Trader Joe’s is a go-to grocery store for many, known for its unique products and affordable finds. However, not everything in the produce section is a great deal. Some items are top-tier, while others fall short in quality and freshness.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the must-buy produce picks and the ones you should skip to make the most of your next Trader Joe’s trip.
Must-Buy Produce at Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s does offer some standout produce items that are worth grabbing:
Bananas $0.23/1 Each
Trader Joe’s bananas are one of the best deals available. They are consistently fresh and ripen well at home, making them a staple in many households.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 105
- Fats: 0.3g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 14.4g
- Protein: 1.3g
Ingredients
- 100% fresh banana
Preparation Instructions
- Eat fresh as a snack
- Slice into cereals or yogurt
- Blend into smoothies
- Use in baking recipes like banana bread
Seasonal Stone Fruits (Peaches, Nectarines, Plums) $7.99/4 Lb
During peak seasons, Trader Joe’s carries high-quality stone fruits that are sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 60-80
- Fats: 0.2g
- Carbs: 15-18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 13-15g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
- 100% fresh stone fruit (Peach, Nectarine, or Plum)
Preparation Instructions
- Enjoy fresh as a snack
- Slice into salads
- Grill and serve with yogurt
- Blend into smoothies
Bagged Green Beans $2.99/12 oz
Trader Joe’s green beans are crisp, fresh, and last longer than other pre-packaged vegetables, making them an excellent choice for quick meals.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 35
- Fats: 0.1g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sodium: 6mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 3.3g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- 100% fresh green beans
Preparation Instructions
- Steam for 5-7 minutes
- Sauté with olive oil and garlic
- Roast in the oven for a crispy texture
Tomatoes (Cherry, Vine, Beefsteak) $4.99/12 Oz
Trader Joe’s carries excellent tomatoes, especially their cherry and vine-ripened varieties, which are perfect for salads, sandwiches, and sauces.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 27
- Fats: 0.3g
- Carbs: 5.8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 3.9g
- Protein: 1.3g
Ingredients
- 100% fresh tomatoes
Preparation Instructions
- Eat raw in salads
- Roast with olive oil and herbs
- Use in homemade pasta sauces
Garlic $1.99/3-pack
Garlic is a kitchen staple that adds bold flavor to countless dishes. Trader Joe’s garlic is fresh, flavorful, and budget-friendly.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 4
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0.2g
Ingredients
- 100% fresh garlic
Preparation Instructions
- Mince and add to sautéed dishes
- Roast whole for a sweet, nutty flavor
- Use in marinades and dressings
Mini Peppers $3.49/1 Lb
Sweet and crunchy, these mini peppers are great for snacking and cooking and tend to stay fresh longer than larger bell peppers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 25
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 0.5g
Ingredients
- 100% fresh mini sweet peppers
Preparation Instructions
- Eat raw as a snack
- Slice into salads
- Stuff with cheese or hummus
Teeny Tiny Avocados $3.99/1 Each
These smaller avocados ripen more evenly and offer better quality than standard-sized ones, making them a great choice for avocado lovers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 160
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 8.5g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Dietary Fiber: 6.7g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients
- 100% fresh avocado
Preparation Instructions
- Slice and add to sandwiches or salads
- Mash for guacamole
- Blend into smoothies
Fun, Seasonal Fruits
Trader Joe’s frequently stocks unique seasonal fruits like rambutans, gooseberries, Envy apples, and specialty grapes, which are great finds for adventurous eaters.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: Varies by fruit
- Fats: 0-1g
- Carbs: 10-25g
- Sodium: 0-10mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2-5g
- Sugar: 8-20g
- Protein: 0-2g
Ingredients
- 100% fresh seasonal fruit
Preparation Instructions
- Eat fresh as a snack
- Add to fruit salads
- Use in desserts or smoothies
Produce to Avoid at Trader Joe’s
Not all produce at Trader Joe’s is worth the purchase. Here are the ones you should dodge:
Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries) $4.99/16 oz
Trader Joe’s offers a variety of berries, but they often have quality issues, including mold growth and rapid spoilage. Many customers find that they don’t last long after purchase.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 50
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Organic strawberries
Preparation Instructions
- Rinse berries under cold water before consuming.
- Store in a breathable container to prevent mold growth.
Better Alternative: Buy fresh berries from a local farmer’s market or another grocery store known for higher-quality produce.
Standard-Sized Avocados $5.99/1 Each
Trader Joe’s avocados can be hit or miss, often being either too hard or overripe. This inconsistency makes them a poor choice for avocado lovers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 234
- Fats: 21g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Dietary Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Hass avocados
Preparation Instructions
- Ripen at room temperature.
- Store ripe avocados in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.
Better Alternative: Opt for Trader Joe’s Teeny Tiny Avocados, which are more consistent in ripeness and size.
Bagged Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach) $3.49/10 Oz
While convenient, pre-packaged greens tend to wilt quickly due to excess moisture inside the bag, leading to premature spoilage.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 7
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 24mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Organic baby spinach
Preparation Instructions
- Wash before use.
- Store with a paper towel inside the bag to absorb moisture and extend freshness.
Better Alternative: Buy whole heads of lettuce or fresh bunches of spinach for longer shelf life.
Fresh Herbs $2.49/0.75 oz
Fresh herbs at Trader Joe’s often have a short shelf life and wilt quickly, making them a less reliable purchase.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 1
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 0.2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
Organic basil leaves
Preparation Instructions
- Store with stems in water like fresh flowers.
- Refrigerate loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Better Alternative: Grow your own herbs or buy from a specialty store for fresher options.
Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables $3.49/16 oz
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables lose flavor and freshness quickly. Additionally, they may develop a slimy texture due to excess moisture.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 60
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Fresh pineapple
Preparation Instructions
- Consume within 2–3 days of purchase.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Better Alternative: Buy whole pineapples and cut them yourself for better freshness and flavor.
Bagged Onions $3.69/2 Lb
Bagged onions at Trader Joe’s tend to be smaller and do not store well, leading to quicker spoilage.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 44
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 10g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients
Yellow onions
Preparation Instructions
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid storing near potatoes to prevent sprouting.
Better Alternative: Buy loose onions from another grocery store for better quality control.
Sliced Mushrooms $3.49/10 Oz
Pre-sliced mushrooms tend to become slimy and lose texture quickly. Whole mushrooms stay fresher longer.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories per serving: 15
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 2.3g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2.2g
Ingredients
Sliced white mushrooms
Preparation Instructions
- Store in a paper bag in the refrigerator to absorb excess moisture.
- Wash just before cooking to prevent sogginess.
Better Alternative: Buy whole mushrooms and slice them as needed.
Top Tips for Shopping Trader Joe’s Produce Section
To get the freshest produce at Trader Joe’s, follow these guidelines:
- Shop regularly to increase your chances of finding fresh items.
- Inspect appearance for vibrant colors and firm textures.
- Smell for freshness, especially with fruits.
- Check for pests in leafy greens and herbs.
- Consider weight—heavier produce is often fresher.
- Ask employees about new arrivals.
- Shop seasonally for the best quality.
- Store produce properly at home to extend freshness.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can still find quality produce at Trader Joe’s while avoiding the less reliable options.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s produce section has both gems and duds. While bananas, mini peppers, and seasonal fruits are must-buys, items like bagged lettuce, berries, and pre-cut produce are best avoided. By following these shopping tips, you can make the most of your Trader Joe’s experience and bring home the freshest, highest-quality produce.
What are your favorite Trader Joe’s produce picks? Let us know in the comments!
