A California family’s outrageous Trader Joe’s bill went viral on social media, igniting a debate about affordability for families when it comes to stocking their pantries.
A video on X capturing a mile-long, $444 receipt has racked up over 17 million views online.
The hefty bill, filmed by a dad of six in the pricey area of Westlake Village sparked discussions about grocery shopping costs for families, especially given that Trader Joe’s prides itself in its reputation for being a cost effective option.
‘Here’s what it takes to feed six kids [for] about a week and a half,’ the father said in his video, where most of the items cost between $2.99 and $3.99.
The video revealed the family’s haul, including fresh produce like pricey strawberries ($4.49/lb), a multi-pack of avocados ($4.99), and individual cucumbers ($2.49 each).
The receipt also showcased a stockpile of frozen meals – Trader Joe’s chicken & cheese tamales ($3.99 each), chicken soup dumplings ($3.49 each), and Margherita pizzas ($4.79 each).
Luxury items weren’t absent though, with the most expensive being frozen Korean-style beef short ribs at a hefty $13.99 each.
Other pricier finds included breaded chicken tenderloins at $8.99 and a decadent rib-eye steak for $7.27.
Users were quick to comment that the family should have gone to warehouse stores, such as Costco or Sam’s Club, to save money as Trader Joe’s is not designed to feed large families.
‘Shopping at trader joes instead of costco with 6 kids is insane,’ commented one user.
‘Trader Joe’s is cheap but this person didn’t buy anything to cook, it’s all prepared stuff which is always more. Buy ingredients and make food,’ argued another.
‘Trader Joe’s isn’t meant for a large family,’ another user wrote.
Others commented that the father bought unnecessary items and therefore his complaint was unwarranted.
‘Nearly half of everything on the list is organic, which is a luxury. Also things like Gnocci Alla Sorrentina, surfine capers, and Brazil nut body wash (!)?’ another argued.
‘If he’s going to cry about prices, at least have some buying discipline.’
Aldi, a discount grocery chain known for its low prices, was frequently mentioned as an alternative by commenters.
“Would cost 1/3 that at Aldi,” one person said.
“Aldi’s got you for like $125,” another chimed in.
DailyMail.com reached out to Trader Joe’s for comment.