Apparently, You Can Sample Almost Any Product At Trader Joe's
Whether you call it a grocery store, an experience, or a cult, one thing is certain — Trader Joe's is a unique place to shop. Down its aisles, you'll find limited-release goodies and affordable private-label products, and down each checkout line, you'll find a kitschy maritime bell instead of a droning loudspeaker and an affable crew member waiting to greet you. Trader Joe's has its fair share of secrets that make shopping there special, but its sample system is a standout.
If you've ever held a new-to-you grocery item in your hand, pondering whether or not to take the plunge and purchase it, Trader Joe's might be your new favorite spot. Although its policies have gone through some changes over the years, the store often sets up demo booths for samples, and some crew members will let you try a product before you buy it. So the next time you find yourself wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles at your local Trader Joe's while contemplating a purchase, keep these tips in mind.
Understanding the Trader Joe's sample policy
If you haven't heard about the sampling policy at Trader Joe's before reading this, there are a couple of likely reasons; the first being the spirit of the Trader Joe's shopping experience. The company often points to the importance of human connection in stores, which is one of the main reasons there are no self-checkout lanes or online ordering at Trader Joe's.
Sampling in the "try before you buy" format is a tradition that likely came about as a way for crew members to enhance the customer experience and satisfaction, but it's not widely publicized. According to a crew member in a Reddit thread on r/TraderJoes, sampling is best approached through an organic interaction with a crew member rather than a blunt ask.
Pandemic times also affected sampling overall. Demo booths (and by proxy, "try before you buy") took an official hiatus during this period, but made a welcome return in October of 2023, with an emphasis on new and unique products. However, some stores haven't officially rolled sampling back out, and the option is ultimately up to the crew member and store's discretion.
How to (tactfully) acquire a Trader Joe's sample
The simplest way to get your hands on free stuff at Trader Joe's is also the most obvious — look for a demo booth. These are sometimes stationed throughout the store as specialized spots for sampling. If you have your eye on an item that isn't being demoed, insiders suggest striking up a conversation with an available crew member. Ask what they think about the item you have in mind and for their recommendations and favorite products. If you get lucky, they might just let you try it. Remember that non-ready-to-eat items are not an option for sampling, like alcohol, frozen foods, or items that need preparation. (No, you can't sample that raw chicken breast.)
Timing and courtesy are also key here. It's best to avoid roping a crew member into a conversation when the store is bustling. Quieter times set you up for a more relaxed and natural interaction. But if all else fails or you're too shy to ask, keep Trader Joe's generous return policy in mind. Most stores will let you purchase an item to try at home (or in your car in the parking lot) and return it if you're not a fan. Although considering how popular this store's items are, you probably won't need a return trip.