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Cheapism

Saver Joe's

Trader Joe's saves you money in lots of ways, but there are a few things that you'd be straight-up foolish to sleep on. Want to know the best buys from Trader Joe's? Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned vet, take a look at these 10 things you'll save money on at Trader Joe's.


Prices and availability are subject to change.

Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

1. Seasonings

If you’ve ever bought seasonings at a regular grocery store, you know a pantry restock can be devastating to your budget. Seasonings are insanely expensive, sometimes topping $10 for a single container.


At TJ, you’ll rarely catch them over $5, and usually under $3. Thanks, Joe.

Trader Joe's

2. Imported Products

Trader Joe’s has lots of imported products, especially in the Italian food department. Good-quality Italian olive oil and balsamic vinegar could potentially run you double the price at a specialty store, but luckily Joe’s is white labeling the price down substantially.

Trader Joe's

3. Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is only $1.99 at Trader Joe’s, which even undercuts prices at places like Walmart and Target.

Chris B. / Yelp

4. Cheese

If you’re into cheese, Trader Joe’s is probably your favorite grocery store. With better prices on imports and a huge selection of options, you can build a cheese board that a professional cheesemonger would be proud of.

Trader Joe's

5. Canned Veggies

Just about every damn canned vegetable in the store is 99 cents. Stock up for the apocalypse for cheap, y’all.

Trader Joe's Wine Section by Unknown (CC BY)

6. Wine

Trader Joe’s has so much wine, so much good wine, that you really shouldn’t be shopping anywhere else for it. And for high-quality wine, it’s crazy cheap too.

Trader Joe's

7. Nuts

Pistachios, as we know, are as expensive as can be. And if you want unshelled, you’re paying even more. Where Walmart is out here charing $10+ for a bag of shelled ‘stachios, Trader Joe’s has ‘em for $7. That goes for the rest of the nut aisle as well.

Wilder Shaw / Cheapism

8. Frozen Meals

This is obvious, and probably what Trader Joe’s is most famous for, but the freezer section is undefeated. Meals for one, two, four, you name it; there’s value all over that department. From cheap Indian food and pizza to frozen fish and rice bowls, you are set.

Trader Joe's

9. Eggs

For a dozen large, brown eggs, Trader Joe’s only wants about five bucks. Expect to pay a few dollars more at other stores for good eggs like these.

Trader Joe's

10. Dry Pasta

Most pasta at Joe’s is about a buck. These are nice, Italian pastas we’re talking about, and they go a long way, usually with an entire family’s worth in one box.