Trader Joe's is bringing back its mini pastel tote bags for the spring

With spring just two weeks away, Trader Joe’s customers and fashionistas are wondering if and when the specialty grocer will bring back its pastel mini canvas tote bags.

The answer? You bet.

Nakia Rohde, a spokesperson for Trader Joe’s, confirmed the news to USA TODAY on Thursday, March 5, noting that the $2.99 bags will hit stores in mid-March. When the totes arrive at each store can vary, Rohde added.

The bags will return in the same colors as last year, including what the company calls delicate pink, baby blue, mint green and lovely lavender. Measuring about 13 inches long, 11 inches tall and 6 inches wide, the mini bags are ideal for small shopping trips, the retailer said on its website.

Last year, the mini bags were released at Trader Joe’s locations nationwide in April.

Popularity of Trader Joe's mini canvas totes

The mini totes first gained popularity in March 2024, when Trader Joe’s released the bag in primary colors red, green and blue. Shoppers were so excited about them that they waited in long lines to snag one of their own. At some stores, employees had to limit the number of bags customers could purchase.

Rohde told USA TODAY in March 2024 that the bags sold out quickly.

"Before we had the opportunity to promote them in any way, customers across the country found them at their neighborhood Trader Joe’s,” Rohde said at the time.

According to Trader Joe’s, the canvas bags are best used when “you’re just picking up something for lunch, or grabbing those items you forgot the first time around.” 

“Outside of shopping, they’re also excellent for packing up a little springtime picnic, bringing brunch supplies over to a friend’s house, or even just carrying your books and tech around school or work,” the retailer continued.

Since the 2025 release, customers have taken to social media to show off their bags, including users who have customized theirs with strawberry embroidery and charms. Another TikToker, @x.aleejandra, couldn’t get her hands on one, so her boyfriend surprised her and snagged some for her and a friend.

Since the bags first went viral, resellers have listed them on sites such as eBay, Poshmark and Mercari. Back in 2024, bags were being sold online for up to $500. Last year, bags were going for up to $400.

What other speciality tote bags has Trader Joe's sold?

The company has previously sold a micro tote measuring about 4.5 inches by 3.5 inches; the micro totes come with a reusable grocery bag, per the Trader Joe's website.

Last holiday season, the company sold a limited edition green reusable tote bag measuring about 20 inches wide and 14 inches tall; the bag was larger than both the micro and mini bags, and was similar to the company's blue and white bag but with longer straps, according to the Reno Gazette Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Contributing: Amaris Encinas, Gabe Hauari, Jonathan Limehouse, and Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY; Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette Journal

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [email protected].