SNAP

Does Trader Joe’s take EBT?

Updated
Image of Julianna Lai
Image of Julianna Lai
Table of contents

Yes, Trader Joe's accepts EBT cards for eligible items at all store locations. While Trader Joe’s doesn’t carry name brand products, it’s known for affordable groceries and exclusive store-brand favorites (especially snacks and frozen foods). To shop effectively with EBT at Trader Joe's:

Does Trader Joe’s accept EBT online?

No, Trader Joe's does not offer online shopping or delivery services. All purchases, including any using your EBT card, must be made in person.

What can I buy with EBT at Trader Joe’s?

A selection of SNAP-eligible grocery items, including canned fish, a carrot, a bottle of soda, and eggs

You can buy any SNAP-eligible food items at Trader Joe’s with your EBT card. Here are some common eligible items:

  • Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products and eggs
  • Bread, cereals, pasta, and other grains
  • Snack foods (like Trader Joe’s peanut butter cups and plantain chips)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages like cold brew coffee

Some surprising things you can buy with EBT at Trader Joe’s include:

  • Trader Joe’s brand frozen meals to cook at home, like the Mandarin Orange Chicken and cauliflower gnocchi
  • Raw meat and seafood (either frozen or refrigerated)
  • Sealed containers of ice cream
  • Packaged coffee beans and tea bags
  • Live plants that produce edible food (that means basil plants, other herbs, and tomato plant seedlings are all EBT-eligible)

EBT tip

If you're planning to use most or all of your remaining EBT balance at Trader Joe’s, let the cashier know the amount available on your card before they start scanning. This helps avoid any issues if your purchase total exceeds your balance. Use your EBT card first before other forms of payment.

Can you buy frozen or premade meals at Trader Joe’s with EBT?

Yes, you can buy frozen, premade meals at Trader Joe’s with your food stamps. If a food requires preparation at home, it's generally SNAP-eligible, which is great news at Trader Joe’s.

What isn't EBT eligible at Trader Joe’s?

A selection of grocery items that are not SNAP-eligible, including pet food, vitamins, and paper towels

You can’t buy these items with EBT at Trader Joe’s (or anywhere else, since they’re never EBT-eligible):

  • Vitamins and medicines
  • Beauty products like sunscreen and moisturizer
  • Household supplies
  • Pet food and treats
  • Beer and wine
  • Non-food items like tote bags or floral bouquets

The main exception to these rules is the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows certain SNAP recipients to buy prepared foods at approved restaurants. This program helps people who might have trouble cooking, including older adults, people with disabilities, and people who are unhoused—although Trader Joe’s doesn’t have hot food, so it wouldn’t be included in the program.

Can you get discounts with EBT at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe's doesn't offer specific EBT discounts, but it maintains consistently low prices on its own store-brand products, which make up the majority of the store’s inventory. Unlike many grocery stores, Trader Joe’s doesn't have sales, memberships, or loyalty programs.

Does Trader Joe’s take WIC?

Trader Joe’s does not currently accept WIC benefits. If you receive WIC in addition to SNAP, you'll need to shop at WIC-authorized retailers for those specific items.

Protecting your EBT card while shopping at Trader Joe’s

It’s important to protect your EBT card and personal information anywhere you buy groceries. Some tips for keeping your EBT card safe while shopping at Trader Joe’s:

  • Never share your PIN with anyone, including Trader Joe’s employees
  • Keep your card in a secure place
  • Change your PIN every month before your deposit lands
  • Check your balance regularly to spot any unusual activity
  • Report a lost or stolen card immediately by calling your state EBT number

How to save money when shopping with EBT at Trader Joe’s

Here are practical ways to maximize your SNAP benefits when you’re using your EBT card at Trader Joe's:

  • Plan your shopping ahead of time. Make a list and check your EBT balance before shopping (the Propel app makes it easy to track your balance and spending)
  • Shop early in the day when stores are well-stocked. You can always call ahead to confirm if something you’re looking for is in stock and ask the store to hold it for you
  • Check out the Trader Joe’s "Fearless Flyer" bulletin for new product announcements
  • Buy seasonal produce, which tends to be more affordable
  • Stock up on shelf-stable items you use regularly
  • Compare unit prices of produce with their frozen options. Frozen or canned vegetables and fruits last longer

One final tip: Since Trader Joe’s often changes its product selection, consider stocking up on SNAP-eligible favorites when you find them—just make sure you have the storage space and enough benefits in your monthly budget.