Stock up on these hidden gems.
FAQs
What is Trader Joe's biggest seller? ›
Best Overall Trader Joe's Item: Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. When it comes to Trader Joe's products, there's one that shoppers believe is a cut above the rest—snack category winner Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips.
What is so special about Trader Joe's? ›We buy direct from suppliers whenever possible, we bargain hard to get the best price, and then pass the savings on to you. We buy in volume and contract early to get the best prices. If an item doesn't pull its weight in our stores, it goes away, making room for another innovative new product.
Why does Trader Joe's discontinue so many products? ›First off, the stores tend to be smaller than their competitors. “We just physically don't have room to carry things that aren't popular, as disappointing as that is to hear and experience,” said Matt Sloan, one of the hosts of the company's podcast.
Is it true you can try anything at Trader Joe's? ›While you can't walk into your neighborhood grocery store and sample anything you want, that kind of behavior is actually encouraged at Trader Joe's. TJ's employees have permission to open any ready-to-eat item in the store, which means you're able to taste-test hundreds of products without buying them first.
Who is Trader Joe's main competitor? ›Trader Joe's competitors include H E B, Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market and NatureBox. Trader Joe's ranks 2nd in Product Quality Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
What is Trader Joe's most popular in 2024? ›Trader Joe's Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice. Last year's winner has landed on top again. The dish has chunks of chicken in a mild curry and a side of Basmati rice. Runners Up: Chicken Tikka Masala (2nd), Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings (3rd), Vegetable Fried Rice (4th), Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings (5th).
What is Trader Joe's sister company? ›A tale of two Aldis
For those who are stunned to learn Trader Joe's isn't just an Aldi subsidiary but that there are two Aldis, let's take a step back. CNBC explains Aldi was originally founded as a suburban German corner store which brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht inherited after World War II.
Another weakness is the limited products they offer. Customers may be unable to find everything on their grocery list because of Trader Joe's small variety of products in their stores. This can be undesirable to customers who want a single store to provide them with everything on their grocery list.
What did Trader Joe's used to be called? ›The company began in 1958 as a Greater Los Angeles area chain known as Pronto Market convenience stores. Coulombe felt the original Pronto Markets were too similar to 7-Eleven, which he described as the "800-pound gorilla of convenience stores", and was concerned that the competition would be too heavy.
What is the controversy with Trader Joe's? ›The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union has accused Trader Joe's of “union busting” since Pronto was opened in the company's former wine shop, which closed in 2022 and prompted complaints from the labor group.
Why does Trader Joe's go bad so fast? ›
“While I do not personally have experience with Trader Joe's speed of mold growth, it is possible that it grows more quickly, and I make this assumption based on the significantly lower amount of preservatives present in TJ's breads and other food products,” says registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD.
What is Trader Joe's being sued over? ›The Trader Joe's case combined five lawsuits involving 17 law firms. It alleged undisclosed levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic, another heavy metal, in eight dark chocolate bars, citing the Consumer Reports study and "independent laboratory" testing.
What do Trader Joe's call their employees? ›Instead of calling their workers employees, Trader Joe's has nautical titles for positions. crew members are entry-level workers. Merchants are crew members who've received recognition for stellar customer service.
What is the hidden prize at Trader Joe's? ›At most stores, the employees hide a stuffed animal somewhere among the shelves and stacks in the store. It's the perfect way to distract kids during a shopping trip. If your kiddo finds the stuffed animal, bring it to one of the employees for a special reward. The stores usually offer a sweet piece of candy!
Does every Trader Joes have a hidden thing? ›If you're like us, and you didn't know, Trader Joe's actually hides stuffed animals all around its stores.
What is the busiest Trader Joes store? ›Most locations averaged between 10,000 and 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2). California has the largest number of stores with 193 open in the state. The chain's busiest location is its 72nd & Broadway store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
What is the unique selling proposition of Trader Joe's? ›Developing Your Unique Selling Proposition
For example, Trader Joe's created an experience for their customers that no one else could replicate. They had unique products at low prices and customer service that was unlike anything else in the industry. To develop your own USP, think outside the box.
Reasonable Prices
Since the significant majority of products for sale at Trader Joe's is from the chain's private label, the prices are pretty competitive. Costco is known for its $5 rotisserie chicken, and Trader Joe's is known for its affordable fancy cheeses, wine, dips, and more.
The original store had a typical convenience shop assortment of groceries, along with discounted magazines, books, socks and hosiery, records and photo finishing. The big draw, however, was the alcohol selection. The original Trader Joe's in Pasadena, California. It opened in 1967.