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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.
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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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
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.
Honey O's Cereal
Courtesy of Trader Joe'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
January is here, bringing fresh starts, clean slates, and a renewed focus on routines. As the new year kicks off, so do savings, making it the perfect time to reset your space and budget with smart seasonal buys. Look for deals on:
Fitness gear, wellness products, and activewear
Home organization essentials
Cold-weather basics, like coats, boots, and cozy layers
For grocery savings, look for seasonal produce, including citrus fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables
With post-holiday markdowns and a shift toward fresh priorities, January is a great time to shop smart, stock up, and set the tone for a well-prepped year ahead.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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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