Aldi Released a Copycat of the Trader Joe’s Cooler Bag: How Does It Compare?

Move over Stanley tumblers, the latest craze of the summer is…cooler bags! We’re not talking about just any cooler bags though. Grocery chains like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods have been stocking their stores with affordable and convenient options in a variety of colors and designs, and they are simply too good to pass up. In fact, Trader Joe’s can barely keep their Mini Cooler Bags stocked, as they’ve been flying off the shelves following their debut earlier this month. Now Aldi is joining in on the cooler bag fun with their own version—dubbed the Crane Cooler Bag—that landed in Aldi locations across the country on June 12.

The cooler bag craze started soon after grocery stores began requiring customers to bring their own bags, in an effort to minimize the one-time use of plastic and paper bags. Earlier this year, everyone was obsessed with grocery totes (the Trader Joe’s version, in particular) but now that it’s summer we’ve pivoted to cooler bags. And, let’s be honest, while tote bags are great for every type of grocery haul, a cooler bag is a big step up. Not only will it keep your refrigerated and freezer items fresh and chilled, but it’s perfect for picnics, kid’s sports games, beach and pool days, and more. 

So, how does Aldi’s new Crane Cooler Bag compare to the Trader Joe’s version? Well, first off, you’re more likely to successfully find a cooler bag at Aldi since the TJs Mini Cooler Bag keeps selling out. And while both bags are similar in size, Aldi’s variety features a front pocket with a zipper, which is great for storing items like sunscreen, bug spray, napkins, or whatever else you want to bring with you and need easy access to. It also boasts netting on the top, which can hold some larger items, and the main cooler portion features double zippers, as opposed to the single zipper you’ll find on TJ’s cooler bag.

Unlike the TJs bag, which has a handle on either side, this option from Aldi features an adjustable, padded shoulder strap, which is ideal for easy, comfortable transporting, especially if you have a bit of a walk ahead of you. But the biggest difference in these versatile coolers is the color and design. Sure, the TJs Mini Cooler Bag is adorable, but it only comes in magenta or teal with black branding. On the other hand, the Crane Cooler Bags at Aldi come in a variety of options, such as a strawberry or beach ball pattern, and orange or blue color block. 

And, what about the price? The Trader Joe’s Mini Cooler Bag is $3.99, but the larger version (which you’re more likely to spot at your local TJ’s) is nearly double the price at $7.99. The Aldi Crane Cooler Bag, which appears to be similar in size to the larger TJ’s cooler bag and isn’t sold in a smaller version, is $9.99. In other words, while the Aldi option is a bit more expensive, it does offer some additional bells and whistles that the Trader Joe’s version does not. 

Still, you likely can’t go wrong with either cooler bag. It really just depends on how you plan to use it most. The choice is yours!