Life
If you're anything like me, you have a love-hate relationship with Trader Joe's. You stop there at least once a week, because of course. But you walk in with the intention of picking up a loaf a sourdough and some cheese, and leave with 47 bags of plantain chips and the entire dairy department. Thankfully, you have one thing working in your favor: TJ's reasonable price tags. And because you'll undoubtedly go crazy and binge-shop the next time you're there, I've rounded up 17 things under $5 at Trader Joe's that you absolutely, positively must try. You're welcome.
Trader Joe's is unlike any other grocery store. Their return policy is unmatched — you can bring anything back, no questions asked, even without a receipt. Employees are the friendliest, always available, and genuinely happy. And although shopping at Trader Joe's on the weekend takes a truly brave soul, it's always worth the hassle of the crowded parking lot and long lines.
And I haven't even gotten to the prices. The prices are a warm breeze on a cold winter day. They're a three-day weekend. They're Thanksgiving leftovers when you don't feel like cooking.
A lot of stuff won't even cost you five bucks. Here are just 17 of the cheapest TJ finds.
1
Roasted Plantain Chips
I've written many times before of my love for plantain chips, and I'm about to do it again. These slightly sweet potato chip-alternatives from Joe's are cooked in sunflower oil and lightly salted. Each six-ounce bag is $1.69, and it's perfectly reasonable to finish the whole thing in one sitting.
2
Charles Shaw Wine
You know what pairs perfectly with $1.69 roasted plantain chips? $2.99 wine. Joe's Charles Shaw wine used to affectionately be called Two Buck Chuck, as it previously cost $1.99. The price is now up to just under $3.00. "Three Buck Chuck" still has a nice ring to it, so I'm not complaining.
3
Dark Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Bar
Haven't you heard? Dark chocolate is good for you. It can reduce stress, boost blood flow, and acts as an anti-inflammatory. That means I'm going to eat about 40 of these packs (which contain two bars!), for $1.49 each.
4
Salsa Verde
For the cool price of $1.99, you can have watering eyes and a runny nose thanks to TJ's salsa verde, which tastes amazing on LITERALLY EVERYTHING.
5
Just Mango Slices
Get another serving of fruit in with these $2.99 dried mango slices. No added sugar. No fake flavoring. 100 percent delicious.
6
Chile Lime Chicken Burgers
These aren't ordinary chicken burgers. Oh no. If you want a meal that's a bit more caliente, you need these bad boys — available for $3.49 for 4 burgers.
7
Speculoos Cookie Butter
Put it on toast. Put it on a cookie. Eat it straight out of the jar. I don't judge. According to the Fearless Flyer, Cookie Butter ranges from $3.69 to $3.99, depending on the flavor.
8
Trader Joe’s Clarified Butter
Some people love to cook with ghee, and it even carries unique health benefits. The Fearless Flyer says it goes for $3.29 a jar, although prices may vary.
9
Dried Fruit Bars
Need a quick (and cheap) pick-me-up? Joe's dried fruit bars are the bomb dot com. They're made with only a few ingredients, none of which include added sugar, flavors, or preservatives. Plus, they're only $0.69 a piece. What a bargain!
10
Chocolatey Coated Chocolate Chip Dunkers
These crispy, crunchy cookies are covered in chocolate and so perfectly dunkable, it'll bring a tear to your eye. In fact, back in the '90s, Trader Joe's specifically asked one of their suppliers to make a cookie that's easier to dunk, just because they love us so much. Get a tub for $4.99.
11
Organic Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce
Got gluten allergies? Joe's coconut aminos make the perfect substitute for soy sauce, although less salty and a bit sweet. At $2.99 a bottle, it's the perfectly affordable (and tasty) addition to every dish.
12
Pomegranate & Blueberry Flakes and Clusters Cereal
It's fruity. It's crunchy. It's sweet. And at $3.99 a box, TJ's cereal makes the ultimate breakfast... or lunch or dinner.
13
Avocado's Number Guacamole
At least five avocados are used in every 16-ounce pack, which means you're getting a whole lot more bang for your buck than if you were to buy them individually — because this guacamole comes in at $3.99.
14
Oven-Baked Cheese Bites
Who doesn't want to be elbow deep in a bag of cheesy goodness?! Grab these cheese bites (high in protein!) for $2.49 a pouch and have yourself a cheese-tastic day.
15
Organic Chia Bars
Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, and they're rich in antioxidants. That means you can eat twice as many of these delicious bars. A box of five is $2.99.
16
Ghost Pepper Potato Chips
The ghost chili was once considered the world's hottest chili pepper. It got bumped down a few pegs, but don't worry: it's still hot AF. Joe's got it right, though — the hotness of these chips doesn't overwhelm them, and a subtle sweetness helps balance it all out. Get a bag for $2.29.
17
Pretzel Slims
These are like regular pretzels, but way better. They're flatter and crispy, totally dunkable, and aren't as overwhelming as your average pretzel because they're less doughy. Win! Only $2.19 a pop.
