Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and eclectic assortment of foods and goods that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. While many items are well-priced and convenient, some products might not be the best value for your money.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of overpriced items you might want to skip on your next grocery run.
1. Organic Ground Beef 85/15 $7.49/1 Lb
While organic and ostensibly healthier, the price/pound can be steep compared to local supermarket offerings.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 240
- Serves: 4
- Total Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 21 g
Ingredients:
- Organic beef
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Ideal for burgers and meatballs, but consider local butchers for better deals.
2. Greek Nonfat Yogurt Plain $2.99/16 Oz
A staple for healthy diets, but the cost is higher than many competitors.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 110
- Serves About: 2.5
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Total Sugars: 5 g
- Includes 0 g Added Sugars
- Protein: 17 g
- Vitamin D: 0.0 mcg
- Calcium: 190 mg
- Iron: 0.0 mg
- Potassium: 240 mg
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized skim milk
- Live active yogurt cultures
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Perfect with honey and fruits or as a base for smoothies.
3. Crunchy Chili Onion $4.49/6 Oz
Adds a spicy kick to any dish, but similar products are available at lower prices elsewhere.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 110
- Serves About: 9
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
- Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 g
- Total Sugars: 1 g
- Includes 0 g Added Sugars
- Protein: Less than 1 g
Ingredients:
- Onions, chili, vegetable oil
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Sprinkle over dishes for added heat and crunch.
4. Uncured Apple Smoked Bacon $6.49/12 Oz
Offers a rich, smoky flavor without preservatives but at a premium price.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 90
- Serves About: 11
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Total Sugars: 0 g
- Includes 0 g Added Sugar
- Protein: 5 g
Ingredients:
- Pork, water, sea salt, apple juice concentrate
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Great for breakfast sides or in BLTs.
5. Organic Strawberries $6.99/16 Oz
Fresh and flavorful, yet the price can be higher than local seasonal offerings.
Nutrition Facts:
- High in vitamin C
- Low in calories
Ingredients:
- Organic strawberries
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Ideal for snacking, desserts, or salads.
6. Sliced Muenster Cheese $4.49/12 Oz
Creamy and versatile for sandwiches and burgers, yet costly for the amount received.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 110
- Serves About: 12
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Includes 0g Added Sugars
- Protein: 7g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 0mg
- Potassium: 40mg
Ingredients:
- Pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Melt over dishes for a gooey touch.
7. Teeny Tiny Avocados $3.99/1 Each
Adorable and convenient, but higher priced/ounce compared to regular avocados.
Nutrition Facts:
- High in healthy fats
- Rich in fiber
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Great for single servings without waste.
8. Pure Grade A Maple Syrup $4.99/8 Fl Oz
Deliciously rich in flavor, yet the price point is high for the quantity.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 100
- Serves About: 8
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Total Sugars: 24 g
- Includes 24 g Added Sugars
- Protein: 0 g
- Vitamin D: 0.0 mcg
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Iron: 0.5 mg
- Potassium: 90 mg
Ingredients:
- Pure maple syrup
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Drizzle over pancakes or use in baking.
9. Truffle Dip $5.49/7.5 Oz
Luxuriously creamy with a hint of truffle, priced higher than most dips.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 60
- Serves About: 8
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Total Sugars: less than 1 g
- Includes 0 g Added Sugars
- Protein: 2 g
- Vitamin D: 0.1 mcg
- Calcium: 40 mg
- Iron: 0.0 mg
- Potassium: 30 mg
Ingredients:
- Cream, truffles, salt
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve with chips or fresh veggies.
10. Overnight Oats $1.99/5.5 Oz
Convenient and healthy, but relatively easy and cheaper to make at home.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 240
- Serves: 1
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
- Dietary Fiber: 6 g
- Total Sugars: 12 g
- Includes 0 g Added Sugars
- Protein: 8 g
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats, milk, chia seeds
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Customize with your favorite toppings.
11. Spaghetti Carbonara $4.29/16 Oz
A quick meal solution that’s tasty but not cost-effective compared to homemade.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 280
- Serves About: 3
- Total Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Total Sugars: 4 g
- Includes 0 g Added Sugars
- Protein: 11 g
- Vitamin D: 0.0 mcg
- Calcium: 170 mg
- Iron: 0.6 mg
- Potassium: 150 mg
Ingredients:
- Pasta, cream, eggs, bacon
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Heat and serve; add fresh parsley for a homemade touch.
12. Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken $5.99/1 Lb
Conveniently pre-seasoned but more expensive than buying and prepping a whole chicken yourself.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 230
- Serves: Varied
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Total Sugars: less than 1 g
- Includes 0 g Added Sugars
- Protein: 17 g
- Vitamin D: 0.2 mcg
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Iron: 0.7 mg
- Potassium: 180 mg
Ingredients:
- Chicken, lemon, rosemary, spices
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Roast in the oven for a simple yet flavorful meal.
Final Say
This guide can help you navigate Trader Joe’s aisles more effectively, ensuring you get the best value for your grocery budget. Enjoy your shopping and choose wisely!
