Trader Joe’s Mystery Bags Are Coming Back (But What Are They?)

There are bags, and then there are mystery bags. Trader Joe’s has both. The supermarket periodically causes a stir on the internet when it drops new versions of its tote bags, which at this point feel destined to go viral: Its latest was its spooky tote bags, which we were talking about way back in mid-September (remember when it was the end of summer? That was nice). Slightly newer to its roster, though, are its mystery bags, but true to fashion for TJ’s, the creation of these ushered in yet another sensation for the chain. 

Videos by Sporked

Now they’re coming back – but we also thought it’d be worth checking in on what the heck these things are in the first place. 

Trader Joe’s Mystery Bags

Trader Joe’s mystery bags have been around for a good couple of years now, but they’ve flown slightly under the radar for all but the most fervent fans of the store. The concept is simple: For $2.99, you get a bag that contains…bags. Three of them! Each mystery bag has a trio of reusable limited-edition Trader Joe’s shopping bags, which come from various regions around the country and which have their own funky designs. Each bag is sealed, so you don’t know what you’re going to get until you purchase it. Hence the mystery of it all. 

Trader Joe’s last released its mystery bags at the end of last year, and they quickly both sold out and became a regular feature in TJ’s-themed social media vids (which makes sense: These things are perfect for an unboxing video. Influencers, assemble!). They’ve also become prized collectors’ items: USA Today reports that eBay has mystery bags from previous years listed for up to $100. 

And They’re Back?

They’re back. On Instagram, @traderjoesobsessed revealed that the mystery bags were returning in the first week of November – but only for three days. From Monday 2 to Wednesday 4, you’ll have a chance to get your hands on one of ‘em. 

You should probably move quickly, though, as these things are all but guaranteed to sell out fast. Clearly, the excitement for them hasn’t waned: @traderjoesobsessed’s post about the bags currently boasts hundreds of comments and reposts, with the majority of the former saying how excited they are about their return. Hey: People love bags. People love inexpensive bags. People love surprise bags. People love surprise bags that come in a host of geographically specific designs. Tick, tick, tick, TICK. Get them before they’re gone.