds her family that takes a lot of pressure off knowing I can choose anything and know that it’s wholesome. I’m tempted each week to spend too much on the fun stuff so I’m learning with you to curb my spending while making tasty, wholesome meals for the family. I’m eager to read more of your postings. Thanks! Deb
Thanks for your comments Deb. Are you saying that ALL TJ products are organic?
Jasmine Flame
Organic is different than GMO. GMO has to do with the seeds or reproductive part of the plant used not having its genes scientifically altered. Organic has to do with pesticides and fertilizers used while growing a food. While some foods may be very wholesome, the grower may use a fertilizer that is not considered “organic,” so some pretty healthy foods don’t qualify for the organic label. Organic is more stringent. Still, foods at Trader Joes are basically purer and safer than from a non-GMO store, and TJ’s really tries to keep chemicals out of the food they sell.
LOL, thank you for all the great tips! I didn’t mention the wine because living in CA, I thought the prices wouldn’t necessarily the same across the country. But that’s great information on the bread and beef!
I was trying in vain to remember the cost of asparagus and sheperd’s pie from Trader Joe’s. A Google search showed me a mention of your “massive Trader Joe’s price list”. I signed up, above on this page, to download it. The link you emailed me got me a list of maybe 120 items. Somewhere along the way you said “Want a near complete list of the entire Trader Joe’s store in a handy dandy download?” and I think that brought me back to this page.
I’m still looking for anything like a “near complete list” of TJ prices. Do you have such a thing, and if so, where?
Hi Mark – if you downloaded the printable at the bottom of this post, that’s the list I’m referring to. All of those prices were hand-written down by me and seen with my own eyes – not trolled from the internet. In terms of real food at Trader Joe’s, it’s the most complete list I’ve seen!
OK, so that is it. Thanks for the info, and for the list.
So excited to have the Trader Joe’s list handy. We are trying to watch our spending and this list makes it so helpful. Thank you.
You’re most welcome Ann!
A major kudos for the Chocolate bar is that is does NOT contain soy lecithin. Hooray!!
Yes! Cheers!
I always tell my friends that Trader Joes is Whole Foods choices at Walmart prices. Finding organic food is very expensive in Dallas. I usually shop at Tom Thumb for everyday needs (they have local, organic food at my Tom Thumb) and Trader Joes for stocking up on stuff like coconut oil, nuts for granola, and dairy (they have Kerrygold grass-fed butter – which I haven’t been able to find anywhere else). Our TJs is very small and always a bit crowded but it’s definitely worth a trip if you can drag yourself out of bed at 8 am on a Saturday.
I too didn’t shop TJ’s for a long time as the people that I knew that shop there were always raving about their frozen foods and I didn’t (still don’t much) use much frozen stuff. I thought all they sold was frozen foods. That being said, their frozen foods are usually quite tasty and really make meal prep on super busy nights a breeze. We don’t do it often but it’s nice to know the option is there. I prefer their fruit to Costos because (except for berries) we don’t get through the large bags or boxes before they go bad. AND the bananas are normal sized, not mondo sized.
I agree with the previous poster about the organic potatoes and apples. I also really like the packages of fresh basil. Nowhere else can I get that amount for so little.
Anita – basil is also a “warm” plant. It thrives in warm, non-breezy weather!
LOL, you’re definitely not alone! And dare I say, it’s actually fun? 😉
This is wonderful. Pinning it to my group boards – hope it brings lots of new friends your way. This is SO helpful! Thanks, Tiffany! xo
Thanks so much sweet friend!!
I shop at Trader Joe’s once a week as my regular grocery store because of many of the prices you list. I do purchase their bags of organic potatoes – red, gold and russet. Also, bags of organic apples. When they carry these items, the prices are great and it’s hard to get organic potatoes and apples at better prices at other grocery stores.
I’m not yet making my own yogurt. So, their $2.99 plain European style organic yogurt is a good deal for a large container, too.
19 cents per banana has worked out to be a better price for me on bananas than the other grocery stores – unless they’re running a really big sale.
There are some great prices and so many organics at TJs. I find it more consistent than Costco and other grocers.
Thanks for featuring some of my favorite products!
Thanks for adding your buys Kristin! Their yogurt is a fair price – very competitive with Costco’s. I forgot about the bananas! It’s toss up between TJ’s and Costco for those, like you said, if no one else is having a sale.
Sadly I don’t have a TJ’s near me, but I do love orange marmalade, and it’s pretty easy to make yourself! (And tastes soooo much better than store bought!) My favorites are apricot orange and triple citrus.
YUM! I browsed a few recipes, and it does look incredibly easy. It’s on my summer bucket list for sure!