What should be on a Trader Joe's grocery list?

Basic staples sorted by store section: produce, dairy and eggs, bread, pantry items such as pasta and canned goods, frozen food and snacks. Because stock varies, treat the list as a set of staples and swap in the product your store has.

Does this list include specific Trader Joe's products?

No. It names generic items and no prices, because both vary by store and change over time. It is not an official Trader Joe's list.

How much should I buy for 2 people?

This list is sized for a week of groceries for 2 adults. Change the number of people and the quantities update.

Can I add this list to my phone?

Yes. Tap the button above and the list is added to Talklist, sorted by store section. You can check items off as you shop and share the list with whoever else is shopping.

Trader Joe's Grocery List: A Basic Weekly Shopping List for 2

Updated October 21, 2026

Trader Joe's is a compact store with a lot of frozen food, snacks and ready-to-cook items, so a list helps you cover the basics first and leave room for the things you pick up as you walk around. This list covers a basic week for 2 adults, grouped by store section, with quantities worked out so you buy enough without overbuying. It is written as generic staples rather than specific products, because what is on the shelf changes with the season and differs from store to store.

In short: below you will find the full list, tips for shopping a smaller store with a list, and how to leave room for discoveries without overspending, and a button to put the whole list on your phone. Check off what you already have first, then shop.

Add this list to your phone

Talklist keeps your list sorted by store section as you shop, lets you check items off, and lets you share it with whoever else is shopping. You can also add anything missing by saying it out loud: "a bag of spinach, two pints of ice cream and a loaf of bread".

The Trader Joe's grocery list

Quantities are approximate and start at 2 people; change the number above and they update. Items marked (optional) are nice to have, not essential. Make it yours: these are generic staples, not specific products. Swap in the Trader Joe's version of each item, add your favorite frozen meals and snacks, and remove anything you do not eat.

Meat and seafood

Chicken breast, 2 lb
Ground turkey, 1 lb (optional)
Bacon, 1 pack (optional)
Sausage, 1 pack (optional)
Salmon fillets, 1 lb
Frozen shrimp, 1 lb (optional)
Canned tuna, 2 cans (optional)

Fruit and vegetables

Bananas, 6
Apples, 5
Berries, 1 container (optional)
Lemons, 2
Avocados, 3
Tomatoes, 4
Cucumber, 2
Bell peppers, 3
Broccoli, 2 heads
Carrots, 1 lb
Onions, 3
Garlic, 1 head
Sweet potatoes, 2 lb
Salad kits or greens, 2 bags
Spinach, 1 bag
Mushrooms, 8 oz (optional)
Fresh herbs, 1 bunch (optional)

Dairy and eggs

Milk, 1/2 gal
Eggs, 12
Butter, 8 oz
Yogurt, 32 oz
Cheese (a block or two), 8 oz
Shredded cheese, 8 oz (optional)
Hummus and dips, 1 container (optional)

Bakery

Bread, 1 loaf
Tortillas, 1 pack (optional)
Bagels, 1 pack (optional)

Pantry

Pasta, 1 lb
Rice, 1 lb
Oatmeal, 1 canister (optional)
Cereal, 1 box (optional)
Canned tomatoes, 2 cans
Canned beans, 2 cans
Pasta sauce, 1 jar
Peanut or almond butter, 1 jar (optional)
Nuts or trail mix, 1 bag (optional)
Olive oil, 1 bottle (optional)
Coffee, 12 oz
Seasoning blends, 1 pack (optional)

Frozen

Frozen vegetables, 2 bags
Frozen fruit, 1 bag (optional)
Frozen entrees (for easy dinners), 3 (optional)
Frozen appetizers, 1 bag (optional)
Ice cream, 1 pt (optional)

Drinks

Sparkling water, 1 pack (optional)
Wine, 2 bottles (optional)

Snacks

Chocolate, 1 (optional)
Crackers, 1 box (optional)
Chips, 1 bag (optional)
Granola bars, 1 box (optional)

Household

Paper towels, 1 roll (optional)
Dish soap, 1 (optional)

Ready to shop? Add the list to your phone

How to shop Trader Joe's with a list

Cover the basics first. Write down the staples for your week's dinners, then add one or two "try something new" slots.
Plan around frozen food. Many people stock up on frozen meals, vegetables and appetizers for easy dinners, so keep a line or two for them.
Sort the list by store section. A list sorted by section is faster in a compact store and keeps you from doubling back.
Check what is in stock. Stock changes with the season and some items come and go, so stay flexible about brands and sizes.
Compare unit prices. Check the price per ounce or per pound when you can.

Leaving room for discoveries

Set a budget line. Add a line such as "new find" to your list so that picking up something extra is a plan, not an accident.
Check your freezer first. Do not buy duplicates of frozen items you already have.
Plan one meal around something new. It makes trying a new product easier.

This list names no specific products and no prices, because both change often. Trader Joe's is a trademark of its owner; Talklist is not affiliated with Trader Joe's.