Think Trader Joes is the best bargain always?
Think againplus tips on how to stay within your budget.
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My grandma is an original little treat treasure hunter.
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Grocery shopping with her in American and international markets was always an adventure because she encouraged flavor exploration.
While Im not a regular TJs shopper, my grandmas delight at the prices and selection are infectious.
Baked Goods
The upside to buying baked goods from Trader Joes is that there are no preservatives in them.
Because no Trader Joes has its own bakery, the breads, desserts and pastries are shipped in.
It doesnt feel worth buying something of questionable freshness when fresher products are available at other stores.
Milk
Ive never picked up milk from Trader Joes.
However, their orange juice is surprisingly pricey.
Even for non-organic orange juice, a half-gallon can run $6.49.
This is twice the going sticker price for Tropicana orange juice, which is also not from concentrate.
Plus, dark meat isnt a smart buy at Trader Joes.
Its a much better deal to buy family packs of raw chicken and freeze any extra.
When you compare the per-item price versus standard per-pound pricing, TJs doesnt always have the edge.
Other examples include potatoes, peppers, onions and sweet potatoes.
The differences for grapes and zucchini are even more dramatic.
Refrigerated Prepared Food
The ready-to-eat case at Trader Joes is hard to resist.
Its full of colorful, flavorful selections, and most of them arent too overpriced for the convenience.
However, camouflaged between the reasonable buys are some lurkers that will cost you if youre not paying attention.
Ive found that the biggest spending dangers at TJs are impulse buys and limited-edition curiosities.
So before I make a run to Joes, I strategize what limited-edition items I want to get.
You might ask how I do that without a circular.
Heres a little secret: Trader Joes does have a circular;its called The Fearless Flyer.
Additionally, I always check the weights and servings of packages.
The difference can be dramatic.
Youll need to supplement with more food items, making that cheap dinner not so cheap.
Your pantry, wallet and snack-happy self will thank you later.
