The skincare world loves a good dupe and when Trader Joe’s dropped their Brazil Nut Body Butter, beauty lovers couldn’t help but compare it to the cult-favorite Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. With both boasting rich hydration, irresistible scents, and claims of smoother skin, the debate began: Can a $6 jar from the grocery store hold its own against a $48 luxury body cream?

Let us compare these two body butter head-to-toe ingredients, performance, scent, texture, value, and overall experience so you can decide if the dupe is just as good as the original (or better!).

1. Overview: What Are These Body Butters?
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
A best-seller since its launch, this body cream is infused with Brazilian ingredients like guaraná extract and cupuaçu butter. It promises firming, fast-absorbing hydration, and a signature scent that’s practically addictive: pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla. At $48 for 8.1 oz, it’s considered a high-end body product that doubles as a treat for your senses.
Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Body Butter
First introduced as a seasonal product, Trader Joe’s version created an internet frenzy for being an uncanny dupe. Packaged in a similar tub, this body butter features ingredients like acai and guaraná extract, shea butter, and coconut oil. Priced at around $6 for 8 oz, it’s less than a quarter of the price.
2. Packaging and Presentation
Sol de Janeiro:
Bright yellow, bold, and unmistakably tropical. The rounded jar is sturdy, with white lettering and a minimalist-but-luxury feel. It screams “vacation” on your vanity.
Trader Joe’s:
Also vibrant, with a copper-orange hue and tropical branding that mimics Sol de Janeiro’s aesthetic. While it’s not the same, it’s close enough that people do a double-take in the aisle.
Verdict: Both are visually appealing, but Sol de Janeiro wins in luxe presentation. Trader Joe’s is more playful and accessible.
3. Scent Showdown
The scent is arguably the biggest reason people love (and buy) both of these.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream:
This is the cream’s claim to fame. The scent is described as “Cheirosa ‘62,” with notes of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla. It’s warm, sweet, tropical, and incredibly long-lasting. Many fans even skip perfume because this scent lingers all day.

Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Body Butter:
Shockingly similar. It hits you with that same sweet, nutty, beachy vibe pistachio and caramel are present but some users say it’s slightly lighter or fades faster. Still, for a fraction of the price, the scent dupe is impressive.

Verdict:
For scent longevity and intensity, Sol de Janeiro wins. But if you’re after a near-perfect scent match for $6, Trader Joe’s nails it.
4. Texture and Application
Sol de Janeiro:
The texture is velvety and whipped—light but rich. It absorbs quickly, which is rare for a body butter and leaves a soft, glowy finish without feeling greasy.
Trader Joe’s:
Slightly thicker, a touch more buttery. It takes an extra few seconds to fully absorb, but once it does, the skin feels soft and nourished. Some users even prefer its deeply moisturizing texture over the original.
Verdict:
If you want lightweight and fast absorption, Sol de Janeiro takes the cake. But if you prefer that true “butter” feel, Trader Joe’s is a great pick.
5. Key Ingredients Comparison
Ingredient | Sol de Janeiro | Trader Joe’s |
---|---|---|
Guaraná Extract | Yes (firming, caffeine-rich) | Yes |
Cupuaçu Butter | Yes (hydrating, nourishing) | No |
Coconut Oil | No | Yes (moisturizing, soothing) |
Acai Oil | Yes (antioxidant-rich) | Yes |
Shea Butter | No | Yes |
Mica (shimmer) | Yes (subtle glow effect) | No |
Verdict:
Sol de Janeiro includes more luxury ingredients and shimmer, adding a “glow” factor. Trader Joe’s is more focused on deep hydration with familiar but effective ingredients. If firming or radiance is your goal, SDJ wins. For moisture and softness, TJ is more than enough.
6. Performance and Skin Benefits
Sol de Janeiro:
- Noticeably softens skin instantly
- Improves texture over time (thanks to guaraná and caffeine)
- Leaves a radiant sheen
- Great for summer skin or exposed limbs
- Works well under perfume
- Deeply moisturizing—great for dry patches, elbows, heels
- Sinks in with a subtle softness
- Doesn’t leave a glow, but still nourishes the skin
- Some users report improvement in skin tone over time
Verdict:
Sol de Janeiro gives you visible results and sensory delight. Trader Joe’s is more functionally focused but still pleasantly scented.
7. Price and Value
Product | Price | Size | Cost per oz |
---|---|---|---|
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream | $48 | 8.1 oz | ~$5.93 |
Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Butter | ~$6 | 8 oz | ~$0.75 |
It’s no contest. Trader Joe’s body butter is nearly 8x cheaper. If you’re on a budget, this is a clear winner in value.
Verdict: Trader Joe’s dominates the value category, making luxury more accessible.
8. Availability and Accessibility
Sol de Janeiro:
Easily available year-round at Sephora, Amazon, and directly from their website.
Trader Joe’s:
Seasonal. It often sells out fast and is only available in-store, which creates urgency but limits accessibility. Some resellers offer it online—but often with a markup.
Verdict:
Sol de Janeiro wins in consistency. Trader Joe’s is great—if you can find it.
9. Cruelty-Free & Clean Beauty Credentials
Both brands are cruelty-free, which is a win.
- Sol de Janeiro: Paraben-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Trader Joe’s: Not certified vegan, but not tested on animals. Their body products often include natural ingredients and omit parabens.
Verdict: Both are great in this department, but Sol de Janeiro has more clearly defined certifications.
10. Which One Should You Buy?
Choose Sol de Janeiro if you want:
- A luxury skincare experience
- A longer-lasting scent that doubles as perfume
- A radiant, shimmery glow
- Consistent year-round availability
- Firming and toning benefits

Choose Trader Joe’s if you want:
- An affordable dupe that smells 90% the same
- Deep hydration without the shimmer
- A body butter that feels more like traditional butter
- A fun, seasonal treat with great value
- A low-risk intro to the scent

Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how closely Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Body Butter mirrors Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. While it may not beat it in every category—like scent longevity or radiant finish—it comes surprisingly close for a fraction of the cost.
For some, the allure of Sol de Janeiro’s luxe scent and shimmery finish is worth the splurge. For others, Trader Joe’s is a budget-friendly holy grail that satisfies both the skin and the senses.
Here’s a tip: Use Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Butter during colder months when your skin needs more moisture and switch to Sol de Janeiro in summer for that firming, beach-ready glow.
No matter which you choose, your skin (and your nose) will thank you.
Let’s hear it from you: Have you tried either (or both)? Which one wins in your book? Let us know in the comments!