Stores ranging from Walmart to Costco offer store-brand versions of products that often are more affordable than the name brand. This is one of the best Trader Joe's shopping hacks, 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.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
/images/2025/02/03/trader-joes-dark-chocolate-peanut-butter-cups.jpg)
Price: $5.99
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
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-spicy-honey-sauce.jpg)
Price: $4.99
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
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-coffee-bean-blast-ice-cream.jpg)
Price: $4.99
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.
Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks
A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.
Sign up here to see how much you could earn.
Honey O's Cereal
/images/2025/02/08/trader-joes-joes-os.jpg)
Price: $2.69
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
/images/2025/01/22/person-holding-a-wallet-adobe.jpg)
August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:
- Travel and getaway must-haves
- Back-to-school basics
- Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries
As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.
Organic Hummus
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-organic-hummus.jpg)
Price: $2.99
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
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-joe-joes-chocolate-vanilla-creme-sandwich-cookies.jpg)
Price: $4.49
Trader Joe's own Joe-Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies are 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
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-parmesan-pastry-pups.jpg)
Price: $4.99
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
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-white-cheddar-corn-puffs.jpg)
Price: $2.69
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.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
Fig Cookies
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-fig-cookies.jpg)
Price: $2.49
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 Newton's version.
Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-blueberry-lemonade-sparkling-water.jpg)
Price: $3.79
Grab a refreshing Trader Joe's Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water out of your fridge to cool down on a hot day.
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
/images/2025/04/09/trader-joes-organic-corn-chip-dippers.jpg)
Price: $2.79
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
/images/2024/07/10/family-shopping-at-grocery-store.jpeg)
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.
Bottom line
/images/2024/01/11/cars-outside-trader-joes-store.jpeg)
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 one of the best rewards credit cards that can help you earn cash back or other rewards.
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
- Apply Now to take advantage of this 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. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.