Trader Joe's may be only slightly healthier than other grocery stores.

A head-to-head check of 12 Trader Joe's private-label items found they were largely nutritionally similar to comparable products at Stop & Shop and Foodtown, while Trader Joe's often had lower prices.

A reporter compared 12 Trader Joe's private-label products with similar items from Stop & Shop and Foodtown, focusing on sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat. All items reviewed were ultraprocessed foods. Trader Joe's states its private labels use natural ingredients and avoid artificial dyes, MSG, and high-fructose corn syrup. The comparison found small nutritional differences across brands and a consistent price advantage for Trader Joe's. What we found: - Trader Joe's versions were often similar or identical in calories, sugar, and fat to competitor products. - In some cases Trader Joe's had slightly less sodium (for example Joe-Joe's and Cookie Butter), while other items (for example White Cheddar Corn Puffs) had more sodium than competitors. - All compared items were ultraprocessed and often contained additives or nutrients added back after processing. - Trader Joe's frequently offered lower prices on items such as Pretzel Slims, frozen pizza, and frozen butter chicken. - Serving-size differences on labels sometimes made Trader Joe's items appear lower in calories or fat. Summary: The review suggests only marginal nutritional differences across the brands, with Trader Joe's sometimes edging competitors on sodium and typically offering lower prices. The article notes research linking ultraprocessed foods to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain. Undetermined at this time.