Trader Joe’s is famous for affordable finds like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Two Buck Chuck, but there’s a new obsession that has shoppers buzzing: the Trader Joe’s cooler bags. Among all the colors released in 2024, the lilac cooler bag has emerged as the fan favorite—and it’s set to make a comeback in 2025.
What Is the Trader Joe’s Cooler Bag?
Trader Joe’s cooler bags are insulated tote bags designed to keep your groceries, snacks, and frozen items chilled while you’re on the move. They come in two handy sizes: 1.5 gallons and 8 gallons. The mini version retails for just $4, while the larger bag costs $8. Each cooler is decorated with the classic Trader Joe’s store graphic featuring palm trees, making it both practical and stylish.
Why Are People So Obsessed?
Shoppers aren’t just buying these bags—they’re collecting them. The cooler bags have appeared in multiple colors over the years, including red, green, orange, yellow, blue, pink, and of course, lilac. Online communities on TikTok and Reddit are full of chatter about which stores have them in stock.
The love for these bags isn’t about rarity or luxury—it’s about convenience and affordability. They fold flat for easy storage, making them perfect to keep in your car or kitchen until your next Trader Joe’s run. Fans also treat them as a mini cultural status symbol; snagging a lilac bag can feel like a triumph.
For those who missed the original release, secondhand marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari are options—but prices can be steep. Some lilac cooler bags have been resold for as much as $80.
When Will the Cooler Bag Return to Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s hasn’t officially confirmed an exact restock date. Insider chatter suggests the lilac cooler bag will return in early 2025. Last year, it appeared in stores around late March, so it’s possible the same schedule will apply this year. Shoppers eager to grab one should keep an eye on their local Trader Joe’s and act fast when the bags hit shelves.
