How to Shop at Trader Joe’s: 6 Mistakes Even Experienced Shoppers Make at Trader Joe’s

So, your town finally got a Trader Joe’s. Congratulations! Get ready for a wonderful new world of snacks, frozen appetizers, and probably the best bagged salads you can get in the country. But wait! Before you go in, reusable grocery totes blazing, thinking that this is just like any other grocery store, check yourself. Here’s a list of the six most common mistakes even seasoned Trader Joe’s shoppers make. Don’t be like them.

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6 Mistakes People Make Shopping at Trader Joe’s

Buying Staples

Trader Joe’s cannot be the only grocery store you go to. I mean, I guess it could be, but you’d end up with some not so great foods. You see, with a few exceptions, Trader Joe’s sucks at stapes. The hot dog buns are some of the worst I’ve ever had. The pasta sauces are mid at best. Even the butter is pretty lackluster. Trader Joe’s is where you go for the fun stuff.

Opting for a Basket

There’s no way you’re getting out of Trader Joe’s with just a basket’s worth of stuff. Get the cart. Your forearm will thank you later.

Going in with a List

You think you know what Trader Joe’s has in stock? As the old Yiddish saying goes, “Man plans, and god laughs.”

Trying to Go on a Sunday Afternoon—or a Saturday Afternoon, or Any Day After 5 p.m.

Peak hours at Trader Joe’s are hellish. Back in my New York days, I remember trying to go to a Trader Joe’s during peak hours, stepping into the door, and immediately finding out I was in line to check out. The line went through the entire store. Nightmare.

Complaining About the Parking

Yeah, we know. It’s hard to park. Complaining about it is hacky. Find something else.

Sleeping on the Flowers

Trader Joe’s floral section is underrated. You can find some super cute succulents, seasonal potted flowers, and bouquets that stay fresh for a shockingly long time. It’s not talked about enough!

About the Author

Hi! I’m the editor-in-chief of Sporked. I will never turn down a fresh-shucked oyster but I’ll also leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and I love a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients. Why you should trust me: I have been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and am an avid at-home cook and snacker. I began my career writing about fine dining and recipes, moved into cocktails and spirits, and now I talk about groceries. If you can eat it or drink it, I’ve probably written about it. What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s dried okra. Appleton Farms prosciutto from Aldi. Some sort of Trader Joe’s cheese (I’m into the aged gouda at the moment). Frozen waffles (usually the Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis). Spindrift water (loving the Cosmopolitan right now). Favorite ranking: Smoked salmon. Imagine me as Scrooge McDuck but instead of coins I’m diving into a vault of slippery smoked salmon slices. Pure joy. I also found some real steals in that taste test! Least favorite ranking: Canned oysters. I had such high hopes for this but it quickly became a chore. The kitchen smelled like an uncleaned aquarium.