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11 Trader Joe’s Dupes That Taste Better (And Cost Less) Than the Name Brands

Trader Joe's shoppers say these products outperform their name-brand counterparts.

Trader Joe's Dupes That Taste Better Than the Name Brands Featured Image
Updated Aug. 6, 2025
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Stores ranging from Walmart to Costco offer store-brand versions of products that often are more affordable than the name brand. This is one of the best Trader Joe's shopping hacks, as the quality of these foods is usually excellent.

Stepping away from name brands can be a great way to save cash and cut the cost of groceries.

When it comes to Trader Joe's, loyal shoppers claim these products are just as good (if not better) than the name brands.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Price: $5.99

For many shoppers, the fact that Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups is a step up from Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

And not just because it features dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Some also say the peanut butter Trader Joe's uses is smoother, too.

Organic Spicy Honey Sauce

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Organic Spicy Honey Sauce

Price: $4.99

If you have some Mike's Hot Honey in your pantry, consider swapping it for a Trader Joe's Organic Spicy Honey Sauce.

The Trader Joe's product is the perfect condiment for chicken, pizza, and other favorite options, but it can cost less than Mike's version.

Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream

Price: $4.99

There's nothing better than coffee ice cream on a hot day, especially if it's Trader Joe's Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream.

This Trader Joe's favorite offers sweet ice cream with a coffee kick for less than the cost of Häagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream.

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Honey O's Cereal

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Joe's O's

Price: $2.69

Shoppers go nuts for Trader Joe's Honey O's Cereal, which is the retailer's version of Honey Nut Cheerios.

They're the perfect thing for breakfast at home or to take with you as a snack for the kids. Your children might even like them better than Cheerios.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

methaphum/Adobe person holding a wallet

August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:

  • Travel and getaway must-haves
  • Back-to-school basics
  • Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
  • For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries

As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.

Organic Hummus

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Organic Hummus

Price: $2.99

Looking to add some extra flavor to your favorite chips and veggies? Dip them in Trader Joe's Organic Hummus. Fans of the Trader Joe's version say it's just as smooth and tasty as the name-brand Sabra Classic Hummus.

Joe-Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Joe-Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies

Price: $4.49

Trader Joe's own Joe-Joe's Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies are a delicious alternative to the more mainstream (and often more expensive) Oreos.

You can twist them to get to the creamy center of these chocolate cookies or dunk them in milk. Check out your local Trader Joe's to confirm other fans' assessment of the dunking superiority of these Trader Joe's treats.

Parmesan Pastry Pups

Courtesy of Trader Joes Parmesan Pastry Pups

Price: $4.99

Why settle for pigs in a blanket when you can step it up with Trader Joe's Parmesan Pastry Pups?

These tasty treats include small beef franks wrapped up in a flaky crust with a bit of Parmesan cheese. They compare favorably to Sabrett Franks in a Blanket.

World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs

Courtesy of Trader Joe's World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs

Price: $2.69

You may make Pirate's Booty-Aged White Cheddar Cheese Puffs walk the plank when you compare them to Trader Joe's World's Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs.

Test out the difference between the two when it comes to cheesy taste and texture to see which one you prefer.

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Fig Cookies

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Fig Cookies

Price: $2.49

Instead of a typical chocolate chip cookie, check out Trader Joe's Fig Cookies. These soft-baked cookies with a chewy fig center may make you think of the name-brand Newton's version.

Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water

Price: $3.79

Grab a refreshing Trader Joe's Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water out of your fridge to cool down on a hot day. 

The eight-pack includes natural blueberry and lemon flavors to give it an extra kick and make it a tasty alternative to the Waterloo version of sparkling water.

Organic Corn Chip Dippers

Courtesy of Trader Joe's Organic Corn Chip Dippers

Price: $2.79

Need a corn chip to serve as a good scoop for dips? Grab some Organic Corn Chip Dippers from Trader Joe's.

This Trader Joe's product comes packed with organic corn and salt, making it the perfect chip to pick up salsas, cheese dips, and more. It's a good, affordable alternative if you usually grab a bag of Fritos Scoops.

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

Syda Productions/Adobe family shopping at grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

Bottom line

jetcityimage/Adobe cars outside trader joe's store

Trader Joe's can be a great place to buy alternative versions of your favorite name-brand foods.

Before you head to the store, check your wallet to make sure you have one of the best rewards credit cards that can help you earn cash back or other rewards.

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