9 Chef-Approved Trader Joe’s Grocery Items To Beat Inflation
Written by
Emily Fowler
Edited by
Cory Dudak
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Inflation has turned everyday grocery trips into budgeting exercises for many households. With prices rising, planning meals and shopping for ingredients can feel more stressful than it should.
Shawna Clark, founder and chef at Healthy Foodie Girl, shared the Trader Joe’s staples that deliver on value, versatility and shelf life. These nine items can help stretch meals and reduce waste, as well as making it easier to serve up tasty dishes even when budgets are tight.
1. Canned Beans
Organic canned beans are “one of the best values at Trader Joe’s,” according to Clark, with garbanzo, kidney and black beans all costing $1.19 for 15.5-ounce cans. Keeping a stock of these versatile proteins in the pantry can make weeknight dinners cheaper and faster without sacrificing nutrition.
2. Marinara Sauce
“Trader Joe’s marinara sauce is high quality for the price and works far beyond pasta,” said Clark.
Both the roasted garlic and tomato basil are $1.99 for 24 ounces, and can be used as a base for baked dishes, casseroles, chilies or even on homemade pizza.
3. Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
Clark recommended this $1.99 seasoning as a way to transform simple dishes. A quick shake adds texture and flavor to everyday meals without the need to reach for pricier options.
4. Olive Oil
Trader Joe’s Imported Olive Oil is a blend of extra virgin and refined oil that sells for $9.99 per liter, delivering “great quality at a price that’s hard to beat for everyday cooking.”
5. Nut Butter
Clark recommended organic peanut and almond butter for their protein content and great value, with this organic peanut butter costing $4.49 for 16 ounces and organic almond butter at $3.99 for 12 ounces. Nut butter is more versatile than simply a toast topping; it can be used in everything from smoothies to savory sauces, making it a practical pantry staple.
6. Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a smart way to save money while reducing waste. For example, this organic riced cauliflower is $2.49 for 12 ounces. Frozen veggies are just as nutritious as more expensive fresh produce, often even more so because of the speed of harvesting and freezing.
7. Dried Lentils
“Dried lentils are one of the most affordable, filling pantry staples for easy meals,” said Clark.
Prices vary by store, but lentils and other dried pulses in general are a low-cost base for recipes either as the sole protein source or to stretch out more expensive ingredients.
8. Pasta
Dried pasta is inexpensive and shelf-stable, making it the ideal base for countless budget-friendly meals. Trader Joe’s basic one-pound packs like fusilli or linguine sell for just $0.99, or shoppers can stretch the budget to something like Organic Artisan Gigli Pasta from Puglia at $2.99.
9. Sliced Bread
Clark highlighted Trader Joe’s bread as an economical way to stretch grocery budgets, especially as it freezes well. The white sliced bread costs $1.99 and can be frozen and taken out when needed for easy lunches like toast and sandwiches, helping reduce extra midweek shopping trips.
Stretching Groceries Without Sacrificing Flavor
Grocery prices aren’t likely to go down any time soon, but smart shopping for staples like the ones above can make a real difference. These chef-approved picks cover protein, carbs, sauces and seasonings, all items that store well and help the grocery budget go further while keeping meals flavorful and versatile.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of Feb. 21, 2026 and subject to change.
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