I love some to me Trader Joe. The prices are very good, all nearby are organic and the “crew” is very friendly. It’s the perfect triple in my book. But like other stores there are a few Very clever shopping hack It can make your experience a little cheaper and offer a little more value. Here are my seven favorite hacks from when I walked through the door of local trader Joe.

Their “try before you buy” policy
Trader Joe Do you ask the employee if you can try it?
In most places, employees are willing to open it and give it a flavour. They were then told to place open products in the break room so that other employees could sample.
If you’re nervous about asking them to try something, and you’re OK with buying it and returning it, then please go into detail about our generous return policy later.
We also asked TJ employees to tell us that they can’t do anything that requires alcohol (DUH) or heat to cook. Perfect for chips, crackers, cookies, nuts, breads, trail mixes, stylish items, and more.
I left during Covid, but now I’m back
During Covid in 2020, the “try before you buy” concept disappeared, but after that I’ve returned to most TJ locations.
If you’re nervous to ask, then politely Please ask the cashier when you check out If it’s actually their store.
That way, you get the answer in a way like “off the cuff” so you don’t risk looking at you like you’re crazy.
Many name brands actually make trader jaw products
It’s similar to a store like Costco and Sam’s Club, Many of the items sold under the Trader Joe’s name are actually manufactured by more expensive national name brands.
There’s something I know so far from talking to many employees and a few stubborn TJ shoppers…
Frozen croissant = Williams Sonoma
Greek yogurt = Stony Field
Trader Joe’s Pita Chip = Stacy’s Pita Chip (Has this changed? I’ve read a lot of comments online that they’re completely different now.)
Smoothie= naked
Organic hummus = tribe
Dish & Hand Soap = Mrs. Myers
Tea = much is made by The Season of Heaven.
Pistachio = Amazing pistachios
Organic tomato soup = Pacific Food
Shell and White Cheddar Mac = Annie
Agricultural products are priced for each item
I asked an employee to tell me that agricultural products are quite a thing. Prices per item, It’s not pounds.
This means paying the same thing for a large head of cauliflower.
So everytime Grab a big ol’ Boys. A thick apple, a large amount of sweet potato, a huge broccoli crown…and you win every time.
Pro Tip: Try this production test with Trader Joe’s
I’ll do it “one hand” Test and choose the one with higher density.
Look for tight, compact florets (think broccoli, cauliflower), firm weights (avocado, mango, grapefruit), and minimal hollow space (pepper).
For bagged produce sold in bags (pork, apple, mandarin), grab a bag that appears to have more filling and larger pieces.
Here is Mini Cheat Sheet It won’t make you confused:
- Avocado, mango, grapefruit, onion, single peppers: Choose the heaviest with your hands.
- Cauliflower/broccoli: Choose the tightest and most compact head.
- Romaine/Heart: Look for the thickest core and dense leaves, not the ones that are airy.
- banana: Larger clusters = more fruits for the same price.
- Bagged Apples/Potatoes/Citrus: Choose a bag with larger, stiffer pieces.
Cheap…but good wine
Trader Joe’s is known for their good, but inexpensive wines, dating back to the early 2000s 2 back chuck It was something.
So, I thought I found some people for this tip that I know more than me to give them Trader Joe’s Top 10 Wines.
I asked dozens of wine lovers and I came up with my top 13 TJ wines (which didn’t squeeze to just 10) using all their suggestions.
Hope this helps you choose your next bottle:
- Maison Barbolot Cabernet Syrah
- Trader Joe’s Coastal Zinfandel
- Trivia “Big Red” Red Blend
- Susumaniello Ruggero di Bardo
- Campi Rudi Appassimento Rosso Puglia
- Conte di Breganzo Amarone Della Valpolicella
- Trader Joe’s Bundle Rose
- Villa Morino Sauve Classico
- Giardino Pinot Grigio Rosé Vivace
- Emma Leihart Dry Leisling
- Honey Moon Viognier
- Trader Joe’s Chianti Classico Riserva
- Villa Antica Asolo Prosecco
Greeting cards cost just $0.99
Trader Joe’s quiet, one of the best greeting card aisles on grocery land Only 99 cents each.
They are lovely cards made from thick card stock with a design that doesn’t look cheap. I spoke to the staff and she said they quickly spin the card style and sell out popular styles quickly.
So if you see a Happy Birthday/Thank You/Sympathy card, grab two as your next trip may take. These racks are also chosen neatly, so we highly recommend scooping up seasonal cards early (think Mother’s Day, Alumni, Holidays).
Pro Tip: Don’t Sleep on the Dollar Tree
One of my favourite hacks I’ve been storing up greeting cards for my shopping at Dollar Tree.
Surprisingly, they actually sell distinctive greeting cards and they sell them For $2. I’m not a child.
It’s true that $1 each is solid at Trader Joe’s, but Dollar Trees must stock up for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.
You can reserve Trader Joe flowers
Yes, you read it correctly. Call them a 1 week ago Pre-order as many seasonal flowers as you need out of your event. If you’re placing a big order for a wedding or something, please notify them a few weeks in advance.
Without the incredibly high florist prices, you can get exactly what you need.
After that, I’ll go DIY Let’s make it YouTube It will guide you inspiration as a great video on how to use flowers to make bouquets, centerpieces and other things you need.
Please return anything for any reason
Their return policy I’m not going to lie.
They licked it, whatever you took it all back, you ate half of it, drop it on the floor, and the dog licked it, whatever it was.
The most surprising part is that you don’t need a receipt. Take the product and go out with cash.
And most shoppers don’t even know that they don’t even need to get their food back. I told the employees they had to throw it away, they you can’t I’ll be reselling it.
So, store it and tear the barcode or snap a photo of it. That’s the only proof they need.
Also, if you have a receipt, it is sufficient to bring it without the product.
Exceptions only This has alcohol, but you need to live in a state that allows Trader Joe to regain his alcohol.
Ask your readers: How do you save money with Trader Joe’s? What kind of hack did you miss? Please let us know.

By Kyle James
I started Shopping com in 2000, but became a consumer expert and advocated writing about out-of-box ways to save money at stores such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco. I’ve been talking about my savings tips on Fox News, Good Morning America and the NY Times. (learn more)
Source: Rather-Be-Shopping Blog | Shopping Hacks, Return Policies and Coupons – www.rather-be-shopping.com

