5 Foods to Never Buy From the Produce Section at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe's has a vibrant produce section, which offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. “You can find staples like apples, oranges, and tomatoes, as well as more unusual offerings like dragon fruit or rambutan,” says registered dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD. Such variety allows customers to have some fun in the kitchen, where they can discover new ingredients and experiment with different flavors.

There’s a nice selection of organic produce, too. “Trader Joe's is committed to offering organic and environmentally friendly products so there’s a good selection of organic produce, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs,” Best says.

Trader Joe's offers competitive prices, with produce as no exception. While prices may vary based on store location, TJ's is pretty affordable in comparison to other grocery stores. So, buying produce there can be advantageous for budget-conscious shoppers. The grocery chain also promotes seasonality, where produce that’s highlighted or on sale tends to be in peak season and ripeness for quality and freshness. “This can be a pro for those who prefer to support local agriculture or are looking for the freshest options, and seasonal produce tends to have better flavor and nutritional value,” Best explains.

To be fair, certain kinds of produce tend to be worse than others at TJ’s. “There have been occasional reports of quality issues with certain produce items at Trader Joe's, such as berries or leafy greens, and while this may not be the case in all locations, it's a factor to consider when shopping at the produce section,” Best says.

Whenever you’re buying produce, inspect carefully and check for any potential quality concerns (brown spots, softness, scratches or dents, etc.), as a rule of thumb. Some produce is generally of higher quality than others at the store, which you should definitely consider. “It's important to note that product quality can vary by location, so some of these may be perfectly fine at your local Trader Joe's,” Best says.

These are generally the worst foods to buy from Trader Joe’s produce section. Still, use your best judgment when shopping, since it isn’t set in stone.

The Produce to Avoid at Trader Joe's

1. Berries

Berries are more susceptible to damage and mold than other fruits and vegetables, and especially at Trader Joe’s. “Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, can sometimes have a shorter shelf life at Trader Joe's compared to other stores,” Best says. Inspect the berry containers carefully and check for mold or any signs that may indicate an overripe fruit.

“Check the containers for any signs of mold, moisture, or excessive juice and look for plump and evenly colored berries,” Best says. Avoid containers with crushed or damaged berries, as it means the berries may spoil faster.

And, you can always buy frozen berries, instead. Best notes that frozen fruit, like blueberries, often retain more nutrition than fresh, too. If you really want fresh berries (especially when in season, during spring and summer), you might want to grab them from a different grocery store.

2. Avocados

Avocados can be hit or miss at Trader Joe's, so always inspect before purchasing. “While they may offer competitive prices, the avocados can sometimes be too under-ripe or overripe,” Best says. Check ripeness carefully and look for any red flags, such as being too firm or soft, or having discoloration.

Gently squeeze the avocados to assess their ripeness. “They should have a slight give when squeezed, but not be overly soft or mushy,” Best says. Avoid any avocados with significant browning or bruising, too.

3. Leafy Greens

“Some customers have reported issues with the quality and freshness of certain leafy greens like lettuce or spinach at Trader Joe's,” Best says. So, if you’re concerned, inspect the bags and look for any signs of wilting, discoloration, or spoilage, which would indicate less-quality produce. You should also check bagged greens for any signs of wilting, browning, or sliminess, as well as excess moisture or leaves that appear slimy or yellowed, Best suggests.

4. Herbs

While Trader Joe's has a decent selection of herbs to elevate your dishes, they may not always be as fresh as you’d like. Just like with the greens, check for any signs of browning or wilting before buying, and opt for herbs with vibrant colors and firm leaves, Best notes. “Avoid herbs with wilting, browning, or yellowing leaves and check for any signs of mold or excessive moisture in the packaging,” Best adds.

5. Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables

While convenient, pre-cut fruits and vegetables often have a shorter shelf-life, which means they may not be as fresh as whole produce, Best notes. “It's best to opt for whole fruits and vegetables and cut them yourself if possible, and if purchasing pre-cut produce, check for signs of freshness and spoilage,” Best says. Look at crispness and vibrancy in color. Avoid items that are mushy or discolored, or that have a strong odor, indicating spoilage.

Plus, if you’re budgeting, you’ll save money buying whole produce over pre-cut, so consider how easy it is to prepare or cut produce yourself, at home. For instance, it may be worth it to buy pre-cut pineapple or watermelon (as they’re more tedious and difficult to cut) than berries, carrot or celery sticks, or sliced bananas.

Best Tips for Shopping Trader Joe’s Produce Section

When buying from the produce section, keep these tips in mind. “Trader Joe's emphasizes freshness and offers a rotation of seasonal produce, so to take advantage of this, try to shop at Trader Joe's regularly to ensure you get the freshest fruits and vegetables available,” Best says.

Assess appearance, looking for positives, such as vibrant colors and firm textures, and avoiding any visible signs of decay, such as mold, discoloration or bruising. Smell the produce. “Some fruits and vegetables have a characteristic aroma when they're fresh, so if it smells off or unpleasant, it may be an indication of spoilage,” Best says. Check for pests, too. Inspect produce for signs of pests, such as insects or larvae, before purchasing in-store.

Consider weight. “Heavier produce typically indicates better moisture content and freshness,” Best says. Compare weights to assess quality.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, as needed. Trader Joe's employees are typically knowledgeable about the produce section and can offer guidance and suggestions. Keep in mind that shopping seasonally matters, so avoid produce that’s not in season, for quality will inevitably be lackluster. 

“Trader Joe's occasionally offers sample stations throughout the store, including in the produce section, so if available, try samples to get a taste of the produce first,” Best says.

Lastly, make sure you’re keeping produce properly stored at home—this makes a big difference in spoilage and shelf-life. “Follow proper storage guidelines, such as refrigerating items that require it, and consume perishable items before their expiration dates,” Best suggests.