The Best Summer Treats at Trader Joe’s

As any Trader Joe’s fan knows, each turn in the weather ushers in a new array of seasonal goodies. Summer is no exception, and shoppers who keep their eyes peeled can find everything from fruity, thirst-quenching beverages to picnic- and cookout-ready snacks. We’ve rounded up several of the newest temptations. See something that piques your interest? Head to your local store now — many of these items may not be on the shelves in another month or two.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related: Things You Should Skip at Trader Joe’s

Organic Watermelon Fruit Spread

$3

There’s nothing quite like a juicy slice of watermelon that says “fun in the sun,” but this versatile spread comes pretty darn close. Slather it on a cracker, switch up your peanut-butter sandwich, or give that crusty English muffin a surprise: The possibilities are endless.

Related: The Best Things You Can Buy at Trader Joe’s

Key Lime Tea Cookies

$4

There’s a reason these cookies have made a return appearance for several summers. In fact, this review from What’s Good at Trader Joe’s speaks for itself: “I basically ate the whole package myself. Every cookie seemed better than the previous — the crumbly texture of the cookie middle, the quickly intensifying lime flavor in all it’s sour-sweet citrusy glory, all of the sugar adding a sweet balance. Oh goodness.”

Related: Best Store-Bought Desserts From Trader Joe’s

Shrimp Seafood Burgers

$7

Just because burgers are a summer standby doesn’t mean they always need to be beef — or even require firing up the grill, for that matter. These frozen patties are a lighter alternative that are just as home on a toasted bun.

Related: Trader Joe’s Best Buys for Packing Your Freezer

Tangerine Cream Bars

$4

These treats are like those orange creamsicles from childhood that have suddenly grown up — and we’re here for it. “The sweet and citrus combo is one that really works for us, and it makes these seem extra refreshing,” raves Freezer Meal Frenzy. “We definitely want to have these on hand for the next heat wave!”

Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

$3.49

This summery juice has reappeared on TJ’s shelves for several years now when the dog days arrive. “It is light and refreshing, but not everyone will appreciate the cucumber flavor here,” says Become Betty. Welp, count us among the cucumber lovers — we’re plotting all sorts of creative poolside cocktails using this as a mixer.

Citrus Mousse Cakes

$3.49

Frankly, we’d buy these adorable orange- and lime-shaped cakes even if they didn’t taste good. Happily, they’re as delicious as they are cute, fusing moist vanilla cake with fruity mousse. “They taste like high-class, grown-up citrus zebra cakes,” one Redditor raves. “10/10 do recommend.”

Chile Lime Mayonnaise

$3

Don’t forget the condiments — namely, this zingy twist on a classic. Lime juice and two kinds of pepper powder will add a kick to that burger, not to mention that boring side of french fries.

Gone Bananas!

$2.49

This longtime veteran of the TJ’s freezer case isn’t some fly-by-night seasonal dessert, but it’s still an especially toothsome choice for summer, especially if you won’t eat your favorite chocolate bar until it’s spent some time in the fridge or freezer.

Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

$9

Adding water or milk to this Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate is a more refreshing way to get a java buzz, and a 32-ounce bottle yields about three times that in drinkable beverages. Influenster reviewers are fans of the price — it’s way cheaper than a lot of the competition — and the taste.

Related: How to Make Your Own Cold Brew Coffee and Save

Lemon Chess Pie

$8

If you grew up in the South (or even if you didn’t), run, don’t walk, to pick up this tangy, indulgent classic before it’s gone. “I’m eating a big piece right now … and tears are falling down my face,” one Redditor says. “This. Is. Incredible.”

Popcorn in a Pickle

$2

This summertime staple of the Trader Joe’s snack aisle, seasoned to taste just like a crunchy dill pickle, will make you pucker up in the best possible way. “What kind of sorcery did they use to make this taste exactly like pickles?” muses Junk Banter. “This is stupidly addicting.”

Fruity Gummy Candies

$2

Sometimes nothing but a colorful handful of juicy gummies will hit the spot, and this naturally flavored option is a new, already-beloved part of TJ’s candy lineup. Pineapple, mango, grapefruit, watermelon, and blueberry combine to make it an “adult version of fruit snacks” that you’ll definitely want to nosh on during your next picnic or pool day.

