The Return of Trader Joe’s Mystery Bags

Along with their fan-favorite evergreen grocery staples — Almond Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets or Everything But the Bagel, anyone? — Trader Joe’s is known for its special seasonal items, many of which end up selling out each year. Some of these holiday products return every season, but the latest in TJ’s limited-edition line-up hasn’t been seen since 2019, which has shoppers rushing to stores to stock up. Hint: You can’t eat it, but you’ll definitely need one for your next grocery haul.

The Return of TJ’s Mystery Bags

After a 3-year hiatus, Trader Joe’s has officially brought back their beloved mystery bags, a 3-pack of reusable shopping bags with colorful designs on them. While the name might suggest the bags are filled with mystery products, the “mystery” component just means each pack comes with different, surprise designs.

So What’s the Mystery?

Some of the bags come from different areas of the country — for example, you might get a bag with another state on it — and others just have unique designs only available in the mystery pack. Either way: It’s a super-fun way to stock up on reusable bags when you shop!

How Do I Get My Hands on These?

As with any special-edition drop, especially ones that don’t always come back every year, time is of the essence if you’re interested in starting a collection. The mystery bags are supposedly available at all Trader Joe’s store locations now, though it’s possible they could sell out quickly. Redditors are saying they’ve spotted the bags stacked by the display of holiday-themed home items, but you can always ask a store employee or call ahead to find out if your store has them. 

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The bags are a great value at $2.99 for a pack of three, which is less than a buck a pop. You could keep all the bags for yourself, or you could split up a pack and gift them for the holidays (even better if you fill them up with your favorite TJ’s treats).

Collaborate for More Variety

One thing to be aware of before you head to the store: Many buyers have commented on Instagram and Reddit that they’ve gotten repeats when they buy multiple packs from the same store. So if you’re trying to find a variety of bags, it could be a good idea to link up and trade with friends or family in other regions! Some folks in the Trader Joe’s Subreddit are also facilitating trades for those who have dupes.