The Best $20 You Can Spend at Trader Joe’s, According to Superfans

If you’re on a budget and are looking for ways to stretch your money further, check out Trader Joe’s. You’d be surprised at the sheer quantity of quality foods it carries — many of which are available at very affordable prices.

From pantry staples to fresh produce, here’s the best way to spend $20, according to superfans.

“When making the most out of $20 at Trader Joe’s, I’ve honed in on several go-to items that offer value and quality,” said Eric Sornoso, a superfan and CEO of Mealfan. One way to spend $20, he said, is to get your fresh produce at the store.

“While $20 may not stretch as far in the fresh produce department, Trader Joe’s still offers competitive prices on various fruits and vegetables,” said Sornoso. “Choose affordable options like bananas, carrots or leafy greens to complement your meals and snacks. Opting for seasonal produce can also help stretch your budget further.”

Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money, specifically recommended bananas: “Bananas are always the best place to start at Trader Joe’s. The store has held the price of bananas at 19 cents for years, and freezing them can be a great way to create a base for smoothies.”

But since you’re not likely to burn through your entire $20 on bananas alone, Lieberman suggested a few other things to go with them.

“Once you’ve gotten your bananas, look for other inexpensive produce you really like,” he said. “Adding in some fresh produce, a reasonable cut of meat and some potatoes can help you create three or four meals out of the cost of one dinner at a restaurant.”

When it comes to those pantry staples, Trader Joe’s is a great place to go to stock up on a $20 budget.

“With $20, I suggest [getting] items like organic pasta, canned beans, sauces and grains,” said Sornoso. “Not only are these essentials reasonably priced, but they also boast exceptional taste and quality, making them versatile additions to any meal.”

Having these pantry staples on hand makes cooking a lot more convenient, too, since you won’t have to run to the store whenever you need something like beans or rice. Plus, these items tend to have long shelf lives, meaning you won’t have to worry about them expiring anytime soon.

Like many grocery stores, Trader Joe’s tends to have seasonal offerings, too. When it comes to fall in particular, Alex Webster, a Trader Joe’s superfan, recommends anything with pumpkin spice.

But if you’re not a major pumpkin spice fan, the store also carries other such flavors as apple, butternut squash and maple. These unique flavors make for a great way to spice up your regular meals, according to Webster.

“Trader Joe’s is known for its ever-changing lineup of seasonal and specialty items,” added Sornoso. “Allocate a portion of your $20 to explore these unique offerings, such as limited-edition sauces, snacks or beverages. Not only does this allow you to sample new flavors and products, but it also adds excitement to your shopping experience.”

Another great way to spend $20 at Trader Joe’s, according to Sornoso, is by shopping the frozen section. Not only is the selection budget-friendly, but they’re also meant to last. This makes them great to have when you want something quick and simple to eat.

“With $20, consider picking up frozen fruits and vegetables, such as mixed berries or chopped spinach,” said Sornoso. You can use these in stir-fries, side dishes and smoothies.

Alternatively, you can grab some frozen meals or appetizers that cost much less than what you’d spend at typical restaurants.

“As a frequent Trader Joe’s customer, I’ve perfected my $20 spending strategy over time,” said Lyle Solomon, principal attorney at Oak View Law Group. “The bakery section is a must — affordable artisan breads are perfect for sandwiches. Don’t miss the ready-made pizza or ravioli dishes either, coming in under $5 for a filling meal.”

At those prices, you can get four different meals for about $20.

Not everything you buy at Trader Joe’s has to be healthy or used as part of a meal. It’s also okay to indulge yourself every now and again, even if you’re on a strict budget. So, if you have $20, check out the store’s snack aisles.

“Whether it’s their famous Speculoos Cookie Butter, dark chocolate-covered almonds or assorted trail mixes, these affordable indulgences can satisfy cravings without overspending,” said Sornoso.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get wine — not at Trader Joe’s, anyway.

“Trader Joe’s inexpensive private-label wines make any night feel indulgent, too,” said Solomon.

Some of these bottles only cost a few bucks, meaning you can grab a few — for gatherings or any other future plans.

“For example, Trader Joe’s is famous for its Two-Buck Chuck wine, which offers decent quality wine at a very affordable price point — just a few dollars,” said Dan Kroytor, Trader Joe’s superfan and the founder of TailoredPay.

If you’re looking for something different, several superfans suggested checking out Trader Joe’s selection of international foods.

“The international aisle also can’t be beat, allowing you to try things like pistachio baklava or spicy Korean noodles for less than $3 a box,” said Solomon.

“Indian-inspired Butter Chicken meals offer up to two servings of chicken and rice for only five dollars,” added Kroytor.