If you’ve ever shopped at Trader Joe’s, it should come as no surprise that it consistently ranks as one of America’s favorite grocery stores. With aisles of top-notch products along with friendly service, crazy low prices, and cookie butter, sometimes it’s hard to imagine why one would shop anywhere else.
While many of their private label goods are classics that will stick around forever (Joe Joe’s aren’t going anywhere, right?), one of our favorite things about a trip to TJ’s is the fresh goodies we find each time. Bacon Jam? Yes, please. Cold Pressed Cantaloupe Juice? We’ll take two. Check out some of the delightful new products Trader Joe’s has added to their lineup in the last few weeks alone, and get inspired for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor summer shindigs.
Images via Trader Joe's
Island Salsa, $2.99
You won’t find any tomatoes in this fresh summer salsa. Chock-full of mangoes, pineapple, and peppers, including some jalapeños, this fruity, spicy blend adds a tropical-inspired spin to pork or fish dishes, or just plain old tortilla chips.
Cold Pressed Cantaloupe Juice, $3.99
This bright, refreshing fruit juice blends one and a half pounds (not a typo) of cantaloupe with a little lime juice in every bottle. At roughly half the price of that hip juice place down the street, it’s an easily justifiable, vitamin-packed morning treat or midday pick-me-up.
Marshmallows, $2.99
Just in time for the Official S’Mores Season, Trader Joe’s gives us the greatest marshmallows. Not only do they have no artificial flavors or colors, but they’re gluten and gelatin free. Roast them over the fire, whip up a batch of Rice Krispie treats, or just pop straight from the bag.
Uncured Bacon Jam, $4.49
Craving a BLT but don’t have time to fry bacon? Grab a jar of this wonder condiment instead. Applewood smoked bacon is simmered with onions, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, then blended together for a spread that will bring infinite savory-sweet depth to any sandwich.
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Mango Jicama Slaw, $4.99
This bright, super-flavorful mix of shredded mango, jicama, and cabbage, cilantro, and slightly spicy vinaigrette will bring instant, effortless pep to fish tacos, or simple grilled fish.
Small Lot Sulawesi Coffee, $7.99
Medium-roasted, 100 percent Arabica Kalosi beans from Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island make for an incredibly smooth cup of coffee. And because these beans are rare (and the fact that TJ’s is, unsurprisingly, selling them for a great price), there are limited quantities, so stock up while you can.
Pecan Praline Granola, $2.99
Trader Joe’s delicious granola — packed with maple-flavored pecans and caramelized pralines — isn’t new, but the fact that it’s now gluten-free is. A serious breakfast treat, it’s also excellent on yogurt for an afternoon snack. Or you can go really nuts (get it?) and add a handful to vanilla ice cream for a crunchy, textured upgrade.
Chile Lime Seasoning Blend, $1.99
Inspired by the popular and ubiquitous street-vendor snack in Mexico, this flavorful seasoning adds a lively kick to sweet fruits — think mango, oranges, watermelon. For a calorie-free upgrade, add it to fresh fruits and veggie snacks this summer.
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Just Beets, $2.99
When Trader Joe’s says there are Just Beets in here, they really mean it. Slices of dehydrated beets, sans salt or oil, are a sweet and crunchy snack. Munch them alone or with dip, or crumble a few on top of salad in lieu of croutons for a healthier added crunch.
Unsweetened Instant Oatmeal, $3.49
While Trader Joe’s has plenty of delicious instant oatmeal varieties, this one is the first completely plain offering. (Though it gets a healthy boost from ground flax seeds, chia seeds, quinoa, and amaranth.) The best part of quick, plain oatmeal? Mixing up your mix-ins. Get creative with fresh or dried fruit, seeds, nuts, peanut butter, and even cocoa. Getting out of bed has never been so easy.
Organic French Roast Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, $9.99
Introducing the new organic version of TJ’s beloved Cold Brew Concentrate. Add one part of this magical liquid to two parts water or milk and throw in a few ice cubes for a ridiculously easy caffeine fix that’s a fraction of the cost of your local coffee shop.
Truffles, $3.49
Listen up, people. These creamy chocolate-butterscotch filled truffles are coated with Belgian chocolate and tiny bits of toffee, and then dusted with cocoa. They’re packaged in a lovely pink box, and did we mention they’re made in Belgium? At $3.49 for 12 chocolates, you’ve really outdone yourself here, Trader Joe’s.
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Trofie Colore for $1.99
Made in Italy by a fourth-generation pasta producer, these colorful spirals are the real deal. Add a little flair to weeknight dinner or whip up a Pinterest-worthy pasta salad for your next backyard barbecue.
St. Nectaire, $9.99/pound
Imported from the Auvergne region of central France, this cow’s milk cheese would be perfectly at home in your neighborhood fancy cheese shop. Pick up a wedge, along with some classic TJ’s crackers, nuts, and dried fruit, for an effortlessly tasty cheese tray.
Ode to the Classic Potato Chip, $1.99
You know what these classic TJ’s chips pair well with? Summer. Add a handful to your paper plate beside the hot dog and potato salad at your next neighborhood barbecue, or crumble up a few on a sandwich anytime. They're a simple, delicious summer staple.
Mango Sorbet Bon Bons, $3.99
Tart, icy mango sorbet meshes with a rich dark chocolate shell, making these TJ's bon bons a refreshing after dinner (or afternoon!) treat.
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