How do Trader Joe’s prices compare to other Myrtle Beach stores? We did the math
Since the Myrtle Beach area’s first Trader Joe’s store opened at the end of September, excited shoppers have swarmed the popular grocery chain.
Much of Trader Joe’s appeal comes down to its specialty products and unique seasonal items but the colorful store also stocks everyday grocery essentials.
To see how the new Trader Joe’s prices stack up against competitors, we compared costs for grocery staples at two other popular grocery chains. We visited:
- Food Lion at 1241 38th Ave. N.
- Publix at 955 Wood Duck Dr.
- Trader Joe’s at 115 Sayebrook Parkway
We looked at each chain’s store-brand products to compare items for frugal products. Here’s what we found.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, per pound
- Food Lion chicken is $3.99 a pound
- Publix sells chicken for $5.39 per pound
- Trader Joe’s has chicken for $3.49 a pound
Coffee grounds, per 14 ounces
- Food Lion sells 12-ounce bags, which come out to roughly $8.74 for 14 ounces
- Publix also has 12-ounce bags, which come out to $17.50 when adjusted
- Trader Joe’s 14-ounce bags are $6.99
Ground beef, 80% lean, per pound
- Food Lion beef is $6.59 a pound
- Publix sells beef for $9.99 per pound
- Trader Joe’s has beef for $5.49 a pound
Honeycrisp apples, per 4 pounds
- Food Lion didn’t have 4-pound bags, but the the 3-pound bag comes out to about $8.65 when adjusted
- Publix sells 2-pound bags, which come to $11.98 for 4 pounds
- Trader Joe’s sells 4-pound apple bags for $5.99
Large white eggs, per dozen
- Food Lion eggs are $2.29
- Publix has a dozen for $2.89
- Trader Joe’s sells eggs for $3.99
Navel oranges, per 4 pounds
- Food Lion sells 3-pound bags of oranges, which come out to roughly $6.65 when adjusted for 4 pounds
- Publix had individual oranges priced by the pound, which come out to $7.96 for 4 pounds
- Trader Joe’s 4-pound bags are $5.99
Shredded four cheese blend, per 12 ounces
- Food Lion didn’t have 12-ounce bags, but adjusting the 16-ounce bag to 12 ounces, the price comes out to roughly $2.99
- Publix also sells 16-ounce bags, which come to about $4.87 for 12 ounces
- Trader Joe’s offers the cheese in 12-ounce bags for $3.99
Sliced white bread, 20-ounce loaf
- Food Lion sells loaves for $1.59
- Publix loaves are $1.79
- Trader Joe’s has loaves for $1.99
Whole milk, per gallon
- Food Lion offers gallons for $3.39
- Publix has whole milk for $3.59
- Trader Joe’s sells a gallon for $3.99