10 things you need to know before shopping at Trader Joe's (2024)

1. The Fearless Flyer is your guide

If you have a hard time keeping up with all of Trader Joe’s seasonal products, you’re not alone. Luckily for limited edition-loving customers, Trader Joe’s creates a catalogue of sorts to keep everyone in the loop about the specialty products currently on their shelves. You can grab a Fearless Flyer at your local Trader Joe’s or check it out online in order to get an idea of the products you can expect to find during your next visit. While many of the items on the Flyer err on the decadent side, by taking a peek at them in advance you can decide which products you want to splurge on and eliminate the temptation for last minute, impulse buys.

2. Private label reigns supreme

Part of what sets Trader Joe’s apart is the chain’s private label, which has something of a cult-favorite status amongst shoppers. Many of the items that line Trader Joe’s shelves are private label, although some feature inventive names such as Trader Ming’s for Asian food or Trader Jacques’ for items with a French flair. All the specialty and seasonal goods Trader Joe’s is known for come from their private label, and many of the store’s best price deals can be found here. While items like Trader Joe’s famous Speculoos cookie butter aren’t exactly diet-friendly, other branded products are healthy enough to be mealtime staples.

3. Bring your own bag

Even if you normally opt for paper, bringing your own bag at Trader Joe’s can pay off, big time. Shoppers who use their own bag and spend at least $25 are entered into a weekly raffle where winners receive a variety of rewards, including $25 gift cards to the store. Since many of Trader Joe’s products are budget-friendly to begin with, $25 off may put a sizeable dent in your grocery bill.

4. Know when to shop

Given Trader Joe’s cheap prices and one-of-a-kind product offerings, it’s no wonder the store is frequently crowded. If you are looking to beat the crowds, try to shop at different times to get a sense of when peak hours are at the location closest to you. Want some safe, low-traffic times? Many Reddit users suggest stopping by Trader Joe's between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekdays or swinging by on Friday nights if you’re looking to shop in peace.

5. Samples abound

Trader Joe’s is known for its generous sample policy, which many customers take full advantage of. There are sample stations that feature bite size portions of private label products in every store location. Additionally, Trader Joe’s has a very open sampling policy. If there’s a product you want to try before buying, pull over a store employee in order to get the chance to sample it yourself.

6. Coupons are welcome

While Trader Joe’s does not offer sales or discounts on its private label products, penny-pinching shoppers can look for and use coupons at Trader Joe’s. If you have coupons for brands like Kashi or Annie’s, which Trader Joe’s sells, do not be afraid to use them in the store. Want more discount shopping tips? Learn the25 Money-Saving Tips Every Shopper Should Know.

7. Stock up on seasonals

Not all of Trader Joe’s products take up permanent residence on store shelves. Trader Joe’s frequently introduces new products, particularly as the seasons change, and eliminates other items in order to make space. If you can’t get enough of the pumpkin-flavored goodies the store sells during the fall, be sure to buy them in bulk because come spring, they may no longer be available.