The cost of groceries rose by two percent between April 2024 and April 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). If you feel the pinch of high food prices, we've got a few bulletproof Trader Joe's hacks to help you keep the grocery bill in check.
Spend less on the top pantry picks of the season without sacrificing flavor or quality. We scoured TJ's aisles for the most delicious deals on shelf-stable items and rounded up a few of our favorites. From peach cereal bars to citrusy pasta, these affordable items will leave cash in your wallet.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Trader Joe's Pretzel Buns
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Price: $2.99
Step up your sandwich (or burger) game by swapping out regular rolls for this delicious pretzel recipe. But don't wait to nab this salty four-pack. This pantry product is a limited-time bargain buy.
Trader Joe's Dill Pickle Mustard
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Price: $1.99
Barbecue season is here, and you're stocking up on essentials. Instead of the same plain condiments you get every year, try this pickle-flavored mustard.
We aren't the only ones who think it's a really big "dill." Trader Joe's Redditor Gato1980 raved, "I still can't believe it's only $1.99. It's so good, I feel like I'm stealing it for that price."
Trader Joe's Spicy Pink Sea Salt with Crushed Red Chili Pepper
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Price: $1.99
Salty and spicy at the same time? Yes, please. This seasoning staple has everything you could want and more. Sprinkle the peppery Pink Salt onto grilled fish, French fries, burgers, veggies, or (if you're daring) popcorn.
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Trader Joe's Spicy Dynamite Sauce
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Price: $2.99
This sauce truly is dynamite. The vegan mayo, garlic, horseradish-mustard paste, and pickled chili pepper blend has a flavor you can savor on barbecued burgers, grilled fish, chicken wings, and so much more.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
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Trader Joe's This Peach Walks Into A Bar Cereal Bars
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Price: $2.49
It's summer, and that means these "This…Walked Into A Bar" bars are back in stock. Fans of the blueberry, apple, or strawberry visions will absolutely adore this peachy flavor. Even though it's technically a breakfast food, we highly recommend crumbling this tasty treat over vanilla ice cream to create a delicious deconstructed cobbler.
Trader Joe's Carolina Gold BBQ Potato Chips
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Price: $2.69
Get the zesty flavor of mustardy Carolina BBQ sauce in a chip. Serve the seven-ounce bag as a side or crush the ridged rounds into a barbecued burger. Whichever way you eat it, this salty snack elevates any summer meal.
Trader Joe's Hard Top Chocolate Shell Topping
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Price: $3.29
Create a classic cone or a sensational summer sundae with this hard-shell topping. Not a fan of ice cream? Drizzle the chocolatey syrup over frozen strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
Trader Joe's Lemon Curd
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Price: $3.99
This English import has a tart flavor that complements everything from toasted bagels to ice cream sundaes. Snag the sophisticated spread for less than you would pay at a specialty store. Compare $3.99 for 10.5 ounces to $14.95 for a 10-ounce jar from Williams Sonoma.
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Trader Joe's Country Peach Juice
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Price: $4.79
Cereal bars aren't the only peach pantry products at Trader Joe's this month. You can also nab this 64-ounce bottle of Country Peach Juice. Drink the sweet summertime beverage over ice, use it to mix mocktails, or freeze it into homemade popsicle cubes.
Shoppers call the 100 percent juice blend "delicious," "my favorite juice of all time, " and a "totally underrated product" on Reddit.
Trader Joe's Lemon Flower Cookies
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Price: $5.99
Elevate your snacking experience with these luxe lemon cookies. The decadent sweet treats have a tangy citrus kick and rich buttery shortbread taste that TJ's customers can't get enough of. Snag a one-pound box while you can. The limited-time buy won't last long.
Trader Joe's Sandwich Starters
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Price: $3.49
The name says it all. These olive oil and sea salt rolls are the perfect way to start a sandwich. Unlike traditional buns and bread, this new pantry product features a select-a-size option. Pull apart the connected pieces for a smaller meal or leave them together to make a super-sammie.
Trader Joe's Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
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Price: $3.99
No gluten? No problem. Even though this isn't the most exciting pantry pick at Trader Joe's, the retailer's gluten-free flour is a staple you can save on. Get the one-pound bag for under $4. Use this everyday essential to bake cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and other sweet treats.
Trader Joe's Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Price: $12.49
Blend a savory salad dressing, use this EVOO for dipping, or drizzle it over pasta. The 33.8-ounce bottle features a spout, making it a breeze to pour. For $12.49, this extra virgin olive oil is a budget-friendly bargain. Whole Foods Market sells a 34-ounce bottle of Colavita for over $27.
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 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.
Trader Joe's French Galettes Butter Cookies
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Price: $3.49
Get a gourmet flavor without overspending on fancy French pastries. These buttery cookies pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream, berries, hazelnut spread, or all of the above.
What do shoppers think about this new-ish pantry pick? TJ's subreddit user flavianpatrao praised the sweet treat, "My fave cookie from them yet."
Trader Joe's Organic Lemon Torchietti Pasta
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Price: $2.99
Stock up on this seasonal item right now. The bright, zesty citrus pasta is the ideal addition to summertime meals. Serve it as a side, turn it into a chilled salad, or pair these "little torches" with a savory sauce.
Trader Joe's Organic Cold Brew Black Tea Concentrate
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Price: $4.99
Why spend hours brewing tea when you could use this instant organic concentrate? Simply mix the rich blend with cold water, add a few chilled cubes, and enjoy. And if you're looking for something more flavorful, add a splash of TJ's Fresh Squeezed lemonade ($3.99) or sliced orange wedges.
Bottom line
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Of course, you want to save money shopping, even in tough economic times. That's why we scoured Trader TJ's aisles for the best bargains on pantry products right now.
Plus, pantry picks aren't the only deals we found at Trader Joe's. You can also score organic veggies, prepared meals, and frozen treats without breaking your budget.
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