Trader Joe’s is one of those stores where it’s incredibly easy to walk in for five things and somehow leave with 20. Between the seasonal finds, snacks, and frozen foods, something new almost always ends up in the cart.
But shopping there every week also makes it pretty easy to figure out what isn’t worth buying. Here are 7 things that don’t make it into the cart.
Pre-Cut Fruit
Pre-cut fruit is convenient, but it can go from looking perfectly fine to watery and soft surprisingly fast. Whole fruit usually lasts longer, costs less and only takes a few extra minutes to cut at home.
Packaged Seafood
Trader Joe’s carries salmon, cod and other packaged seafood, but the selection is pretty small compared with what you’ll find at a traditional grocery store or seafood market. For fish, more choices in cuts, sizes, and freshness make it worth shopping elsewhere.
Fresh Meat and Packaged Chicken
The meat section is another area that’s easy to walk right past because there simply aren’t as many choices as you’d find at a larger supermarket or butcher counter.
Trader Joe’s has plenty of proteins worth grabbing from the freezer, but fresh chicken, steaks and other meats aren’t necessarily the reason to make a weekly trip.
Bagged Greens and Spring Mixes
A bag of greens seems like an easy way to have salads ready for the week, but those leaves don’t take much moisture to start wilting or turning slimy. Unless you use the entire bag quickly, this purchase can easily end with half of it in the trash.
Related: 10 Trader Joe’s Secrets Employees Wish More Shoppers Knew
Sushi Rolls and California Rolls
Grocery-store sushi already has a lot to prove, and sushi lovers are unlikely to find their favorite roll at Trader Joe’s. When the rice is dry or gummy and the fillings aren’t particularly exciting, it’s worth saving that craving for somewhere that makes sushi fresh.
Paper Products
Trader Joe’s may be great for snacks, but toilet paper, tissues and paper towels aren’t particularly exciting buys when other stores offer more choices in size, softness and absorbency. These are everyday basics where buying a larger package elsewhere can also make more sense.
Related: Trader Joe’s Employees Say These Shopping Habits Drive Them Crazy
Hand Soaps and Certain Personal Care Products
Some Trader Joe’s beauty products have a loyal following, but that doesn’t mean every soap, cream, or seasonal scent is worth grabbing. Strong fragrances and formulas that can leave skin feeling dry make this section one where it’s better to be selective rather than buy something simply because the packaging caught your eye.
