News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

10 Costly Mistakes You’re Making When You Shop at Trader Joe’s

Keep some cash in your wallet by skipping these mistakes on your next trip to Trader Joe's.

Corona CA USA Trader Joe's store front
Updated July 8, 2025
Fact checked

Trader Joe's offers some popular shopping hacks to save you money, from finding amazing non-food dupes of luxury products to its tasty treats like chocolate-covered banana slices.

But there are some mistakes you could be making when you wander the aisles of your local Trader Joe's that could put a dent in your wallet.

If you're looking for the best ways to save money at the store, check out these mistakes that could cost you.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Learn more about the Discover Cashback Checking account

You forget the seasonal stuff

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz pumpkin-spice-coffee-by-trader-joe's

Trader Joe's has some good staples that are easy to grab on every visit, but don't forget about the seasonal items.

The retailer may have fancy fall finds and winter holiday treats you won't want to miss out on. Shoppers also clamor for the best Trader Joe's Christmas decorations each year.

You don't have recipe ideas

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken

Trader Joe's has a wide selection of dinner options if you want something easy to make after a long day.

However, the retailer's website also has some delicious recipes that use Trader Joe's ingredients. You can cook up something special for yourself or make something new to share with friends and family.

You buy the produce

Felipe Sanchez/Adobe tropical fruit display

Trader Joe's has plenty of great products to add to your cart, but one thing you may want to skip is the produce.

It's a good idea to compare produce prices with your local grocery store and check on spoilage as well as Trader Joe's might go bad quicker than produce from another store.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

You shop on the wrong days

Kristina Blokhin/Adobe shopping carts with Trader Joes sign

Trader Joe's is a popular destination for shoppers, but some days are more popular than others, which could mean more time in line or crowded stores.

If you can, go on a weekday and try to get there early in the morning, as the store gets busier later in the day.

You're waiting for sales

vladim_ka/Adobe Trader Joes application on Apple iPhone

Trader Joe's doesn't have traditional sales, so you won't need to wait to find great deals. Instead, the store consistently offers low prices on a wide variety of products.

Whether you're looking for savings or unique items, it's always a good time to explore Trader Joe's.

You don't take advantage of allergy-free options

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Three tacos on a wooden board and a pack of Trader Joe's Soy Chorizo next to it

It can be hard to shop for food when you have people in your home who have specific allergies or need items to be gluten-free.

But skip the other grocery stores and check out the options at Trader Joe's. The store carries a wide variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options.

You skip the beauty aisle

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joes Body Butter

Trader Joe's isn't just about food. You can find items perfect for your home, including beauty and bathroom items.

When you stop by for snacks, dinner, and other food items, you can check out items like body butter, sunscreen, and soap from the store's shelves.

You don't buy yourself flowers

Refrina/Adobe flowers at Trader Joe's Centreville

Trader Joe's stores have some beautiful plants and flowers that change from season to season.

So treat yourself and buy some flowers for your home or desk at work to add some color and joy. The store's flowers are affordable, so it's a cheap splurge that can make you happy and boost your mood.

You don't bring your bags

Refrina/Adobe Trader Joe's paper bag

Trader Joe's tries to reduce the cost of bags by encouraging shoppers to bring their own rather than use the brown paper bags the store has at its checkout lines.

Trader Joe's usually charges a small fee for using its paper bags, and bringing your own could also get you entered in raffles to win prizes at the store.

Alert: Americans lost billions to identity theft and fraud

According to the FTC, Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud and identity theft in 2023. Before your next online purchase, safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura.

Starting at just $9 per month, access Aura's Dark Web monitoring that scours data breaches for your sensitive personal data including Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.

Save up to 68% when you sign up today.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

alfons/Adobe woman paying contactless credit card

July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:

  • Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
  • Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
  • Swimwear and summer fashion
  • For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes

While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

Arnell Koegelenberg/peopleimages.com/Adobe woman using smartphone at grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

You try to get everything at Trader Joe's

Corinna Haselmayer/Adobe Shelves with products inside Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is a great store with unique items and frugal finds, making it a good spot to shop sometimes. But the stores may not have everything you need to pack your pantry or stock your fridge at the best price. 

Instead, it's a good idea to supplement your Trader Joe's trips with stops to a local grocery store or a trip to a bulk retailer like Costco or Sam's Club to get everything you need for home and save money on groceries

Bottom line

wolterke/Adobe Trader Joe's Grocery Store Sign

Trader Joe's can be a great place to shop and stock up on special finds and unique items or to save money on essentials like cleaning supplies, food, and more.

If you're on a budget, it's also a good idea to take a shopping list with you to Trader Joe's, as it can be easy to impulse buy as you wander the aisles of your local store.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details


Must-Read Buzz

Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.