11 Trader Joe’s Items That Are Way Overpriced (And Where To Shop Instead)

While you can save money at Trader Joe's on staples like organic tomato sauce and delicious snack options, it's not always the best place to shop for certain items.

Many of their meats, veggies, and pantry staples are actually overpriced when you look at how much you're getting. But which overpriced foods should you avoid?

Here are a few of the products sold by Trader Joe's that are draining your wallet. 

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $6.49

This bacon is made without adding sodium nitrate or nitrite to the mix, which is what makes it uncured. But Trader Joe's option is overpriced.

Compare it to the same size and quality found at Aldi for their Hickory Smoked No Sugar Added Uncured Bacon that's sold for $5.29. Savvy shoppers know saving a full dollar with just one item is a lot.

Price: $4.99

Trader Joe's avocados are not something customers are wild about, citing issues with them more often than not. 

A bag of Teeny Tiny Avocados is the only avocado you'll find stocked right now, and they may get bad quickly. But you can save almost $2 by purchasing the same produce at Aldi, and you can often find these on sale for less at Publix.

Price: $7.99

Several items in the Trader Joe's meat section tend to be more expensive than similar options at other retailers. This is true for the 85% lean ground beef made from organically and ethically raised cattle.

But you can find comparable ground beef for $2.00 less per pound at Sam's Club.

Price: $5.49

Greek yogurt is a fantastic source of protein and live cultures that can improve the health of your gut and brain. At 17 cents per ounce, you would think this option is pretty budget-friendly. 

But you can find it for 11 cents per ounce at Aldi. Believe it, the pennies add up, so it might be a good idea to buy it elsewhere. 

Price: $4.49

The Spaghetti Carbonara completely misses the mark, flavor-wise. That alone feels like a waste of money. Because the dish is not complicated, use pancetta (or bacon), spaghetti, eggs, garlic, cheese, and your preferred spices to make your own.

You might spend a bit more on the few ingredients, but they will also make for several meals, which is a savvier way to use your money. 

Price: $4.99

Whether you like syrup (and the type of syrup you like) can be a polarizing topic. For those who revel in the drizzly liquidity of maple syrup, Trader Joe's 8-ounce option isn't bad, but it's not special either, and it's overpriced. 

For 85 cents more, you get 12 ounces of pure syrup at Aldi, which is definitely a better deal.

Price: $4.99

Organic produce can be difficult to come by, and you want it to stay fresh longer than 24 hours.

Unfortunately, the berries at Trader Joe's have a short shelf life, and they're almost $5 for a pound. You can save almost $2 by purchasing your organic strawberries at Aldi.

Price: $1.99

While their prepacks are convenient, you can buy bigger portions much cheaper.

If you purchase their 32-ounce bag of rolled oats and pair it with a bag of chia seeds and your choice of milk from Aldi, it will come out to almost $1 less per serving. Add your choice of protein, honey, or berries for more flavor and nutrition.

Price: $4.49

This semi-soft, buttery, mildly nutty cheese is versatile, from adding it to a cheese tray to a grilled cheese sandwich.

Trader Joe's option is available for 37 cents per ounce. You can get the same cheese delivered from Aldi for 24 cents per ounce.

Price: $4.49

Crunchy Chili Onion is a complicated mix of herbs and produce in a condiment that is made to mimic sauces at your favorite Asian restaurant. Unfortunately, customers think it is overrated and tastes stale. 

There is a higher-rated Spice World option for $1 cheaper at Target.

Price: $5.99

While purchasing a chicken that is already spatchcocked and rubbed with herbs may seem like an efficient meal option, the price tag on this one isn't worth the buy.

You can purchase a full chicken for $4.98 at Sam's Club. The necessary herbs and butter still won't cost as much as this option, which isn't particularly good.

Trader Joe's is usually a great place to find unique treats and even low-priced grocery staples. But not everything is a bargain.

Keep your eyes peeled, as there are ways to save money on groceries you might not realize. When you make conscious shopping choices, you'll realize it's easier to stretch your budget and even splurge in other areas of your life.