Trader Joe's Vs Costco Lettuce: Which Grocery Store Has The Better Deal?

Trader Joe's and Costco are very similar stores in many ways. Both have their distinct vibe, both are very good at yanking items we adore (we're looking at you "Just Sauce" Turkey Bolognese), and both keep us guessing about big-name suppliers of products, such as their organic blueberries. But in a head-to-head over lettuce, we think Costco comes out on top, especially for anyone looking to feed the whole fam. Availability varies from store to store, but according to the website, shoppers can choose from bagged lettuces — more about them in a moment – fresh Romaine hearts, and lettuce leaves.

Artisan Romaine lettuce costs $6.80 for five, while run-of-the-mill hearts are priced at $5.32 for a half-dozen. The Harvest Blend brand of lettuce leaves comes in at $6.23 for 14 ounces, a pound of organic spring mix will set you back $6.57, and 1.5 pounds of organic power greens is a snip at $7.93. We know many of the sources of Costco's lettuce, and online, their salad kits generally come from Taylor Farms, whose pound bags include Avocado Ranch, Creamy Dill, and Organic Mediterranean Crunch, with prices ranging from around $7 to just under $11. Whether you want to make one yourself or need a fast-bagged option, Costco's got you covered.

The Trader Joe's online selection of lettuce is small in comparison to what's currently available at Costco. A pack of three little gem lettuce will set you back $3.49, though you can also buy a 5-ounce bag of organic baby lettuce, which features the likes of red and green romaine and lollo rosa, for $2.79, or — sticking with the tiny theme — a twin-pack of baby iceberg lettuce (grown in Arizona and California) costs $2.99. TJ's does sell bagged salads, as well, but the only two online we saw were 6-ounce bags of organic red butter lettuce and organic baby red butter lettuce and baby arugula, priced at $2.69 and $2.79, respectively.

Price-wise, between Costco and Trader Joe's, it's a game of swings and roundabouts. Two packs of TJ's little gem lettuce cost a few cents less than Costco's artisan Romaine lettuce. Costco does have the whip hand over its rival when it comes to variety of choice and the sheer quantity of lettuce customers can buy. That said, not everyone needs a pound and a half of salad, and if you've got a disorganized fridge (perhaps in need of help via this common kitchen item), it might not last long enough for you to enjoy all that greenery goodness. Shoppers who only need a little lettuce (or prefer the sweeter "baby" leaf varieties) might be better off getting theirs from Trader Joe's.