Trader Joe’s has long been praised for its affordable prices and unique product selection, but rising costs mean that some items are no longer the best deals. While still a solid choice for many shoppers, certain products can now be found cheaper at competing stores. Here’s a breakdown of five Trader Joe’s staples where you can save money by shopping elsewhere.
Bananas: The 23-Cent Reality
For years, Trader Joe’s sold bananas at an unbeatable 19 cents each. In late March 2024, the price increased to 23 cents. While still inexpensive, it’s no longer the lowest price around.
Where to buy instead: Walmart sells bananas for approximately 20 cents each, making it a slight but noticeable savings.
Teeny Tiny Avocados: Small Size, Big Markup
Trader Joe’s “Teeny Tiny Avocados” offer convenience, but at a cost. A bag of six costs $3.99 at Trader Joe’s.
Where to buy instead: Walmart sells a similar bag of small Hass avocados for $2.78 – over a dollar cheaper for the same product. This represents a roughly 30% discount.
Organic Strawberries: Bulk Savings at Costco
Trader Joe’s charges $8.99 for a 2-pound container of organic strawberries, or $4.50 per pound. Costco offers a better deal, selling 4 pounds of Kirkland Signature organic strawberries for $12.93, averaging around $3.23 per pound.
Where to buy instead: Costco’s bulk pricing results in about a 28% discount per pound. The larger quantity might not suit everyone, but freezing extras can maximize savings.
Shaving Cream: Drugstore Deals Beat Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s Moisturizing Cream Shave costs $4.49 for 8 ounces. While a decent product, it’s pricier than alternatives.
Where to buy instead: Pure Silk Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream at Ralphs costs $2.29 for the same amount. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens also regularly offer sales that undercut Trader Joe’s everyday prices.
Ramen Noodles: Discount Chains Offer the Best Value
Trader Joe’s trendy ramen noodles with soy and sesame sauce cost $5.49 for a 13.4-ounce package. Grocery Outlet sells Jin Ramen Spicy Noodle Soup in 4-packs for $3.99.
Where to buy instead: Grocery Outlet, Asian markets, or standard grocery stores have cheaper noodle options without sacrificing flavor. Grocery Outlet’s rotating selection of discounted ramen can be especially lucrative.
Conclusion: While Trader Joe’s remains a popular choice, savvy shoppers can find better deals on certain items by comparing prices at Walmart, Costco, drugstores, and discount chains. Inflation has eroded some of Trader Joe’s price advantages, making it worthwhile to shop around for the best value.
