5 Best Items To Buy at Trader Joe’s for Less Than $5
Written by
Kathryn Jackson
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Trader Joe’s is famous for unique products with great prices, but some items stand out for being under $5, making them perfect for budget-conscious shoppers wanting to stay frugal in the frosty weather. The affordable finds deliver quality and flavor without stretching your grocery budget, which is saying something considering today’s mile-high food costs.
If you’re looking to save money stocking up on delicious essentials, check out these low-cost Trader Joe’s finds that deliver unbeatable quality at an undeniable value.
1. Organic Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- Price: $1.99
One of the most versatile pantry staples is also a popular and cheap Trader Joe’s item. Use this organic low-sodium vegetable broth as a base in favorite recipes for soups, stews, sauces and gravies. Made from tomatoes, leeks, carrots, onions and celery, it is perfect warmed up on its own with a side of bread and butter, or in addition to a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich.
2. Fair Trade Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar
- Price: $3.49
It may be sweet, but quality sugar can also get sneakily expensive, so remember this Trader Joe’s grocery hack for all your baking needs. Fair Trade turbinado raw cane sugar is a golden-brown sugar that is minimally processed and makes a great substitute for brown sugar.
It’s perfect for baking coffee cake and ginger snap cookies. Sprinkle on top of freshly baked muffins for a special treat, or stir into your morning cup of coffee for a sweet flavorful surprise. Another option is to make a sugar scrub for glowing skin.
3. Furikake Snack Mix
- Price: $3.99
It’s not just the ingredients that are sweet deals, but there are many affordable Trader Joe’s snacks, as well. Put aside the Chex Mix and grab a bag of Trader Joe’s take on Hawaiian furikake snack mix.
A whole handful of flavors await the snacker, including waffle crisps, sesame sticks, wasabi-style peas, corn chips and mochi crisps that are seasoned with salt, seaweed, butter, sesame seeds and an umami-style mix made up of garlic, mushroom and onion powder. This mix is great for everyday snacking and holiday parties.
4. Tropical Smoothie Blend
- Price: $3.99
Try this island concoction when you need a tropical getaway without the expense of airfare. Trader Joe’s tropical smoothie blend is a fruity mix of frozen banana, pineapple, mango and agave syrup, with cubes of frozen coconut cream and purées of passionfruit and mango. Find it in the frozen foods section.
5. Hazelnut and Cocoa Filled Crepes
- Price: $3.99
Individually wrapped hazelnut and cocoa filled crepes are actually made for Trader Joe’s by a French family bakery in the United States. Easily heat them in the microwave for a few seconds and be transported to France with one bite of the creamy dessert. Stock up on these for snacks or breakfast.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of March 1, 2026 and subject to change. All imagery sourced from TraderJoes.com.
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