5 Things to Buy at Trader Joe’s Besides Groceries

It seems like everyone swears by a Trader Joe’s product. It’s no secret that the retailer’s private label covers all kinds of kitchen needs, from affordable staples like eggs to novelty treats like Dubai chocolate bars.

A better kept secret, perhaps, is how many useful items Trader Joe’s sells that aren’t edible. The chain’s skincare and household products may not be what come to mind first, but they’re some of its best offerings. On your next grocery run, consider picking up some of these along with your cereal.

Sunscreen

Here’s one of the best deals around. Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 is often hailed as a Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen dupe — for a quarter of the price. A 1.7-ounce tube costs $8.99, compared to $38 at Supergoop for the same amount.

Unlike most sunscreens, this one is a clear, weightless gel. It’s invisible, unscented and oil-free. You can’t even feel it when you put it on.

“As someone who burns easily, I’ve tried so many different sunscreens over the years, and this one from Trader Joe’s is a great budget-friendly alternative to Supergoop’s viral Unseen Sunscreen,” says commerce editor Laura James. “It has a very similar silky-smooth clear texture, which means I don’t have to worry about it leaving a white cast or matching it to my skin tone like I do with some tinted sunscreen options. It has an SPF of 40 and is under $10!”

And there’s more: This summer, Trader Joe’s started selling a five-ounce tube for a limited time. It appears to be an identical formula to the facial sunscreen but comes in a much larger size. Stock up now.

Flowers

Picking up a little something special? Trader Joe’s bouquets are the way to go.

“I get cut flowers almost exclusively from my local Trader Joe’s,” says online editor Noelle Paredes. “Whether I need a simple, seasonal bunch of blooms for my nightstand or I’m creating a holiday tablescape, Trader Joe’s always has the best selection at great prices. Plus, I love picking out my own mix of stems and arranging them myself. (Don’t worry: They have prearranged bunches, too!) I made a massive centerpiece for Thanksgiving this year for under $70 — the same arrangement would cost double from a florist.”

And it’s true that these flowers work for special occasions — people say they’ve turned to them for their weddings, in a pinch.

Tote Bags

These adorable, viral mini tote bags have caused quite a stir. When they debuted in 2023, customers lined up around the block to get their hands on them. After selling out, the bags were scalped on eBay for as much as $500.

Trader Joe’s took the hint and started stocking more after that. The latest drop in April came in four new pastel colors.

That said, Trader Joe’s also sells larger totes that are more practical and readily available. Or if you want something even more precious, these micro totes double as coin purses.

Toilet Paper

If you’re after soft toilet paper, this one is a steal.

“I really love the Trader Joe’s toilet paper!” says commerce intern Amelia Chang. “It’s extremely cheap ($3.99 for 6 rolls), which is perfect, especially in comparison to other retailers like Target, where their 6-roll toilet paper is at least $8. The actual toilet paper itself isn’t rough or scratchy, and one roll lasts a long time. There’s no better deal on toilet paper than at Trader Joe’s in my opinion!”

Greeting Cards

We love Trader Joe’s for its thoughtful designs and cheeky humor, plus its reasonable prices. The store’s greeting cards check all three boxes. They deliver plenty of personality and style for $0.99 apiece. If you need a cute, punny card for any occasion, this selection should be your first stop.

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