As far as supermarkets go, Trader Joe’s is at the top of my list. I’m sure you will agree when it comes to customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience, there is nothing quite like it.
Of course, it isn’t only the pleasant atmosphere that makes Trader Joe’s worth visiting. There are also some excellent prices and, as a nationwide chain, you are likely to have one in your local area. That being said, there are also some things you should avoid when shopping at Trader Joe’s, and here are nine things to consider.
1. Nut butter, including peanut butter.
You can find plenty of nut butter at Trader Joe’s but you might be better off purchasing the same thing at Walmart. In addition, most people who love the sweet taste of commercial peanut butter are going to be disappointed when they try the health product that is offered by Trader Joe’s directly.
2. Coconut oil
29 ounces of coconut oil was going to set you back about six dollars at Publix. For the same price, you get 16 ounces of coconut oil at Trader Joe’s.
Before you start talking about how Trader Joe’s offers organic, there is a lot of science that shows organic products are not what they are cracked up to be. Go with Publix and save yourself some dough.
3. Frozen fruit
You can find frozen fruit at Trader Joe’s but the prices are not stellar. A 1 pound bag will cost you $3.69 if you are opting for frozen cherries. At Walmart, you get a bigger bag for less.
4. Produce
You need to be choosy when purchasing produce at Trader Joe’s. Some of it is worth the price and some of it is not. Avocados are likely one option that will be a lot less expensive at Publix.
Local produce is important to many people and Trader Joe’s does not help you out in that regard. Unless you live in California, you are likely to be buying fruits and vegetables from elsewhere in the country or world.
5. Meat
Let’s just get down to brass tacks. Purchasing meat at Trader Joe’s is not a good idea. It’s expensive compared to what you will pay at other stores and it is probably not as fresh. There is no butcher at the store, so it is probably shipped and frozen.
Even precooked and prepared meats are not a bargain when you shop at Trader Joe’s. Save yourself some money and go to Walmart, or better yet, find a local butcher.
6. Prepackaged salads
The only exception to the prepackaged salad that is a good deal at Trader Joe’s is bag lettuce. Anything else that you purchase in this area is going to be overpriced.
Although it may seem as if you are paying a lower price on some of these items, you’re actually getting less per package, so do the math first.
7. Milk
Unless you are absolutely set on purchasing organic milk, it’s better to get it elsewhere. The prices start at around four dollars, and that is a dollar higher than what you pay at Walmart.
8. Soap
Some of Trader Joe’s soaps are nice to use, but you’re going to pay a lot more for them than you will for soap at any other store.
Admittedly, the prices aren’t going to be so much that it will break your budget, but if you are trying to save some money, buy it elsewhere.
9. Paper products
The best option for any type of paper product and many other home goods is purchasing them in bulk. That isn’t an option at Trader Joe’s, and you are likely to spend a lot on TP and paper towels. It’s expensive and you can just buy it somewhere else for less and get more.
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