Tomato Ketchup With Black Summer Truffle

$3.49

Nothing screams “fancy” like a condiment in a glass jar, especially if you throw truffles into the mix. TJ’s says this ketchup has just the right amount of umami to kick your cookout up a notch. “Our household of four grills burgers and makes fries twice a month,” one Redditor says. “We go through 3-4 jars of this a year, and that’s basically the only time we use ketchup.”

Sparkling Black Tea With Peach Juice

$4

This fizzy, refreshing drink has had the internet abuzz since it was released last year. Customers have already elevated it as the chain’s No. 1 beverage, impressive for a new product. You can also use some bourbon, honey, and lemon to make a summer-ready cocktail best sipped in a rocking chair on your front porch.

Just Mango Slices

$3 

This longtime customer favorite is as simple as it sounds: a bag of dried mango slices, and that’s it. There are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or other junk, and fans like it that way. Influenster reviewers say this simple treat is healthier than most, affordable, and most importantly, tasty: “They’re sugary sweet with tons of fresh mango flavor,” one devotee says. “The texture is even better than other dried mangos.”

Ube Purple Yam Flavored Ice Cream

$3.49

Citrus, melon, mint — these are the flavors of summer. Ube? If Trader Joe’s has anything to do with it, absolutely. This brilliantly purple treat is “a cross between vanilla and pistachio, with a hint of coconut,” TJ’s says. Feeling adventurous? It’s cheaper than a plane ticket to the Philippines.

Ube Spread

$4

If ice cream isn’t your thing but you think ube might be, then this new-in-2022 spread is for you. Think of it like lemon curd or fruit preserves in texture and use — smear the smooth, creamy spread on some buttered toast or biscuits, or use it in your favorite baked goods recipe.

Sparkling Watermelon Juice

$4

Watermelon drinks don’t normally come in the fizzy variety, but this sparkling juice is an exception. There are no added sugars, but because it’s juice and not flavored sparkling water, it has just the right amount of sweetness for a refreshing mocktail. 

Strawberry and Rhubarb Hand Pies

$4.49

Hand pies are arguably the most fun dessert ever created, and if you agree with that statement, then get down to TJ’s and pick up some of these strawberry and rhubarb-filled versions. They’re made with an all-butter crust for the best flavor and would be amazing a la mode. 

Greek Style Chicken

$8

Who says taking a night off from cooking dinner isn’t treating yourself, especially when it’s too hot to turn on the stove? This fully cooked Greek-style chicken meal serves two people and it’ll have you saying “Opa!” in no time. It includes sliced chicken breast on top of orzo with spinach, olives, and feta.

Veggie Kabobs

$6

These vegetable kabobs are a convenience food without being unhealthy. They take a little extra work and planning for your dinner, but they look beautiful once they’re cooked. Just throw them on the grill next to your steaks or hot dogs and give them a quick basting of your favorite vinaigrette if you like.

Chile Spiced Pineapple

$3.69

Dried fruit is always a hit during the summer, and these pineapple rings add a much needed variation to the usual sweet snack. They’re coated with a crunchy layer of medium-spiced dried red chiles for a hot treat with a sweet, tropical center.

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake

$8

Trader Joe’s cheesecakes are perfect for stashing away in the freezer for when you have unexpected company — or you’re just desperate for a treat. This summery strawberry swirl version is just as good as the original but with a tasty, fruity twist. 

Mini Meyer Lemon Biscotti

$4.49

There’s no reason you can’t add a little extra sunshine to your morning coffee with these meyer lemon biscotti cookies. Meyer lemons are known for being extra sweet with a floral fragrance, so these have more depth of flavor than the typical lemon-scented cookie. 

Everything But the Elote Seasoning

$2

The seasoning blends at TJ’s are nearly always standouts, including this Everything But the Elote. If you often find yourself eating Mexican roasted corn on a street corner, just sprinkle this blend on anything to get that same chile, cheese, and cumin mix. It’s an easy way to perk up summer corn on the cob, but try it on popcorn or eggs as well.

Kalua Pork Spring Rolls

$4.79

If your best memory of summer was your Hawaiian honeymoon, you’ll love these kalua pork spring rolls that’ll transport you back to the islands. The smoky luau staple is mixed with cellophane noodles and vegetables in a thin, crispy spring roll wrapper. 

Strawberry Mochi

$4.79

Frozen, ice cream-filled mochi makes hot summer days a lot more bearable. They come in various flavors at TJ’s, including strawberry for summer. Just grab one of the chewy gluten-free treats for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.