Trader Joe’s Shoppers Say These Necessary Dupes Are Missing From Store Shelves
Trader Joe's has successfully duped many leading products, but shoppers want more.
Trader Joe’s is well-known for its affordable dupes of high-end food and beauty products. However, there are some items they just haven’t replicated yet — and should, according to the retailer’s dedicated customers.
Shoppers on Reddit are buzzing about the dupes they love at the retailer as well as the ones they hope to see next. Many believe the store has even more potential to reimagine high-end food and beauty favorites at affordable prices
One shopper wrote, “I’d love to see a version of Benefit’s liquid lip + cheek blush stain/tint.” A second penned, “The day Trader Joe’s dupes Urban Decay’s All Nighter setting spray is the day Sephora loses me for good.” A third shared, “Summer Fridays lip butter balm. That stuff is perfect but the $24 price tag is absurd. Would love to pay Trader Joe’s prices instead.”
As for its food products, one shopper said, “I’d love a dupe of the original Yumm sauce.” Another wished the retailer would make a version of the hydration product “Liquid IV.”
Recently, the retailer released a similar, sparkling version of a popular, discontinued Starbucks beverage. The supermarket introduced its Sparkling Matcha Lemonade in late April 2025, a replacement for an item eliminated from Starbucks’ menu: its Iced Matcha Lemonade.
Additionally, Trader Joe’s introduced its version of the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar, which joined other sweet treats on the retailer’s shelves. And at $8.99, Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40 reportedly is a dupe of Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen.
Why Does It Make Business Sense for Trader Joe’s To Dupe More Expensive Products?
Trader Joe’s strategic focus on private-label dupes of premium products offers both economic advantages and enhanced customer loyalty. Per Indigo9 Digital, by producing over 80% of its inventory under private labels, Trader Joe’s eliminates costs, including marketing fees associated with national brands, and passes those savings to customers.
This approach allows the retailer to offer high-quality products at lower prices. Thus, it appeals to budget-conscious consumers without compromising on quality.
Trader Joe’s private-label strategy fosters a sense of exclusivity and trust among shoppers. By offering unique products that can’t be found elsewhere, the retailer encourages repeat visits and builds a loyal customer base.
Medium reports that Trader Joe’s buyers, or product developers, travel extensively to discover new flavors and food concepts that can be reimagined for the American market. “Trader Joe’s begins with inspiration — often drawn from global food trends, customer feedback, and their buyers’ culinary discoveries. This innovative approach has transformed their private label program from a mere cost-saving initiative into a powerful engine of differentiation,” the outlet said.
It added, “Trader Joe’s can often bring new items to market in a matter of months. This speed enables them to respond quickly to emerging food trends and changing customer preferences.”
Trader Joe’s emphasis on private-label dupes of premium products is a smart business strategy that enhances profitability, strengthens brand loyalty, and meets consumer demand for quality and value. This approach ensures its continued success and customer satisfaction in the congested retail marketplace.
