These Are the 6 Best Buys at Trader Joe's, According to Reddit

Trader Joe's has a cult-like following, and it's easy to see why! The staff is friendly, the shelves are full of fun products, and the prices are reasonable. If you've never shopped at Trader Joe's and plan to visit soon, you may wonder which buys are worth your money. We took to Reddit to find the best bargain buys so you know which items to put in your cart. 

1. Cheese 

Calling all cheese lovers! Trader Joe's sells plenty of cheeses, including seasonal finds, and the prices are affordable. Trader Joe's sells its cheeses in different weights, so it can be easier to stay on budget as you shop for your next charcuterie night. Reddit user whohootwhohoot noted, "the cheeses are decently priced, and sometimes you can get a smaller chunk of something that otherwise might be too much per pound." 

2. Coconut milk

It's a good idea to have extra coconut milk on hand for those nights when you're craving delicious curry. Trader Joe's sells coconut milk at an affordable price. Reddit user mvorih3 noted that the retailer's coconut milk had the "lowest price I've seen and far superior quality."

3. Tofu

Vegetarians may want to check the price of tofu at their local grocery store and compare pricing at Trader Joe's. Several Redditors said that Trader Joe's tofu is a win for your wallet. User seekingseratonin commented, "It's the only place I buy tofu because it's cheaper!" 

4. Frozen fruit

Another winning find at Trader Joe's is frozen fruit. Reddiot babytigertooth005 noted, "Their organic or regular frozen fruit is priced better than most other stores." Whether you like to add frozen fruit to your yogurt or cereal or use it to make smoothies, you may be able to keep more money in your checking account by buying frozen fruit at Trader Joe's. 

5. Nuts 

Nuts are also an excellent buy for shoppers on a budget. Redditor umamifiend had the following to say about shopping at Trader Joe's while on a budget, "It's always been my go-to for nuts! I've never found a place with a better cost on raw cashews or many other nuts."

6. Coffee

Reddit users also raved about the price and quality of the retailer's coffee. If you're a daily coffee drinker, you may want to try Trader Joe's coffee. Redditor Truly_Bologna said, "I'm an absolute advocate for their basic (cheap!) TJ dark roast. We buy it by the case!!" 

How to maximize your savings at Trader Joe's 

By shopping at Trader Joe's, you could save money on grocery costs. The following tips may help you maximize your savings while shopping at the popular retailer: 

• Shop with a list: Without a list to guide you, it can be easy to overspend. Before you step foot in Trader Joe's, outline a list of your must-have buys so you don't fill your cart with unnecessary purchases.
• Use the website to browse prices: The Trader Joe's website is full of useful information, including detailed product information and prices. You can select your local store and browse available products. Seeing what each item costs before stepping in the door can help you budget accordingly. 
• Plan your meals. In addition to planning out what you want to buy, it can be beneficial to plan the meals that you will make for the week. Having a plan for each product that you buy can help you save time during the week and minimize food waste.

If you have yet to shop at Trader Joe's, you may want to give the retailer a try soon. Shopping at affordable grocery stores can make it easier for you to honor your personal finance goals.