Trader Joe’s sells this beer which they call “Simpler Times”. It may be one of the most inexpensive beers one can buy, anywhere. $10 bucks for a 12 pack…$5 for a six pack! It tastes like more. This beer is actually quite good.
This Lager choice is surprisingly decent, very easy to drink, crisp and well-balanced and it pairs well with food. Not over hopped. Its more than fine just drunk on its own. Also surprising is it’s ABV of 6.2% alcohol.
It’s brewed by a “family-owned craft beer brewing company in Wisconsin, which has been brewing beer for 150 years”. We found it quite refreshing chilled, tasty and a super bargain for under a buck each even with tax and deposit.
There is also another version of Simpler Times which is a Pilsner which is crisp and light, maybe a bit less flavorful than the Lager but still pretty good. That one may been MIA though.
If you are looking for a decent beer at real bargain, TJ’s SIMPLER TIMES beers are worth trying.
One reader said this: “A very pleasant and enjoyable beer! A welcome relief from most over-hopped American beers. If you like Belgian/Octoberfest malt forward brews, try this one.” Another said, “For the price and quality, this frosty beer can’t be beat!”
https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/simpler-times-lager-12pk-162590
They sell a 12 pack for $9.99 (meaning $5 for a six pack) and the price has stayed there – Will tariffs affect this? (aluminum cans). Stay tuned!
UPDATE: AUG 2023 – FYI Some folks have reported that TJ’s might have stopped selling this however I did check recently and saw the Simpler Times Lager was still being carried at my local TJ’s (NYC UWS 72St); I only saw the Lager, didn’t see any of the Pilsner version. These were however placed all the way on the bottom shelf, where they were even a bit hard to see. Price still was $9.99. Less than a buck a beer.
Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants) 
Apr 10, 2023 @ 21:50:18
For the price and quality, this frosty beer can’t be beat!
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Jul 25, 2023 @ 23:49:25
I’m on the fence with this one. I’m a Bodi and Lucille girl. I also like dark beers. This was a bit…borderline skunky to me where I found myself here trying to find a born on date to see if it was bad. Sorry. Just didn’t like it.
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Aug 08, 2023 @ 19:13:44
Our local TJ’s does no longer stock either the lager nor the pilsner. Why are they not available? Most other inexpensive beer is carbonated water with a little alky thrown in. Terrible swill. Bring back Simpler Times please!
p.s. We love you Trader Joe!
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Aug 09, 2023 @ 14:24:07
Damn. Thanks for letting us know about this. City? DId you ask if Out Of Stock or Discontinued? I will check my local store in NYC
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Aug 15, 2023 @ 16:49:22
No Simpler Times brew at our local TJ’s in sunny Mesa Arizona. We’ve had many consecutive days over 110 lately; oh how I miss my Simpler Times! We usually walk to TJ’s to get what we need for the day. Damme the heat!
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 12:33:53
Update: Saw the brews at my TJ’s (NYC) Hard to find, on the bottom shelf but they had ’em
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 16:58:28
Customer Service saw 2 of the 12 packs and brought it up from ‘in back’. Super helpful people!
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Sep 27, 2023 @ 17:37:25
Very simply the worst beer I’ve ever tasted. I never thought there could be a beer I couldn’t power through at least 1 no matter how bad. I tried twice (including frosty mug from freezer) and had to shake my head and pour it down the sink. If this was $1.99 a CASE, it would be $2.00 too much.
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Nov 26, 2024 @ 17:22:58
very simply the best beer money can buy in these upcoming trump times of darkness and higher prices imminent. this may not be effected because its made in wisconsin but the cans might be made in China and the 61 cents a can might go up to 1 dollar may as well get pabst whichis what I did for 30 dollars a 30 pack about 9 dollaRS MORE
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Jul 24, 2025 @ 14:41:27
A very pleasant and enjoyable beer! A welcome relief from most over-hopped American beers. If you like Belgian/Octoberfest malt forward brews, try this one. PLEASE TJ’s keep offering this.
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