Community Chat

[JenJenMO1971]

I discovered Trader Joe's tonight. I normally shop at Safeway but Trader Joe's prices seem to be much better.

For those of you who shop Trader Joes, what do you think of their prices compared to other supermarkets?

[Tupe]

I'm not a big fan.  The prices to me are no better than other grocery stores.  I have also found the quality of their food was not good. On more than one occassion in 3 different locations, items I bought were either stale or rancid. But that is only my opinion.  I have many friends that swear by them. 

[Reconnaissant]

Welcome @JenJenMO1971.

We don’t have a TJ’s but when we are in a city that does we love the variety.

[MJDinVegas]

Hi, @JenJenMO1971 !  Welcome to the Forums!

I've shopped TJ's for years off and on - off only when there wasn't one close to us.  IMO, they have the freshest produce, good selection of unexpected and seasonal items and prices are reasonable.  Years ago when I lived in Huntington Beach, CA and had close access, we'd buy our wine there:  Two Buck Chuck, $1.99 for a 750 ml bottle of wine.  The price has gone up since but still a good buy on many wines.  It's worth it to get their Fearless Flyer monthly special newsletter.

[lovesrecess]

One of my daughters loves Trader Joe’s....she rarely shops anywhere else. There is one about two miles from me that opened last year; I made one trip and walked through the store, determined to buy something. Very small store so they didn't have that many products. It seemed like almost everything was a convenience product like instant stir fry or instant this or that...or their famous cookie butter but things I don’t ever buy. Nothing peaked my interest enough to buy it. We house-sat for my daughter last year and there was almost nothing in the house but Trader Joe’s products. I sent DH for takeout.😬 the prices didn't seem very high but they seemed to pkg things in smaller quantities than what I see at the grocery store, so that may explain that. 

[qbetzforreal]

I find better deals at Trader Joe's.  Tuna, produce, pasta, dairy and eggs.

And they have the best snack treats.

[happycat]

We don't have a Trader Joes, but I wish we did.

[ValuSkr]

For me, Trader Joe's draw is in its selection of unusual items, particularly frozen.  In general, prices are okay, but nothing to write home about.  I stay away from their produce - local supermarkets have better selection, quality, and prices.

[msgb]

Love Trader Joe's.

They have items that other places do not have.

I am fortunate to be within 2 miles of one.

When QVC messed up my Christmas in July order and did not get it out and then cancelled it with out notice I went to Trader Joe's and bought some items from there and a gift certificate for my recipient.

[Ibby114]

I like Trader Joe's for very specific items- not general food shopping. Their own brand named products are really good, and for those type items they're better priced that a standard food store! I also like their haircare and skincare items. Just this year they finally started carrying chemcial free sunscreen!. 

This matters to some (not so much for me), but at checkout they always pack your bags. Super helpful staff, the customer service is top notch.