If you're looking for an awesome deal on groceries, Trader Joe's is the place. Every savvy shopper knows that TJ's has some of the best prices on food. However, it's not safe to assume that shopping at Trader Joe's always means you're getting the best deal. In fact, there are a few things you should avoid buying at Trader Joe's. Click through the slideshow to find out which products you should be buying elsewhere.
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Sushi & Fresh Seafood
A few years ago, Trader Joe's was criticized for selling seafood that was not sustainably sourced (Reviewed). These days, TJ's seafood is sustainably sourced but the quality can be unreliable. The store doesn't sell a lot of fresh seafood or sushi. Instead, stick to their frozen and canned seafood.
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Meat
Trader Joe's doesn't have a deli, which means they don't sell fresh cuts of meat. Meat tends to be a better deal at groceries stores with delis or on-site butchers. Trader Joe's prepackaged meats just can't compare to the price and quality of a deli or butcher.
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Cut Flowers
Trader Joe's usually has a variety of cut flowers on sale. While the bouquets are usually pretty cheap, the flowers aren't always the best quality. The stems are kept in buckets of water and aren't refrigerated, so they don't tend to last long.
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Produce
Many people prefer fresh, local produce compared to Trader Joe's selection. According to Eating Well, you can get usually get a better deal on fruits and vegetables at traditional groceries stores or local markets (and the selection tends to fresher). However, there are some good deals in the TJ's produce section, such as bananas and avocados.
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Organic Chicken
According to Kiplinger, Both Kroger and Walmart beat Trader Joe’s price per pound on organic chicken breasts.
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Frozen Fruit & Veggies
Trader Joe's only sells small packages of frozen fruits and vegetables. For a better value per ouce, buy larger bags at Walmart or wholesale stores like Costco (Kiplinger).
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