Trader Joe's is known for its private-label products, many of which are spot-on dupes of more expensive name-brand items. Why pay extra when you can get the same taste (or better) for a fraction of the price? Here are some of the best Trader Joe's alternatives to pricier grocery store favorites.
1. Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups vs. Reese's
- Why It's a Dupe: These peanut butter cups have a rich, creamy filling with a thick layer of dark chocolate-arguably even better than Reese's.
- Price Comparison: Trader Joe's version costs about $4 for a whole tub, while name-brand versions are often smaller and more expensive.
2. Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel Seasoning vs. Fancy Bagel Seasonings
- Why It's a Dupe: A perfect blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt-just like the fancy bottled versions but much cheaper.
- Price Comparison: Trader Joe's sells it for under $3, while other brands charge around $6 to $8 for similar blends.
3. Trader Joe's Chile Lime Rolled Tortilla Chips vs. Takis
- Why It's a Dupe: If you love Takis, you'll love these. They're crunchy, spicy, and full of that addictive chili-lime flavor.
- Price Comparison: Takis typically cost $4-$5 per bag, but Trader Joe's version is around $2.50-$3.
4. Trader Joe's Organic White Cheddar Puffs vs. Pirate's Booty
- Why It's a Dupe: Light, airy, and cheesy, these puffs taste just like Pirate's Booty but at a better price.
- Price Comparison: Pirate's Booty costs around $5 per bag, while Trader Joe's sells theirs for about $2.50.
5. Trader Joe's Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer vs. Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss
- Why It's a Dupe: Creamy, slightly sweet, and made with real milk and cream-just like the popular name-brand version.
- Price Comparison: Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss is $5-$6, while Trader Joe's version is around $3.50.
6. Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter vs. Biscoff Spread
- Why It's a Dupe: If you love Biscoff cookies, you'll love this spreadable version that's just as creamy, rich, and spiced.
- Price Comparison: Biscoff Spread costs $5+, but Trader Joe's Cookie Butter is closer to $4.
7. Trader Joe's Almond Butter vs. Justin's Almond Butter
- Why It's a Dupe: Same rich, creamy, lightly roasted almond taste-but without the premium price tag.
- Price Comparison: Justin's Almond Butter costs $12-$15, while Trader Joe's version is $6-$7.
8. Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar vs. Aged Cheddar from High-End Brands
- Why It's a Dupe: This cheese tastes like a mix of aged cheddar and parmesan-super sharp, tangy, and crumbly, just like fancy aged cheeses.
- Price Comparison: High-end aged cheddars cost $8+ per block, while Unexpected Cheddar is under $5.
9. Trader Joe's Sunscreen vs. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
- Why It's a Dupe: Trader Joe's sunscreen has the same lightweight, clear, non-greasy formula as the high-end version.
- Price Comparison: Supergoop! costs $38 per bottle, while Trader Joe's version is $9.
10. Trader Joe's Cold Brew Concentrate vs. Starbucks Cold Brew
- Why It's a Dupe: Smooth, bold, and strong-this concentrate lets you make coffeehouse-style cold brew at home for way less.
- Price Comparison: Starbucks Cold Brew is $5+ per bottle, while Trader Joe's concentrate makes multiple servings for about $8.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to save money without sacrificing taste or quality, Trader Joe's dupes are a no-brainer. Many of these items taste just as good-if not better-than their expensive name-brand counterparts.
Have you tried any of these Trader Joe's swaps? Let me know which ones are your favorite!
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