Trader Joe's Beloved Mystery Bags Are Officially Back On Shelves

One of America's all-time favorite grocery store chains, Trader Joe's, is widely loved for its unique seasonal items. Just check out our ranking of Trader Joe's fall 2024 items to see what all the hype is about. Many of these special offerings, like the pumpkin spice cold brew concentrate or coffee panna cotta, fly off the shelves in the blink of an eye. And while some of these fan-favorites return every season, one non-food item that had fans buzzing with anticipation is finally making a comeback this year. Can you guess which one? That'd be the popular Mystery Bags. 

Available for only $2.99, this limited-time item features three reusable grocery shopping bags. And the word on the street is customers are so excited about them (like they were for the return of Trader Joe's sold-out mini tote bags) that they're racing to the stores to grab the bags up, with some people even snagging up to five packs at a time. But just in case you are new to Trader Joe's special goods, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. 

Besides the fact that the item works out to being a bag per dollar, every pack of Trader Joe's Mystery Bags includes three reusable shopping bags that simply aren't like other bags. What's the mystery behind them, you ask? Well, each one features various vibrant designs representing different locations in the U.S. And you never really know which place you'll get, whether it be a city, a region, or even a state — it all ultimately comes down to your own luck. Some rare bags aren't themed around a location, but a food, like canned corn, for instance. The real challenge is, just like Ash Ketchum would say, to catch them all. Whether you manage to snag a bunch of unique ones or end up with a few repeats, it's still a great way to grow your reusable bag collection!

So, if you're ready to join the hype and grab a pack of Mystery Bags, they should be available at all Trader Joe's stores, although maybe not for too long. Eager to snag some but worried about the possible frenzy surrounding them? It's worth trying this strategy for shopping at Trader Joe's if the crowds overwhelm you. And just in case you end up with dupes, try trading them with friends. It's a fun way to kick off the upcoming holiday season.