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The Viral Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag Is Selling Out *Fast*

Some college students swear by shopping for groceries at Trader Joe’s, and I don’t blame them. Every Trader Joe’s has unique decorations, seasonal items, and (drumroll please) BAGS. Trader Joe’s is a grocery bag-selling icon. From their insulated bags to state-specific designs, you’re bound to find a unique bag at every single store. It’s no surprise that their new Mini Canvas Tote Bags have blown up on TikTok, and are soaring off the shelves.

If you notice anything familiar about Trader Joe’s’ viral Mini Canvas Tote Bag, it’s probably because you’ve seen them in stores before, except much larger! These new mini totes ($2.99) are 13 inches long by 11 inches tall by 6 inches wide. They come in four colors: red, green, yellow, and blue. You can find the bags on the Trader Joe’s website and add one to your shopping list, but they’re not available for purchase online. The only way to get your hands on these is to go in-person and cross your fingers that they have the color you want — or any at all. Unfortunately, many stores are selling out, and with no clear answer as to when they’ll be restocked, the time is now to grab one while you still can. They’re only available for a limited time, so run, don’t walk!

Trader Joe’s writes on their website that “the size is ideal for smaller shopping trips, to pick up those few items you forgot the first time around,” and that the bag can fit a small paperback, a dozen of apples, and more. Even though there’s nothing super groundbreaking about these canvas tote bags (other than the fact that they’re smaller), they’re definitely a source of serotonin for many people. And that counts as a win! One user under Elinor Kim’s TikTok video commented, “I’ll fr buy the blue one off you lol” and another wrote “I have multiple in every color but green.” 

However, some people don’t understand the hype. Under the same video, someone commented, “It’s giving Valentine’s Stanley cup release at Target and I’m scared.” Another user said, “I looked at them and said no bc it’s too small to reasonably carry like a bag without looking silly.” Everyone seems to have different opinions about the practicality of the bag. 

@elinorxkim

this was so scary but i’m aware i’m a part of the problem🧚🏻‍♀️ #traderjoes #totebag #minitotebag #fyp

♬ Back It up and Dump It (Dump Truck) – GC Eternal & Kinfolk Thugs

TikToker Alyssa Lorraine gave high praise to the bags and wrote that they had a “sturdy canvas, long shoulder drop, 2 mini pockets” and could “fit so much.” So far, Trader Joe’s has made no announcement to raise the price of the bags, and at only $3, let’s hope they keep it that way! 

@_alyssa_lorraine_

giving Goyard mini energy 😅 sturdy canvas, long shoulder drop, 2 mini pockets, small but deep can fit so much #traderjoesminibag #traderjoestotebag #minitotebag #traderjoesfinds #newattraderjoes

♬ original sound – meow

What are your thoughts on Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag? Will it be your new go-to grocery bag? I’ll definitely be checking to see what all the fuss is about on my next grocery run. 

Zetta Whiting

Chapman '24

Zetta Whiting is a Her Campus intern who writes for the Style verticals of the site. She has published articles in the Voice of Orange County, ChapBook Magazine, and 60 Seconds Magazine, ranging from local government news to student life stories. Zetta had the opportunity to interview the authors of the Goddess Girls and Disney Fairies series for 60 Seconds Magazine, where she uncovered what it takes to be a successful children's book author. This spring, Zetta will be graduating from Chapman University with a BA in English journalism and a minor in dance. She plans to move to the East Coast and attend graduate school in the fall, studying publishing. In her free time, she enjoys reading young adult fantasy novels, taking dance classes, and listening to Beyoncé.