15+ Fan-Favorite Trader Joe's Items That Aren't Food

Heading to Trader Joe's for food is a no-brainer. From holy-grail items like Unexpected Cheddar Cheese and Peanut Butter Cups to seasonal must-haves like the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, the store is a hub of cult-favorite foods.

But as anyone who's been there and hoarded those Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants knows, Trader Joe's is also a treasure trove of non-food items. Think Micro Totes with massive fanbases, limited-edition Insulated Bags and the most adorable Pumpkin Tree.

What should you add to your cart during your next haul? A Redditor recently crowd-sourced ideas.

"What are your favorite non-food items?" asked u/Independent_Cow_4959 in the Trader Joe's subreddit. "TJs is known for their specialty/unique food products, but they have a whole section (albeit small) of personal care and household items too."

Fans didn't hold back. From greeting cards to a skincare section with products that low-key rival Sephora favorites, these are Trader Joe's best non-food items, according to the Internet.

Related: 7 'Cheap But Good' Trader Joe's Wines

The Best Non-Food Items at Trader Joe's

1. Candles

Candles were a popular choice in the thread, racking up multiple mentions.

"Their candles are phenomenal.," one fan said.

"I am a huge fan of the candles," agreed another. "[I'm] obsessed with the tomato one they had this year."

Tomato season has sunsetted, but apple season is here, and one particular Trader Joe's candle fragrance is lighting shoppers' fires.

"I love the scent of the apple candles," raved a commenter of the limited-edition Honeycrisp Apple Candles. "I just leave it around open without burning them."

"The Honeycrisp Apple Candles," another said. A Redditor replied, "Their best candle."

2. Plants

Whether you're looking to spruce up your home aesthetic or owe someone an apology, you'll find options at Trader Joe's.

"Honestly, their flower section is goated," declared a fan.

"I got a house full of TJ plants," said another.

"I also love to make bouquets with the flowers," shared someone else.

Need specifics?

"I love their flowers, especially the carnations and their potted plants," a Redditor noted.

3. Greeting cards

Flowers, check. Next stop: The TJ's greeting card aisle (the two are typically close to one another).

"The greeting cards are so amazing—so affordable," gushed a commenter. "Have you seen the prices on Hallmark and Carlton Cards these days? Unbelievable!"

The cards' price tag was a common selling point for Trader Joe's customers.

"Literally, where else in the world can you find such a great selection at only $.99?" said a savvy TJ's shopper.

Related: Top Trader Joe's Cheese Board Cheeses, According to Super Fans (It's a Controversial List)

4. Sunscreen

Dermatologists say sunscreen is an essential part of everyday skincare (including in the winter months). Trader Joe's shoppers swear by the chain's SPF, saying it stands up to big-name brands.

"The SuperGoop [style] sunscreen," said one fan of the non-greasy, broad-spectrum Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40. The hidden gem for safe sun care is known for blending like a top-notch foundation, unlike other options that leave a dreaded white caste.

"The clear gel sunscreen," wrote another. "It is [totally similar to] a very expensive Sephora sunscreen — It's great."

We can almost see you winking, Redditor.

5. Soaps and hand sanitizer

Trader Joe's fans love stocking up on the store's products that keep hands clean and smelling serene.

"The Lavender-Scented Hand Sanitizer Spray is my favorite," shared one.

"Flowers grapefruit hand soap [and the] Lavender Hand Sanitizer Spray," dished a Redditor, likely referring to Trader Joe's Pink Pomelo Grapefruit Hand Soap (other Redditors have called the soap's scent "heavenly").

"The Lavender Triple Mill Soap," said another. "When I lived in Los Angeles (TJ HQ), I bought it regularly. I was very happy to see it in the stores on the right coast. I'm happy it's a regular item."

"The Oatmeal & Honey Soap doesn’t cause breakouts," another poster spilled.

6. Other skincare products

Listen, people really like Trader Joe's personal hygiene products.

"I like going there for all of my skincare products," one poster said. "I use their face moisturizer with 15 SPF, vitamin C serum, jojoba oil and nightly retinol."

Need help to trim your list? Try these Reddit suggestions:

• Brazil Nut Body Butter, etc. One Redditor said anything in the Brazil Nut line is worth trying, while another specifically suggested the Brazil Nut Body Butter. "Heavenly," the person gushed of the thick, luxurious cream available in the summer. (The hot pink package makes it hard to miss this one when it's in stock.)

• Coconut Body Butter. This product, which another Redditor swears is "heavenly" (a common refrain), is available year-round. Aloe vera, shea butter and vitamin E are among the ingredients.

• Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream. One commenter credits this product for saving their hands "working in healthcare during the winter months." Another fan veered from the "heavenly" path and called it "NUTS." We're assuming that's a good thing.

• Honey Hydration Day & Night Cream Duo. The just-released skincare product got tons of mentions in the thread. "Really nice and 8.99 for the set," said an early adapter.

• The Tree Body Wash. One person called it "orgasmic." Another suggested people "leave it on for a while before you rinse on a hot, hot day."

• Rose Water Facial Toner. Speaking of hot days, fans stockpile this toner (made easier because of a $3.99 price tag). "I always have multiple bottles of it and keep them in various places," said a fan. "I don't really know what toner does, but it feels refreshing to mist my face with it."

7. Hair mask

Some Redditors copped to making a TJ's run for one thing and one thing only—and it isn't the Scandinavian Swimmers.

"I've made trips to TJ just for the hair mask," admitted a Shea Butter & Coconut Oil Hair Mask fan.

No shame because...

"The Hair Mask...performs better for $2 than any $30+ conditioner I’ve tried," dished someone else.