Trader Joe’s is known for its affordable produce and frozen food selections, but its non-food products — everything from skincare to candles and even greeting cards — often go unnoticed.
Half the fun of a TJ’s shopping run is that there are always new shopping hacks and new products to discover. Here are some other ways you can reap the benefits of Trader Joe’s affordability outside of their everything bagel seasoning and cauliflower gnocchi.
Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen has taken the internet by storm as a remarkably affordable dupe for Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen.
Customers love it because it soaks into your face without leaving a residue behind, and at just under $10, it’s over four times cheaper than the $40 Supergoop sunscreen. For the same price of one Supergoop bottle, you could buy several to keep in your purse, car, and medicine cabinet.
Greeting Cards
Price: $0.99
Depending on the layout of your local Trader Joe’s location, you may have never noticed the greeting card section, as it's often tucked away in a hidden part of the store.
On your next visit, ask an employee to point you in their direction. For just $.99 a piece, they have an adorable and eclectic collection of greeting cards that you can keep on hand for all your gift-giving and letter-writing needs.
Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray
Price: $1.99
With the cold and flu season upon us, it’s good to keep a good hand sanitizer on you to keep the germs at bay.
Customers love this one from Trader Joe’s because its compact size makes it easy to slip into a desk drawer, backpack, or purse. At just $1.99 for two fluid ounces, it’s a great deal — especially compared to one from Bath & Body Works, which is double the price and half the amount of product.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
Price: $9.99
If you’re trying to be more conscious about the amount of disposable plastic you use, a good place to start is investing in reusable food storage bags.
Shoppers love these Trader Joe’s ones, which come in a pack of 3. You’ll find a similar set at Target, which is currently priced at $35.95. The $10 price point can’t be beat.
Retinol Night Serum
Price: $9.99
Retinol is a great addition to your skincare routine if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But these little bottles of precious serum tend to be expensive.
At just under $10 for one fluid ounce, this is a great deal and a great way to try retinol in your skincare regimen if you aren’t looking to make a major financial investment.
Reddit user TerribleShopping7012 shared: “Yes it’s awesome! My dermatologist said it is actually better than the more expensive brands.”
Trending Stories
Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream
Price: $4.99
If you love L’Occitane’s hand cream, you need to try Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream.
Shoppers love it because it sinks into your skin without leaving behind a greasy layer of residue, and at just under $5 per bottle, it’s a great purchase that you can keep in your bag or a desk drawer at work to keep your hands moisturized in the winter months.
Dry Shampoo
Price: $4.99
Trader Joe’s dry shampoo is beloved by shoppers because it soaks into hair easily without leaving any residue. This is a good dupe for the Odele Dry Shampoo from Target. At roughly half the price for the same amount of product, this is a great cost-effective option.
Peppermint Multipurpose Castile Soap
Price: $5.99
This is a gentle, plant-based cleaner that can be used on everything from dishes and laundry to your face and body. This one is made with coconut, jojoba, and peppermint oils which give it a clean and refreshing scent. It’s also double the amount of product and half the price of this one by Dr. Bronner’s, making it a perfect dupe for those who use castile soap as part of their regular cleaning routine.
Chicken & Bone Broth Recipe Dog Treats
If you’re trekking to the pet store to stock up on dog treats for your furry friends, save yourself a trip and pick them up on your next Trader Joe’s run.
Not only are they affordable, but the small size makes them perfect for smaller dogs that usually need their treats broken up into smaller pieces.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Liquid Laundry Detergent Free and Clear
Price: $5.99
Along with all the other cleaning products on this list, Trader Joe’s has a great liquid laundry detergent that’s cheaper than most other name brands on the market.
It’s free of dyes and artificial scents, which makes it great for people with sensitive skin or allergies. It’s half the price and comes with the same amount of product as one from Arm & Hammer, which is also fragrance-free and designed for those with sensitive skin.
Cleansing + Conditioning Hair Wash
Price: $4.99
This is the perfect hair product for those who don’t want to overdo the harsh shampoo washes every day.
Your hair will thank you after using this gentle formula, which cleans lightly and leaves it moist. It doesn’t foam, so at first, you might think it’s not cleaning, but trust me, it is. You will love the fresh yet hydrated feeling this product gives.
Bottom Line
It’s no mystery that groceries—especially household items like cleaning supplies and body care items — are getting more and more expensive.
We’re all doing our best to find ways to save money on groceries, but one good thing about Trader Joe’s is that they’ve managed to keep their prices low in more than just their food selection.
From gift giving to skincare to cleaning supplies, there are lots of hidden products in their tightly packed, winding aisles that can net you savings.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.