The Best Trader Joe's Snacks Under $5

We know eating between meals can get tricky, but our busy lives mean that occasionally we might nibble on a little something to keep us going until dinner. Happily, there's a vast range of Trader Jjoe's goodies ready and waiting to fill that role, from savory and sweet indulgences to better-for-us treats worth a try. We showcased our pick of the snacks popping up at Trader Joe's in September 2026, which enhances an already mouthwatering line-up. This time we're limiting our budget to less than $5, yet there is still a small mountain of items to choose from.

Our selection (though we're not alone in singing these products' praises) takes in the gamut of tastes, from traditional chips and chocolates to fruity snacks, delicious cookies, and tasty trail mixes. As always, all information about pricing and availability was correct at the time of writing, though that is subject to change. If there's something in particular you'd like to get your hands on, get in touch with your local Trader Joe's to ensure it's in stock. Let the snacking begin!

We're big fans of these squish-'em-as-you-eat-'em-pouches, which are filled with a blend of organic pureed apple and banana, slackened with a splash of organic apple juice. They're brilliant to throw in the lunchboxes of kids of all ages, as well as providing a convenient (vegan-friendly) burst of real fruit for grown-ups who feel peckish during the working day. I love squeezing a couple into an apple pie for a low-sugar way to boost the filling.

Buy Trader Joe's Organic Apple Banana Fruit Sauce Crushers for $2.99.

These pretty snacks featured on our list of best new TJ's finds in September 2026, but their great price gives them a spot in this round-up too. Each buttery leaf (made from shape molds exclusive to Trader Joe's) is a mouthful of sugar-crusted whimsy, colored with beta-carotene and veggie juice. If the internet is to be believed, these limited-time treats are delicious when paired with maple butter. Who needs Mother Nature when you can pop these leaves in your shopping bag?

Buy Trader Joe's Autumn Leaf Sugar Cookies for $3.99.

If you prefer your fruit from the tropical end of the spectrum, head to Trader Joe's and grab a bag or two of these superb snacks. Buyers have been pleasantly surprised by how juicy they are without being overly sweet. Be aware that each square is separately wrapped in plastic, which makes for a less sticky bag or school lunch box but might not please eco-conscious shoppers out there.

Buy Trader Joe's Mango & Passion Fruit Squares for $2.29.

Supplied by an Indonesian company, these tasty, protein-forward snacks are both filling and tasty, thanks to a decent chili kick. While that's not so powerful to be off-putting, they should come with a warning about how moreish they are, and that's before we get to what pairs well with these tempeh chips. The answer: everything. Guac, tzatziki, labneh, and more — everything's equally devourable with these chips.

Buy Trader Joe's Sweet Chili Black-Eyed Pea Tempeh Chips for $3.49.

When we can't eat cherry pie, we'll happily chow down on anything that tastes like it, and these buttery, fruity cookies tick that very box. They've been a smash hit with Trader Joe's shoppers, though be warned that they're a limited-time treat. They may be just 51 cents shy of our $5 limit, but you get a goodly amount of cookies per container. All you have to decide is the different ways you're going to empty it.

Buy Trader Joe's Cherry Pie Flavored Cookies for $4.49.

No two bites are ever the same with TJ's snack featuring a traditional Japanese topping, with a result that is perfect for sharing or dipping into all by yourself over several days. Each bag includes a combination of corn chips, sesame sticks, wasabi-style peas, waffle crisps, and mochi crisps. It's all coated in a buttery seasoning packed with seaweed, mushroom, onion and garlic powder, and sesame seeds. If you love a sweet-savory snack surprise, this one's for you.

Buy Trader Joe's Furikake Snack Mix for $3.99.

As lovers of strawberry yogurt, we're unashamed champions of this delectable treat that has real fruit at its heart. Each freeze-dried strawberry morsel offers a tart counterpoint to the sweet yogurt candy coating, and while that can be a little much for some shoppers, we can't get enough. These strawberry pieces make a great alternative to a movie night bowl of popcorn and are every bit as satisfying.

Buy Trader Joe's Freeze Dried Strawberry Pieces for $4.99.

We banged the drum for this snack when it first hit Trader Joe's shelves, so there was no way we could sidestep it here. Made from crinkle-cut "authentically Irish" potatoes generously coated in a garlicky, buttery flavoring, these chips notched up a TJ's Customer Choice Award in 2026 and are probably not great for a first date (unless you're both foodies). They are, however, perfect for scoffing straight out of the bag or dipping into something delicious like hummus, cream cheese, or a zingy salsa.

Buy Trader Joe's Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips for $2.99.

Americans fall into two camps when it comes to root beer. There are those who won't touch it with a 6-foot pole, and then those who cheerily glug it down by the bottle. As well as being an off-the-wall addition to home-made chili, root beer is also a key component of the iconic root beer float, itself the foundation for this sweet snack from TJ's. It's a seriously delicious combination of vanilla sandwich cookie shards, drenched in a root beer-flavored coating. Devour them out of the bag, or for maximum enjoyment, keep them in the freezer.

Buy Trader Joe's Root Beer Float Pieces for $3.79.

Snacking doesn't always have to be about consuming sometimes treats, a concept that these sophisticated crackers from Trader Joe's demonstrate beautifully. Each one combines aromatic rosemary with the tang of dried fruit, with a hint of earthy sunflower and flax seeds to give a light yet flavorful bite. We would pair them with cheeses, particularly a creamy Brie, or some tasty charcuterie for an elevated nibble.

Buy Trader Joe's Raisin Rosemary Crisps for $3.99.

Many people count the days until this superstar of the date family returns to TJ's shelves, and rightly so. They're as versatile as they are yummy and are perfect for stuffing with cheese or dipping in chocolate for the most majestic snacks. Medjool dates also make wonderful holiday season gifts, and if we received some, we'd be over the moon! Whether we would share them is another story ...

Buy Trader Joe's Medjool Dates for $4.99.

Is this a healthy snack masquerading as a candy bar? That's a debate that continues to rage on social media, but we think they're firmly in snack territory. Made from the same ingredients as Trader Joe's Rainbow's End Trail Mix (which first saw the light of day in 2000), the bar combines nuts, fruit, and bits of candy, bound together by tapioca syrup and dark chocolate. They're as cute as they are tasty and always put a smile on our faces.

Buy Trader Joe's Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars for $4.99.

Trader Joe's regulars have been going bonkers about GoMacro Bars for years, but if you've never tried them before, now's your chance. Made by a Wisconsin family-owned company, these snack bars are made from organic ingredients, are vegan, contain zero soy or gluten, and are said to taste absolutely amazing. 

Buy GoMacro Timeless Treasure Salted Caramel + Chocolate Chips for $2.69.