I’ve been shopping at Trader Joe’s for years, and I still find something new to love every time I walk through the doors. What started as an occasional stop for a few favorite foods eventually became part of my regular grocery routine.
Trader Joe’s can feel a little different from a typical supermarket. The stores are smaller, the selection changes often, and some popular products can disappear from the shelves before you get a chance to buy them. After enough weekly trips, though, you start picking up little habits that make shopping easier.
These are the Trader Joe’s tips I’ve picked up over the years. Some save me time, some help me find new things, and others are just good shopping etiquette.
Shop Midweek Mornings If You Can
Trader Joe’s can get packed, especially on weekends and around busy meal times. If your schedule allows, try going on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, when the store is often quieter.
I also like going earlier in the day because the shelves tend to be well stocked, and I’m not spending half my trip trying to squeeze past other shoppers. The whole experience feels much more relaxed when I can take my time.
Return Your Cart in the Parking Lot
Trader Joe’s parking lots can be tight, so I always return my cart when I’m finished. Leaving it beside another car or in an open parking space creates an additional obstacle for shoppers and employees.
It takes less than a minute to walk the cart back to the designated area. It’s one of those small things that makes the parking lot a little easier for everyone.
Call the Store if You’re Looking for a Sold Out Item
Some Trader Joe’s products have surprisingly devoted fans. Once a product starts getting attention online, it can disappear from shelves pretty quickly. Some food brands have built incredibly loyal followings.
If I’m making a special trip for a particular item, I’ll call the store first. A crew member can tell me whether it’s currently available and, depending on the store and item, may be able to set it aside for a short time.
Don’t Shop Out of Your Reusable Bags
I love using reusable bags, but I don’t use them as my shopping basket. It can make checkout take longer because the cashier has to pull everything out of the bag before scanning it.
Instead, I use a basket or cart while I’m shopping. Once I reach the register, I hand over my reusable bags and let the cashier pack everything up. It’s much easier for everyone and saves me from carrying a half-filled bag around the store.
Ask About Products Before You Reach the Register
Trader Joe’s employees are usually happy to help find a product or answer a question, but the checkout line isn’t the best time to start searching for something. If I realize I’m missing an ingredient while I’m already at the register, I’ll usually make a note to look for it on my next trip.
If you’re still shopping, ask a crew member as you walk through the aisles. They can often point you in the right direction or tell you if something is temporarily out of stock.
Related: Trader Joe’s Employees Wish Customers Would Stop These Annoying Shopping Habits
Don’t Leave Your Cart in Line While You Grab Something
We’ve all remembered one last thing after getting into the checkout line. I’ve done it myself. The problem comes when a cart is left sitting in line while someone disappears for several minutes.
If I really need to grab something, I’ll check how long the line is and make sure I’m not holding everyone up. If it’s going to take more than a second, I usually skip the item and get it another time.
Put Items Back Where They Belong
It’s tempting to leave an item on the closest shelf when you change your mind. But putting refrigerated or frozen food in a random aisle can create a bigger problem, especially if it sits out for too long.
I try to return things to the section where I found them. If I’ve forgotten where an item came from, I’ll give it to a crew member rather than leaving it somewhere random.
Look Up When You’re Browsing the Frozen Section
Trader Joe’s freezers are fairly low, so it’s easy to focus on what’s inside and forget to look at the shelves above them. I’ve found some of my favorite pantry items simply because I happened to glance up while standing in the frozen aisle.
Those upper shelves can hold cookies, sauces, snacks, and other items that pair well with what’s in the freezer. It takes only a second to look, and you might spot something you would have otherwise walked right past.
Related: 10 Popular Trader Joe’s Products Shoppers Say Aren’t Worth It (They Sound Better Than They Taste)
Don’t Skip the Condiment Aisle
The sauces and condiments at Trader Joe’s are some of the easiest things to overlook. There are salsas, salad dressings, dips, marinades, hot sauces, and plenty of products that can make a basic meal taste completely different.
I like picking up something new every few trips rather than buying a bunch at once. A new sauce can turn leftover chicken, rice, vegetables, or pasta into something that feels like a different meal.
Don’t Overhandle the Produce
Trader Joe’s produce section is smaller than that of many large supermarkets. Since the displays can be fairly compact, I try not to dig through every piece of fruit or vegetable just to find the perfect one.
I pick up what I need, check it for obvious bruising or damage, and move on. Being a little gentler with the produce also means fewer items get knocked around while everyone is shopping.
Be Reasonable With Popular Items
Some Trader Joe’s products have such a big following that people will buy several at a time when they spot them. I understand the temptation, especially if the product has been out of stock on previous visits.
Still, I usually take one or two and leave some behind for the next shopper. If I really love something, I’d rather be able to find it again than clear an entire shelf in one trip.
Be Friendly to the Staff
One of my favorite things about Trader Joe’s is that the employees are usually willing to chat about the products. I’ve had crew members recommend snacks, sauces, cheeses, and other things I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own.
A quick thank-you or a friendly conversation doesn’t cost anything. I also try to remember that employees are there to work, so I keep the conversation short if the store is busy or they’re helping other shoppers.
Don’t Treat Free Samples Like a Buffet
The samples are one of the fun parts of shopping at Trader Joe’s, and I’ll happily try something when it’s being offered. But I don’t treat the sample station like a free meal.
If there’s a line or employees are busy setting things up, I’ll take a sample and keep moving. It gives other shoppers a chance to try the product too without making extra work for the staff.
Throw Away Sample Cups
This one seems obvious, but sample cups sometimes end up sitting on shelves, in empty carts, or behind other products. When I’m finished with a sample, I look for a trash can and toss the cup before continuing my shopping.
It’s a tiny thing, but keeping the store clean makes the shopping trip nicer for everyone. There’s usually no reason to leave an empty cup behind when a trash can is nearby.
Try New Cheeses
The cheese section is one of the places I spend the most time browsing. Trader Joe’s carries plenty of familiar choices, but it also offers cheeses from different regions and styles, making it fun to try something new.
I don’t buy a large amount of something I’ve never tasted before. A small piece or package lets me see whether I actually like it before committing to a whole block.
Related: 10 Trader Joe’s Secrets Employees Wish More Shoppers Knew
Don’t Forget the Wine Section
If your local Trader Joe’s sells alcohol, the wine section is worth a look. There are plenty of bottles at different price points, including Trader Joe’s own-label wines and selections from various wineries.
I’ve found some bottles I’ve really enjoyed without spending a lot. If you’re unfamiliar with a particular wine, you can also ask an employee for a suggestion based on what you normally like.
Ask Employees for Recommendations
I’ve learned that asking a Trader Joe’s employee about a product can save me from buying something I’ll never use. Crew members spend their days around the products, and many are happy to tell you what they personally like.
I’ll often ask what they would pick if I’m standing in front of a shelf full of unfamiliar options. Some of my favorite Trader Joe’s purchases started with a simple recommendation from someone working there.
Keep an Eye Out for New Items
One of the reasons I never get completely bored with Trader Joe’s is that there’s always something new to notice. Seasonal foods come and go, new products appear, and some favorites eventually disappear.
I usually take a quick look around the store before checking out, even if I came in for the same few things I buy every week. That’s how I’ve found quite a few new favorites that weren’t on my original grocery list.
