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15 Items Retirees Should Buy at Trader Joe’s

Retirees on a fixed income can save cash shopping for fun foods at Trader Joe’s.

senior couple preparing food in the kitchen
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Trader Joe’s is a great place for retirees to shop if they’re on a fixed budget.

The store has plenty of deals to keep costs low and unique products that are great for everyday eating or specialty items while helping you save on everyday purchases.

If you’re a retiree looking for good deals on meals and other treats, don't overlook these items at Trader Joe's.

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

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Hashbrowns

Courtesy of Trader Joe's A package of hashbrowns

You may be able to spend more time making breakfast now that you’re retired and don’t have to rush out the door for work in the morning.

So grab some Trader Joe’s Hashbrowns for breakfast. The hashbrowns come in a pack of 10 hashbrowns that can easily be made in a skillet for $2.79.

Mandarin Orange Chicken

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joe's-Mandarin Orange Chicken

You’re in for a treat if you want to try Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken.

The chicken comes in a 22-ounce bag for $4.99 and goes well with ramen noodles, rice, or any other ingredients you want to try for a quick and easy homemade meal.

Teeny Tiny Avocados

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joe's-Teeny Tiny Avocados

Sometimes being retired means your kids have moved away, and you don’t need to make big meals with a lot of ingredients anymore.

So grab some Teeny Tiny Avocados, which are the perfect size for salads, sandwiches, or other meals that don’t require you to make big portions. A bag of six tiny avocados costs $4.99 at Trader Joe’s.

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Block Red Wine Dark Red Blend

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Block Red Wine Dark Red

Trader Joe’s is well known for its $4.49 bottles of Charles Shaw wine in its aisles (once known as Two Buck Chuck, going back to pre-pandemic prices).

But if you’re retired, you may want more wine to entertain guests or have an early evening glass. So grab a three-liter box of wine from Trader Joe’s instead. The Block Red Wine Dark Red Blend comes in a box for $12.99.

Retinol Night Serum

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joe's-Retinol Night Serum

Give your skin some extra love as you get older with Retinol Night Serum from Trader Joe’s.

The serum can help exfoliate your skin as you sleep and comes in a 1-ounce bottle for $9.99 from your favorite Trader Joe’s.

Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joe's Everything but the bagel sesame seasoning blend

One of Trader Joe’s famous products is its blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and sea salt in one container that will remind you of the perfect everything bagel — without the bagel.

You can use Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend on chicken, popcorn, baked potatoes, or any other food you want for $1.99 for a 2.3-ounce jar.

Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Treat yourself to some sweets with these peanut butter cups from Trader Joe’s.

These Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups come in a 16-ounce container for $4.49 and are a customer favorite, according to Trader Joe’s.

Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets

Courtesy of Trader Joe's A package of pretzel nuggets

Try these Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets if your sweet tooth is slightly salty.

The pretzel nuggets are stuffed with peanut butter and covered in coarse salt for a perfectly balanced snack flavor. You can get a 16-ounce bag of the nuggets for $2.49.

Mac and Cheese Bites

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joe's mac and cheese bites

Need a snack to keep you going throughout the day? Or maybe you need an hors d’oeuvre for a neighborhood get-together. Trader Joe’s may have something for you.

Check out the Mac and Cheese Bites featuring balls of noodles and cheese with panko-style bread crumbs that are perfect if you want a quick bite from the frozen foods section.

A 10-ounce box of bites will cost you $3.99 at Trader Joe’s.

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Chipotle Vegetable Quesadillas

Courtesy of Trader Joe's A quesadilla

Trader Joe’s has you covered if you’re looking for vegetarian options.

Grab a 12-ounce box of Chipotle Vegetable Quesadillas packed with cheese, beans, and corn in a quesadilla shell for $3.69.

Gone Bananas

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joe's-Gone Bananas

Step up your fruit intake with a twist on a classic banana.

Gone Bananas features slices of banana covered in a delicious dark chocolate sauce for $2.49 for an eight-ounce box.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins

Gluten-free options can be tasty choices for your morning breakfast or a snack throughout the day.

The Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins come in a pack of four from Trader Joe’s for $5.49 and are a great addition to your coffee or tea on a leisurely morning.

Perfectly Pickled Pups

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Perfectly Pickled Pups

Retirement is a great time to try something new, so why not try some dill-pickle-inspired mini hot dogs?

Trader Joe’s take on pigs-in-a-blanket, Perfectly Pickled Pups, come in a nine-piece pack of pups that feature cocktail dogs covered in a dill-pickle-flavored batter and breading. You can pick up a pack of pups for $4.99.

Cheeseburger Burrito

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Cheeseburger Burrito

If you’re looking for an easy lunch just for you, grab a burrito from Trader Joe’s refrigerated section.

The Cheeseburger Burrito is stuffed with beef crumble, cheddar cheese, onions, tomatoes, and dill pickle relish for $4.49 per burrito at Trader Joe’s.

Rosemary Croissant Croutons

Courtesy of Trader Joe's A bowl of soup with croutons

Trying to eat healthy as you get older is important, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat boring salads.

Add some tasty Rosemary Croissant Croutons to salads, soups, and more when you get a 4.5-ounce bag from Trader Joe’s. Pick up a bag for $3.99 and enjoy.

Bottom line

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Seniors may be worried about wasting money on grocery bills, but Trader Joe’s can help you save cash on any number of items.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.