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.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
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
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
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
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
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.
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.
Honey O’s Cereal
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.
Organic Hummus
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.
Trending Stories
Joe-Joe’s Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies
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
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
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.
Fig Cookies
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.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water
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
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.
Bottom line
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.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details