Trader Joe’s is beloved for its unique products, but not every item is a good deal. In this blog post, we’ll break down 12 overpriced or underwhelming Trader Joe’s items that you may want to skip to shop smarter and save money. We’ll examine the price, nutritional facts, ingredients, and preparation instructions for each product.
1. Teeny Tiny Avocados $3.99/1 Each
While adorable, these avocados are often too small to be practical for recipes. They can also be inconsistent in ripeness, leaving some unripe while others spoil quickly.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 160
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 9g
Sodium: 0mg
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients
100% Hass Avocados
Preparation Instructions
Cut, scoop, and enjoy as a topping or ingredient in dishes. Be mindful of their short shelf life.
2. Organic Ground Beef 85/15 $7.49/1 Lb
Although it’s organic, this ground beef is significantly more expensive than comparable options at other grocery stores. The flavor and texture are standard, offering no unique value.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 240
Fat: 17g
Carbs: 0g
Sodium: 75mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 21g
Ingredients
Organic Ground Beef (85% lean, 15% fat)
Preparation Instructions
Cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Use in tacos, burgers, or pasta sauces.
3. Truffle Dip $5.49/7.5 Oz
This dip sounds luxurious, but the truffle flavor can be overwhelming and artificial. Many shoppers report it doesn’t live up to its price.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 90
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 1g
Sodium: 125mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Cream cheese, truffle oil, garlic, salt, natural flavors
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled with crackers or vegetables. Best consumed sparingly due to its intense flavor.
4. Spaghetti Carbonara $4.29/16 Oz
This frozen pasta dish is convenient but lacks the creamy richness of authentic carbonara. The portion size is also quite small for the price.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 320
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 36g
Sodium: 700mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 11g
Ingredients
Pasta, pancetta, cream, cheese, eggs, black pepper
Preparation Instructions
Heat in a skillet or microwave until hot. Stir well before serving.
5. Pure Grade A Maple Syrup $4.99/8 Fl Oz
While high quality, Trader Joe’s maple syrup is priced higher than comparable organic options at other stores.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 110
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 26g
Sodium: 5mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
100% Pure Maple Syrup
Preparation Instructions
Use as a sweetener for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. Store in a cool, dry place.
6. Organic Strawberries 1 Lb $6.99/16 Oz
These strawberries are pricey and often suffer from quality issues, such as mold or lack of flavor.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 50
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 13g
Sodium: 0mg
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Organic Strawberries
Preparation Instructions
Wash thoroughly before consuming. Enjoy fresh, in salads, or in smoothies.
7. Uncured Apple Smoked Bacon $6.49/12 Oz
While flavorful, this bacon is expensive for its portion size. Comparable products can be found for less.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 70
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 0g
Sodium: 190mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Pork, water, sea salt, sugar, applewood smoke, celery powder
Preparation Instructions
Cook in a skillet or oven until crispy. Drain excess grease before serving.
8. Overnight Oats $1.99/5.5 Oz
This grab-and-go breakfast is convenient but overpriced compared to making your own at home.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 210
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 34g
Sodium: 75mg
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat straight from the container. Best served cold.
9. Crunchy Chili Onion $4.49/6 Oz
A trendy condiment, but the small jar and limited versatility make it less cost-effective.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 70
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 2g
Sodium: 105mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Olive oil, dried onion, garlic, red pepper flakes
Preparation Instructions
Use sparingly as a topping for noodles, rice, or toast.
10. Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken $5.99/1 Lb
Pre-marinated for convenience, but the price is steep for a whole chicken that can’t be customized to your taste.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 180
Fat: 10g
Carbs: 0g
Sodium: 390mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Chicken, lemon, rosemary, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper
Preparation Instructions
Roast in the oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes or until fully cooked.
11. Greek Nonfat Yogurt Plain $2.99/16 Oz
This yogurt is tangy and versatile but not a standout deal compared to other brands with similar quality.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 100
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 6g
Sodium: 60mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Cultured pasteurized skim milk, live active cultures
Preparation Instructions
Use in smoothies, as a base for dips, or as a healthy snack.
12. Sliced Muenster Cheese $4.49/12 Oz
While tasty, this cheese is expensive for the small quantity provided. Larger packs are available at better prices elsewhere.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 90
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 1g
Sodium: 170mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes, annatto (for color)
Preparation Instructions
Use in sandwiches, burgers, or as a snack with crackers.
By avoiding these 12 items, you can shop smarter and save money at Trader Joe’s without sacrificing quality or flavor in your grocery haul!
