If you're watching your grocery budget but still want fun, flavorful snacks, Trader Joe's has you covered this August. From crunchy savory bites to sweet little indulgences, the store is packed with wallet-friendly picks under $5 that deliver big taste without busting your bottom line.
Whether you're packing lunches, curbing afternoon cravings, or prepping for a road trip, these Trader Joe's hopping hacks are here to upgrade your snack game on a budget.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Dark Chocolate Thins On the Go!
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Price: $2.99
These slim, snackable bars are rich in cocoa flavor and portioned just right for an after-lunch treat or sweet tooth emergency. They are individually wrapped, making them perfect for tossing into a bag or keeping in your desk drawer.
Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips
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Price: $2.99
These are not your average chips. Made with hearty Irish potatoes and coated in real garlic and butter flavor, they are ultra-satisfying. You get gourmet flavor at a weekday-snack price, making them a must for chip lovers.
Sweet & Spicy Pecans
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Price: $4.49
Trader Joe's pecans balance a satisfying crunch with the perfect mix of sugar and heat. They work just as well in a salad as they do in a handful.
Best of all, a little goes a long way thanks to their bold seasoning.
Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
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Price: $2.99
If you like a snack with a kick, these rolled tortilla chips bring the heat. Tangy, spicy, and ultra-crunchy, they rival more expensive snack brands like Tostitos at Walmart, but for half the price.
Gone Bananas! Chocolate-Covered Banana Slices
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Price: $2.69
Stored in the freezer section, these frozen treats are a guilt-free indulgence. Each slice is coated in dark chocolate, offering a cool and refreshing way to get a bit of fruit with your dessert.
Scandinavian Swimmers
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Price: $3.79
Trader Joe's version of gummy candy is free from high-fructose corn syrup and has a cult following for good reason. Chewy, fruity, and fun, they're a great alternative to big-brand gummies like Swedish Fish, which are $4.47 for an only slightly larger bag at Walmart.
Synergistically Seasoned Popcorn
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Price: $2.49
Elevate your snack bowl with this light and fluffy popcorn made of "mushroom" kernels and seasoned with white vinegar powder, sea salt, natural smoke flavor, cayenne pepper, and cane sugar.
It's a deliciously savory twist on a classic and won't leave you feeling like you overdid it.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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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 Apple Banana Fruit Sauce Crushers
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Price: $2.99
These squeezable apple banana sauce pouches are great for kids, but don't count them out for adults. There's no spoon required, and the price beats many name-brand options like GoGo squeeZ at Walmart, which costs nearly $7.
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Everything But the Bagel Nut Duo
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Price: $4.49
Almonds and cashews tossed in Trader Joe's famous Everything but the Bagel seasoning? Yes, please. This snack is flavorful, high in protein, and surprisingly filling for its price.
Organic Dried Mango Unsulfured & Unsweetened
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Price: $4.99
Soft, sweet, and free from added sugar, these dried mango slices are a naturally delicious alternative to candy. They're especially great for hiking, long car rides, or taking on a plane.
PB & J Snack Duo
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Price: $4.29
This clever snack is made of peanut butter-filled wafer sticks with raspberry fruit dip. It's a cult favorite and a sneaky way to get a little more protein. Consider it an affordable after-work or post-workout treat.
Pretzel Slims
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Price: $2.49
These crisp, thin pretzels are crunchy and satisfying on their own, but also pair well with hummus or cheese. You get a generous bag for under $3, making them the perfect choice for crowd-pleasing snack boards.
Savory Banana & Nut Trek Mix
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Price: $4.49
This is not your average trail mix. With plantain chips, cashews, and seasoning that leans slightly spicy, it's got a unique flavor combination and makes a good alternative to sugar-laden blends.
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.
Mini (Almost) Everything Bagel Sandwich Crackers
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Price: $3.49
These bite-sized sandwich crackers are nostalgic in the best way, but with a healthier, organic upgrade. They are great for breakfast and lunch alike, and easy to portion out into lunches or car snacks.
Organic Roasted Seaweed with Sea Salt
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Price: $3.99
Light, crispy, and naturally salty, these seaweed snacks are a low-calorie option perfect for mindful munching.
At just under a dollar per pack, they're one of the cheapest and healthiest snacks in the store, making them great for tossing into lunchboxes or satisfying late-night cravings without the guilt.
Bottom line
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Trader Joe's proves that flavorful snacking doesn't have to mean blowing your budget. Whether you're after salty, sweet, crunchy, or creamy, these under-$5 snacks are a serious value for the money.
To stretch your snack budget even further, consider using these smart shopping hacks that can help you save more on everyday essentials, without sacrificing flavor or fun.
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