Veteran shoppers at Trader Joe’s have discovered a clever trick to dodge spending close to $100 on roses this Valentine’s Day—by bypassing traditional florists altogether.
For many couples, gifting roses is a must-have tradition when February 14 arrives.
In some regions, the cost of a dozen red roses has soared to over $90, a steep price for blooms that start to droop in just a few days.
However, patrons report that Trader Joe’s offers bouquets for a much more reasonable $10.99, with prices sometimes dipping as low as $5.99.
Besides being budget-friendly, Trader Joe’s customers vouch that the quality rivals that of any florist.
One shopper humorously shared on Reddit their shock at seeing a price tag of $85 for two dozen roses at a favorite florist, prompting them to wonder if Trader Joe’s roses were worth the gamble.
‘Their flowers are great and much less than a florist,’ one shopper answered. ‘I love their flowers… They are cheaper and will last for weeks,’ another said.
A former crew member weighed in with an insider tip: ‘I worked for Trader Joe’s for almost 20 years and the amount of florists that shop the flowers there would shock you. So yes, buy the flowers there. Shop early – deliveries arrive every morning.’
Seasoned Trader Joe’s shoppers have shared a hack to save over $80 this Valentine’s Day by purchasing roses from the inexpensive grocery store
If you’re lucky enough to live close to a Trader Joe’s, you could score a bouquet from the store for $10.99 – or even as little as $5.99
Many other echoed that sentiment, advising day-of rose-hunters to swoop soon after the grocer opens – which is generally at 8am.
‘Traders roses are lovely, all their flowers are, but get there early. As soon as they open, even before they open, as it’ll be slammed,’ a user said.
‘No matter the holiday, their flower section is always a mad house. I saw bouquets flying out the door on Super Bowl Sunday. I can only imagine what Valentine’s is going to look like.’
Roses aren’t the only Valentine bargain.
The chain is also stocking heart-shaped cookies, X and O gummies and greeting cards for 99 cents – making it possible to assemble a full gift bundle for a fraction of florist prices.
Trader Joe’s recently revealed its best products of 2026 in its infamous annual rankings, crowning the Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings as its number-one product overall after a nationwide customer vote.
The frozen favorite jumped from second place last year to take the top spot, edging out other favorites like Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese and Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice.
Fans praised the dumplings’ savory pork filling, gingery kick and rich broth tucked inside tender wrappers.
Join the debate
Is the premium on Valentine’s flowers fair, or inflated?
Lovebirds should be prepared to budget extra carefully this year, as the average price for a dozen red roses this Valentine’s Day has jumped to $93
Roses aren’t the only Valentine’s Day offering at Trader Joe’s. The grocer unleashed a range of cute festive snacks for the romantic holiday
As ever, the awards highlight the products shoppers actually buy again and again – from freezer staples to seasonal cult hits – with winners chosen across 11 categories.
The quirky American grocer is known for wacky and wonderful seasonal items, and the holidays are truly its time to shine.
Among products gracing the aisles during the holidays were Jingle Jangle, Peppermint Bark, English Cheddar Cheese with Champagne, and – of course – Egg Nog.
But one product was distinctly missing: Candy Cane Joe-Joes.
The peppermint-flavored cookies have been swiped from shelves because they didn’t meet standards, a spokesman for Trader Joe’s confirmed to the Daily Mail.
According to a Reddit user, who asked an employee at their local Trader Joe’s where the cookies went, too much peppermint was added to the recipe this season.
‘Employee just told me no Candy Cane Joe-Joes for the season!’ the user wrote on the r/traderjoes Reddit forum.
‘Apparently the manufacturer put too much peppermint in and they couldn’t be sold. I appreciate the quality control – but man, I look forward to these every year. I’ll have to find deep inner strength to thrive through this holiday season,’ they continued.
