Stores ranging from Walmart to Costco offer store-brand versions of products that often are more affordable than the name brand. This is a fantastic Trader Joe's shopping hack as the quality of these foods is usually excellent.
Stepping away from name brands can be a great way to save cash and cut the cost of groceries.
When it comes to Trader Joe's, loyal shoppers claim these products are just as good (if not better) than the name brands.
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Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
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For many shoppers, the fact that Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups is a step up from Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
And not just because it features dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Some also say the peanut butter Trader Joe's uses is smoother, too.
Organic Spicy Honey Sauce
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If you have some Mike's Hot Honey in your pantry, consider swapping it for a Trader Joe's Organic Spicy Honey Sauce.
The Trader Joe's product is the perfect condiment for chicken, pizza, and other favorite options, but it can cost less than Mike's version.
Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream
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There's nothing better than coffee ice cream on a hot day, especially if it's Trader Joe's Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream.
This Trader Joe's favorite offers sweet ice cream with a coffee kick for less than the cost of Häagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream.
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Honey O's Cereal
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Shoppers go nuts for Trader Joe's Honey O's Cereal, which is the retailer's version of Honey Nut Cheerios.
They're the perfect thing for breakfast at home or to take with you as a snack for the kids. Your children might even like them better than Cheerios.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.
Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:
- Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
- Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
- Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
- Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
- Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
- Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
- For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.
Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds and save money at your favorite retailers.
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Organic Hummus
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Looking to add some extra flavor to your favorite chips and veggies? Dip them in Trader Joe's Organic Hummus. Fans of the Trader Joe's version say it's just as smooth and tasty as the name-brand Sabra Classic Hummus.
Joe-Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies
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Trader Joe's own Joe-Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies is a delicious alternative to the more mainstream (and often more expensive) Oreos.
You can twist them to get to the creamy center of these chocolate cookies or dunk them in milk. Check out your local Trader Joe's to confirm other fans' assessment of the dunking superiority of these Trader Joe's treats.
Parmesan Pastry Pups
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Why settle for pigs in a blanket when you can step it up with Trader Joe's Parmesan Pastry Pups?
These tasty treats include small beef franks wrapped up in a flaky crust with a bit of Parmesan cheese. They compare favorably to Sabrett Franks in a Blanket.
World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs
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You may make Pirate's Booty-Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs walk the plank when you compare them to Trader Joe's World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs.
Test out the difference between the two when it comes to cheesy taste and texture to see which one you prefer.
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Fig Cookies
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Instead of a typical chocolate chip cookie, check out Trader Joe's Fig Cookies. These soft-baked cookies with a chewy, fig center may make you think of the name-brand Newtons version.
Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water
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Grab a refreshing Trader Joe's Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water out of your fridge to cool down as the days get warmer.
The eight-pack includes natural blueberry and lemon flavors to give it an extra kick and make it a tasty alternative to the Waterloo version of sparkling water.
Organic Corn Chip Dippers
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Need a corn chip to serve as a good scoop for dips? Grab some Organic Corn Chip Dippers from Trader Joe's.
This Trader Joe's product comes packed with organic corn and salt, making it the perfect chip to pick up salsas, cheese dips, and more. It's a good, affordable alternative if you usually grab a bag of Fritos Scoops.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are some of our favorite tips for reducing food expenses that we personally put to use:
- Plan your meals around what's already in your pantry, then create a shopping list to prevent impulse purchases.
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Stock up on staples when on sale, but don’t ever buy just because something comes in bulk.
- Shop the marked-down section for near-expiration bargains
- 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 to handle every week, the savings can really add up. Double check in case your store also offers perks like gas rewards or any other discounts you might be able to take advantage of outside the grocery store.
Bottom line
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Trader Joe's can be a great place to buy alternative versions of your favorite name-brand foods.
Before you head to the store, check your wallet to make sure you have a great rewards credit card that can help you earn cash back or other rewards.
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