Shopping for groceries seems to be getting more and more expensive by the day, which means choosing the right store is a big deal. You want to be getting good value for your money so you might be wondering, is Trader Joe’s cheaper than Giant Eagle?
Generally, products at Trader Joe’s are much cheaper than those at Giant Eagle. Giant Eagle is a relatively expensive grocery chain, but they do have a much wider selection of items on offer – and they offer more savings opportunities.
Read ahead to understand the real differences between both of these options, so that you can make an informed decision about where you’re spending your money.
Trader Joe’s vs Giant Eagle
Trader Joe’s is a very popular chain in the United States, and they are known for having high-quality, natural products on their shelves. The company started life in the 1950s but has since gone on to operate more than 550 stores across the country, employing over 50,000 people, and bringing in revenue of more than $16 billion a year.
Giant Eagle is a smaller company, although it has been around even longer. They were founded in the 1930s and they only operate in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. They have just under 500 stores, employing around 37,000 people, and reporting revenue of less than $10 billion per year.
If both of these stores are options for you, choosing between them might seem like a challenge. Do you go with a larger company, do you stick with what you’re used to, or do you make a change? For the majority of people, value is what matters the most.
Getting more for your money is incredibly important these days, especially when it comes to your groceries, but you also need to make sure that what you’re getting is worth what you pay for it.
Comparison of Prices at Trader Joe’s and Giant Eagle
Overall, you can expect to spend a lot less at Trader Joe’s than at Giant Eagle. Their prices are cheaper for almost every item that you can directly compare, with the average price difference for a full basket being around 20% less at Trader Joe’s.
To get an example, we can take a look at how much some basic products might set you back from each store.
| Item | Trader Joe’s Price | Giant Eagle Price |
| Rolled Oats (32 Oz) | $3.99 | $4.39 |
| Gnocchi (16 Oz) | $1.99 | $3.19 |
| Olive Oil (33.8 Fl Oz) | $6.99 | $10.49 |
| Split Pea Soup (15 Oz) | $1.99 | $3.69 |
| Fusilli Pasta (16 Oz) | $0.99 | $2.39 |
Although like-for-like products are almost always cheaper at Trader Joe’s, that doesn’t always mean that you will pay less at the till. Giant Eagle has a lot more options on offer, and they sometimes have cheaper versions of products available that Trader Joe’s simply doesn’t stock.
For example, Trader Joe’s might only have a higher quality, organic version of a product – like their basmati rice – whereas Giant Eagle might have a cheaper, lower quality version that you could choose instead.
It is also worth mentioning that the prices you actually get in the store can vary significantly. Regional factors like local competition, demand, labor costs, and shipping costs mean that you don’t always see the same price for every item in every store.
Comparison of Savings Opportunities at Trader Joe’s and Giant Eagle
Although the basic price on the packet might be cheaper at Trader Joe’s than at Giant Eagle, what about the opportunities for further savings with either store?
Trader Joe’s pride themselves on offering low prices every day, which means they don’t actually offer any of the usual savings options. As they put it on their website: “We have low prices, every day. NO coupons. NO membership cards. NO discounts. NO glitzy promotions or couponing wars at our stores.”
You can, however, use coupons for non-Trader Joe’s products, and they have a very generous returns policy.
Giant Eagle, on the other hand, does all of the things you’re probably used to. They have discounts on products, they offer coupons that come and go, they do deals, and they even have their own rewards program. You can join myPerks to get lower prices and money off groceries and gas, and you can get a Giant Eagle Advantage Card too.
Not every saving opportunity will be available at every store, though. Some individual locations will run offers that others don’t, and many coupons or discount codes are seasonal.
Tips for Finding Affordable Groceries
No matter where you might be doing your grocery shopping, you should always make sure to shop smart. Keep an eye out for deals or reduced prices, particularly those that are related to shelf life as these change often. You should also make sure to use coupons and discount codes where you can.
At the same time, don’t pay for a deal just because it’s there. If you’re never going to eat 4 watermelons, you’re losing money by shelling out for a bulk deal.
Budget sensibly and have a plan for how much you are willing to spend before you go in – and stick closely to a list of what you actually need.
Also, try not to be swayed by shiny marketing. Cheaper options for the same product are often just as high-quality as the more expensive brand-name items that you recognize from advertising. Tylenol and generic acetaminophen are literally the same thing in a different package, but one is around 85% cheaper.
Don’t forget to do your research either. Take a look at the prices online before you shop, and compare across different stores too. It’s also worth searching for active coupons as many of these are available online even if they aren’t easily found in the store.
Suggestions for Maximizing Savings
Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that reward customers with discounts and coupons. Additionally, some stores may have online shopping options and delivery services.
Consider these services if they are available, as they can save you time and make grocery shopping much more convenient.
Trader Joe’s is a budget-buster. It’s tempting to purchase all of the store’s unique things.
You can remain on budget and obtain fantastic prices if you look out. Here are some Trader Joe’s money-saving tips.
1. Don’t Impulse-Buy
Since Trader Joe’s advertises new goods and seasonal promotions, you may be tempted to overbuy. This may increase your food expenditure.
Try new things, but don’t feel obligated to. Don’t buy more than one or two seasonal items every trip. Stick with brands you know and enjoy to save money.
2. Plan a Vacation Using the Site
Trader Joe’s website has fantastic info. Looking through the recipes will help you determine how nutritious your favorite dishes are.
You may also research items and prices before you shop. Many items and prices are provided.
This helps you prevent unnecessary expenditures. The website can help you create a Trader Joe’s shopping list. So you may add just budget-friendly items to your list.
3. Find Money-Saving Goods
Trader Joe’s is affordable. Many inexpensive products aren’t excellent deals. There are fantastic bargains once you locate them.
Trader Joe’s is cheaper than my local supermarket chain for several items. I know what to purchase so I can have an affordable food bill.
I purchase bagels and pita bread from Trader Joe’s because they’re cheaper and just as excellent.
Compare pricing outside of Trader Joe’s. Find out what to purchase at Trader Joe’s and where else.
4. Shop Smart
Try to shop at a less crowded time. You may feel overwhelmed in a busy shop. That might lead you to purchase products you don’t need or not compare costs.
Less-crowded shopping may reduce stress and save money.
5. Use a Points-Earning Credit Card for Groceries
Using a rewards credit card to pay for Trader Joe’s goods is a terrific way to earn points.
If you’re going to spend money, get cash back. We suggest using a supermarket rewards credit card. You may use your cash back at Trader Joe’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trader Joe’s Cheaper Than Other Grocery Stores?
Trader Joe’s can be very reasonably priced compared to other grocery stores with their prices being around 20% lower than the average.
Are Trader Joe’s Prices Low?
Trader Joe’s prices are pretty low for the industry, but they don’t have a particularly wide range of different options in their stores.
Final Thoughts
So, is Trader Joe’s cheaper than Giant Eagle? Almost always, yes. If you compare the prices for the same products, Trader Joe’s is cheaper nearly every time, so you can expect to spend a lot less when you get to the till.
Unfortunately, the selection at Trader Joe’s is limited. There are many essentials that you just won’t find on their shelves, and you don’t have anywhere near as much variety or as many options as you do at Giant Eagle.
You might want to look into other affordable options, and make sure to shop wisely wherever you are.
