Who knows what items in a grocery store are YUMMY better than the employees who work there? Nobody. This is especially true when the store is Trader Joe’s and employees are munching on free samples all day and using their employee discount to take home new items to try out. Here are some of the best buys at Trader Joe’s, according to crew members, so you can make the most of your next trip.

1. Italian Food

A Trader Joe’s manager summed it up nicely, “The pasta is imported from Italy and is 99 cents.”

Prices at similar stores typically range from $3 to $4 per box.

Also, check out other Italian staples like olive oil and vinegar.

In particular, the manager singled out the white Modena vinegar mixed with California Estate olive oil as a BIG winner, especially when used as a salad dressing.

PRO TIP: FLOWERS, FLOWERS, FLOWERS

The flowers that Trader Joe’s sells are pretty amazing. They always have a wide selection of fresh cut flowers that are sold as  bouquets, or in individual bunches so you can create your own arrangement. And the prices are VERY reasonable, way cheaper than grocery stores like Safeway, Whole Foods, and Kroger.

2. TJ’s Private Label Beer

Their Mission St. Pale Ale came in 1st place in a taste test of 30 private label beers.

The Trader Jose Premium Lager also did quite well as did the Mission Street Brown Ale and Josephsbrau Heller Bock.

The price per 6-pack is quite competitive as well. Pick up a bottle or two and give it a try, you just might become a convert.

See Also: 8 Brilliant Trader Joe’s Shopping Tips (Shop Smart and Save)

3. Wine

While the 2-buck Chuck still does well in taste tests, the one bottle that employees rave about is the Tribunal red blend for $9.99.

The ten dollar price tag keeps it from being in most wine racks, but apparently it’s a real show stopper.

4. Frozen Meals

A few employee favorites include the Mac & Cheese Bites, Quattro Formaggio Pizza, and their Mandarin Orange chicken.

Keep an eye out for free samples of all 3 so you can give them a try without having to buy.

PRO TIP: DON’T SLEEP ON THE SPECIALTY CHEESES

I had several employees tell me that their specialty cheeses and a GREAT deal, up to 40% cheaper than Whole Foods. Think smoked cheddar, gouda, creamy toscano, port salut, havarti, and brie to name a few. Both delicious and CHEAP.

5. Coffee

According to an employee, “Our coffee is inexpensive compared to most other places. We have so many coffee options, there’s something for everyone in our tiny little coffee section. We’ve got the spicier coffees, the nuttier coffees, and there’s usually an affordable alternative to each one.”

6. Five Seed Almond Bars

Because the name makes it sound like something you’d feed your hamster, the Five Seed Almond Bar gets very little love.

But according to employees it’s off the hook delicious.

Best explained as a very fresh tasting and chewy Nature Valley bar, they’re universally loved by all those brave enough to make the plunge.

7. Bananas

At $0.19 per banana, the price at Trader Joe’s hasn’t changed in over a decade.

At the grocery store, you’re paying per pound for bananas which of course includes the peel. Unless you’re a goat, you ain’t eatin’ the peel, so why pay for it?

8. Cage-Free Eggs

Cage-free eggs are about $2.70/dozen at your typical grocery store….at Trader Joe’s you’ll only pay $1.99/dozen for cage-free eggs.

Or you can just do what I do and raise you’re own laying hens.

See Also: The Best Buying Guide to Learn How to “Time” Purchases to Save

9. Scandinavian Swimmers

If you love Swedish Fish candy, you’ll really love Trader Joe’s alternative named Scandinavian Swimmers.

Apparently there a little less sweet than Swedish Fish and you can get a HUGE bag for only $2.99.

Ask the Reader: What say you? What are some of your favorite buys at Trader Joe’s? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Photo by Liz West.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)