NYC Woman Pulls a Case off the Shelf at Trader Joe’s and Cracks It Open. She Says Workers Told Her This Is Fine: ‘Just Buy One Individual One’
When every dollar counts.
A viral shopping hack is giving Trader Joe’s shoppers a clever way to save money without committing to bulk buys. Jaeda Skye, @jaeda_skye on TikTok, a New York City-based social media entrepreneur, shared a video demonstrating how customers can open multi-pack cases of beverages on the shelf to purchase individual cans instead of full packs. The clip, which has racked up over 1.1 million views, shows Skye grabbing a case, cracking it open, and taking just one can.
Skye’s video starts with a simple premise: “Most people don’t know this, but if you shop at Trader Joe’s and don’t want to buy a whole case, you can actually open one of them up.” She walks viewers through the process, pulling a case off the shelf, opening it, and selecting a single can. “You can literally just grab however many you want out and just buy one individual one,” she explains.
To address skeptics, she adds, “I asked multiple Trader Joe’s workers if that’s okay, and every single one of them have said yes.” The shopping hack applies to any case on the shelf, making it easy for shoppers to try new drinks without buying in bulk.
The response to Skye’s tip has been overwhelmingly positive
Commenters called it a “lifesaver” for budget-conscious shoppers, with many sharing their own experiences or expressing relief at the option to experiment without overspending. Skye even pointed out that individual cans at Trader Joe’s typically cost around a dollar, making the hack even more appealing for those looking to stretch their grocery budget. The video highlights how small adjustments like this can make a big difference in an era of rising costs.
While Skye’s hack offers a practical solution for shoppers, it also raises questions about grocery store etiquette – especially at Trader Joe’s, where employees are known for their friendly demeanor but can still get frustrated by certain customer behaviors. According to Delish, former employees have spoken out about one particular habit that drives them crazy: clearing an entire shelf of a single item. Leaving nothing for other shoppers is just one aspect of the problem.
It’s about the logistical nightmare it creates for staff
Trader Joe’s operates on a lean inventory system, meaning stores don’t keep large backstocks of products. Unlike big-box retailers with sprawling warehouses, Trader Joe’s locations often occupy smaller spaces, like repurposed paint stores or other non-traditional retail buildings.
Camille Lowder, a former Trader Joe’s employee and current Deputy Editor of Community, explained that the chain’s back rooms are tight, with most sections limited to just one storage cart’s worth of extra inventory. “The trick is to order less, more often,” she said. When a shopper buys out an entire shelf, it can take days for the store to restock that item, leaving other customers empty-handed until the next shipment arrives.
Then, there’s also the extra work this creates for employees. When a shelf is wiped clean, staff have to repeatedly restock it, pulling time away from other tasks like opening registers, preparing samples, or stocking other high-demand items. One Reddit user even said that Trader Joe’s shoppers “are way more selfish than I’ve seen anywhere else,” though others argue that most customers are just unaware of the ripple effects their bulk purchases create.
Some items at Trader Joe’s are intentionally limited
This is especially true for seasonal or popular products like mini tote bags, pumpkin butter, or holiday-themed snacks. These items are meant to be enjoyed in the moment, not hoarded for months. When shoppers buy out an entire shelf, they’re depriving others of the chance to try something new and creating unnecessary work for employees who have to scramble to keep up.
The checkout process can also become a hassle when customers buy in extreme bulk. Imagine a cashier trying to pack 15 miniature succulent gardens, 30 jars of Everything But The Bagel seasoning, or 50 bananas into oddly shaped reusable bags. Many of these items come pre-packaged in boxes, which customers can request by calling ahead and placing a special order at local stores that allow bulk orders.
For shoppers navigating inflation and tight budgets, small hacks like this can make a real difference. The affordability crisis has forced many to rethink their spending habits, and grocery stores are no exception. Trader Joe’s has long been a favorite for its low prices and unique products, but even its loyal customers are feeling the pinch. Skye’s video taps into that reality, offering a simple yet effective way to save money without sacrificing variety.
(Featured images: Jaeda Skye @jaeda_skye on Tiktok)
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