These picks deserve a spot in your cart.
Summer is here, which means your Trader Joe’s grocery list may look a little different. With seasonal favorites returning to stores, there are also some new products that have hit shelves and shouldn’t be overlooked, according to the chain’s employees.
On a recent episode of Inside Trader Joe’shosts Tara Miller and Matt Sloan reveal the five products you should be adding to your shopping cart this season. From dips and sauces to an unexpected dessert, here’s what to try next at TJ’s.
01 of 05
Watch out, Graza: Trader Joe’s just came out with an EVOO in a convenient squeeze bottle— similar to the one made popular by another beloved brand. Sloan notes that the chain works very closely with the oil’s producers, saying that “the grocery category team works really hard to show consistent, incredible value, outstanding quality, outstanding price on olive oil always.”
Maybe the most appealing part of this dupe is that the Trader Joe’s version is a bit more affordable than Graza’s Sizzle oil (compare $11 to $16), so we’re looking forward to making a side-by-side comparison. Until then, Miller describes the taste as “peppery” and “a little bit grassy,” and we’re definitely intrigued.
02 of 05
Fans love Trader Joe’s dips, and we do, too—we even created a copycat version of their famous Caramelized Onion Dip! We’re obviously stoked that there’s a new dip on shelves, and it’s a more complex version of their queso.
The new Spicy Queso Dip promises heat from jalapeños and blended chipotles for spice with depth. Sloan describes it as a “nice heat” with texture from the peppers, making it perfect for humble tortilla chips or to pour on top of loaded nachos.
03 of 05
Speaking of spice, can you believe that Trader Joe’s only *just* released a Buffalo sauce? Miller shares that it’s “worth the wait,” because the brand’s new sauce has classic bite, with a “tangy” flavor best suited for wings, salads or as a veggie dip.
The sauce is simple; it has no added sugar, it’s low in saturated fat and spotlights cayenne pepper as its main ingredient. Try it in recipes like our Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower or our Air-Fryer Buffalo Wings.
04 of 05
I’m currently eating Trader Joe’s kettle cooked potato chips as I write this, and man, do I wish I had the new Creamy Dreamy Whipped Ricotta Cheese for dipping. This “super spreadable” cheese can be used as a dip or transformed into a delectable base for ricotta toast, which we love topping with fruits and veggies like tomatoes, berries or even figs.
Since it’s easier to spread, Miller suggests using it in lasagna for even layers, which is quite genius. Next time we make our Veggie Lasagna recipe, we’ll be taking a tub of this whipped cheese out of the fridge.
05 of 05
All you need is a stick of butter, one egg and the new Trader Joe’s Cookies & Creme Cookie Mix to make a dessert worth bringing to your next summer function. Portable and chocolatey, these cookies are not meant to mimic the brand’s famous Joe-Joe’s, but are instead a chocolate chip cookie base with flecks of creme cookie pieces and white chocolate to embrace the nostalgic taste of your favorite sandwich cookie.
“If you’re going to a barbecue or a picnic, or if you have people coming over and you want to bake something ‘from scratch,’ I think this is a really fun, easy way to do it,” Miller says.
Miller and Sloan also gave a shout-out to the stores’ new Crispy Rice Bars, which is Trader Joe’s version of a Rice Krispies treat—but don’t count on finding them at your local TJ’s. The hosts noted that the bars are “sold out at almost every Trader Joe’s.” If you see them, snag one. If not, the new dessert should be back on shelves by the end of June.
