Can you try anything at Trader Joe's?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 15, 2026
Yep, that's right — Trader Joe's has a "try before you buy" policy! In addition to its generous return policy, the store has a policy that allows customers to try just about anything that they're unsure about buying. This includes snacks, produce, and ready-made foods like salads, sushi, and cheese.
Can you try things in Trader Joe's?
Many shoppers may not be aware that Trader Joe's often allows customers to try before they buy. Customers can have an employee open just about any item for a sample before purchase, but that doesn't mean you're allowed to start opening packages on your own.Can you sample everything at Trader Joe's?
“The employees will let you sample almost any product,” said Natasha Fischer of the Trader Joe's List blog. If you weren't aware of this sampling policy before, this is huge, especially for picky eaters. Imagine being able to try that Crispy Crunchy Okra or Pickle Popcorn before buying the entire bag.Can you taste test anything at Trader Joe's?
Customers can taste test products, tooYou can also try things in the store before you buy them—so long as they are not items that need to be cooked, of course.
What can you not do at Trader Joe's?
10 things you should never do in a Trader Joe's, according to...
- 1: “Don't ask two different employees to look for the same item.” ...
- 2: “There's no reason to leave sample cups or trash around the store.” ...
- 3: “It can be rude to ignore employees when they greet you.”