:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/trader-joes-summer-shopping-4192ea48827b4110ac069d706229b2c1.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "14 Must-Have Trader Joe’s Items for Summer, According to Employees")
Summer is in full swing at Trader Joe’s, which means you can now find a bevy of hamburger buns, frozen treats, snacks, and more. And while there’s plenty to choose from (as always) at TJ’s, some products are simply a cut above the rest, at least according to Trader Joe’s employees. To help you separate the “must-haves” from everything else, we listened to the latest episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast, which is co-hosted by TJ’s employees Matt Sloan, vice president of marketing, and Tara Miller, marketing director. Over the course of the episode, the in-the-know duo recommended 14 products—11 new, three returning—all worth snagging from TJ’s as soon as possible. Read on so you can devise the perfect TJ’s summer shopping list!
Pretzel Buns
Trader Joe’s
If you’re preparing to fire up the grill a whole lot this summer, you might want to snag a package (or two) of Trader Joe’s new pretzel buns. These buns, which are already on store shelves and will stay there through August, are made by “pretzel experts” in Wisconsin and boast that distinct malty flavor in every bite. “Pretzel buns are the most exciting addition to our bakery category for me in years,” Miller declared. “[They are] the perfect size for a good-sized burger.” You can also use them for sandwiches filled with chicken salad or egg salad, or treat them as a roll since they don’t come pre-sliced.
Potato Buns
Trader Joe’s
Not a fan of that pretzel-y flavor? Try TJ’s brand-new potato buns, which are currently in stores. “These potato buns look like a very basic white bread bun, but potato flour is the secret ingredient,” Sloan shared. The result is a “super moist” bun that still manages to hold its shape, according to Miller. Use ‘em for any type of burger, fried chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, fried fish sandwiches, and more.
Organic Uncured Grass Fed Beef Hot Dogs
Trader Joe’s
This “returning champ” is a summer must. Made with organic, grass-fed beef and zero nitrates, these hot dogs are easily a cut above the rest. Sea salt and celery powder helps give these dogs a “cured” quality, while garlic puree, minced onion, paprika, and red pepper flakes add plenty of flavor. “If you are interested in a classic delicious all beef hot dog, this is it,” Sloan declared.
Black Sesame Mochi
This frozen treat is new to Trader Joe’s, but it joins a lineup of other delicious (and beloved) mochi flavors you can snag at TJ’s. This dessert was a way for the TJ’s Powers That Be to introduce black sesame to customers in a format that they’re already familiar with. The mochi boasts a charcoal gray hue, because there’s black sesame paste in the mochi coating and the ice cream. Unlike the other mochi flavors sold at TJ’s, this one has a thicker, but softer, mochi coating. According to Miller, the Black Sesame Mochi is “so incredibly satisfying to eat,” in part because it isn’t too sweet and features “earthy” flavors. If this sounds like something you’d like, snag this new mochi while you can—it’s only slated to be around for a limited time.
Korean Style Bibim-Guksu
Trader Joe’s
Found in the refrigerated section, this cold noodle salad is new to Trader Joe’s this year and is already on store shelves. It works as a “great snack” or “light lunch,” according to Sloan, and consists of slender wheat noodles, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and tart kimchi. There’s also a gochujang dressing included with each salad for “a little bit of heat.” While this item is new, it’s already part of the TJ’s everyday lineup, meaning it won’t disappear once summer is over.
Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese Made With Cow’s Milk and Sheep’s Milk
Why yes, this blended cheese is made with cow and sheep milk. This “easy” gorgonzola is like “training wheel blue cheese,” according to Sloan. It’s an Italian-style cheese made in Wisconsin, and it shines in a salad, pasta salad, or on a burger. If you like creamy, crumbly cheese, this one is for you. It’s a limited availability product that will only be around this summer, so try it before it disappears.
Hard Top Chocolate Shell Topping
Trader Joe’s
This new item is Trader Joe’s answer to Magic Shell. Since this topping is made with coconut oil, it solidifies when drizzled over ice cream or other cold foods. As a rule of thumb, Miller recommends placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes and shaking it before pouring it on your dessert of choice. As a topping, it’s sweet, chocolatey, and downright delicious. Whatever you do, don’t put this item in the refrigerator!
Strawberry Mini Sheet Cake
Trader Joe’s
Sheet cakes are another thing that Trader Joe’s does really well, and this latest iteration is no exception. This seasonal, perfect-for-summer dessert features a moist strawberry cake topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that’s just tart enough to balance the sweetness of this treat. The strawberry flavor is “intense” but practically perfect. For $5.99, this cake can be yours!
Strawberry and Watermelon Marshmallows
These gelatin-based treats are shaped like little watermelons and strawberries, but they taste like “classic” marshmallows. Pop a few in your mouth if you’re craving something sweet, or use them to top a sundae or roast ’em over a fire. Available now, these marshmallows are only expected to be in stores for a limited time.
Yellow Watermelon
From the outside, these watermelons look like your typical watermelon. However, once you cut them open, the flesh is yellow instead of pink. Some people find yellow watermelons a tad sweeter than their pink counterparts, but the taste and texture are very similar to that of an ordinary watermelon. According to Miller, these watermelons are seedless, meaning they won’t have any big black seeds but will have some smaller white seeds.
Plumcots
Trader Joe’s
Plumcots are a hybrid fruit created by crossing plums and apricots, and throughout their short season, multiple varieties of Plumcots can be found in the Trader Joe’s produce section. More specifically, you might find red-skinned, red-fleshed Plumcots, green-skinned, yellow-fleshed Plumcots, or purple-skinned, orange-fleshed Plumcots. No matter which stone fruit variety you find, you can guarantee it will be juicy and scrumptious! Find them in stores now.
Root Beer Float Pieces
Trader Joe’s
Confused by this new item? We’ve got you covered. These sweet treats, which are on shelves now, are basically vanilla sandwich cookie pieces with popping candy enrobed in a root beer-flavored candy coating. Snack on these tasty, popping morsels solo, or add them to a real root beer float or ice cream sundae.
Orange Flavored Espresso Tonic Beverage
This “espresso soda” is designed to be enjoyed cold. As you may have guessed, this sparkling beverage is made with bright, tart tonic water, a touch of orange juice, and bold espresso. “It feels very continental, like you’re on a European vacation,” Sloan noted. “It’s refreshing.” Expect to see it in stores after July Fourth.
Glow Anywhere Sun Care Set
Trader Joe’s
Per Miller, this new beauty set is “a really cool little package of products for your skin just in time for the summer sun.” More specifically, you’ll find a Shimmer Oil Sunscreen spray, a Shimmer Glow Stick Sunscreen, and After Sun Body Serum. The sunscreens have mica for a “shimmery” quality that isn’t “obnoxiously shiny.” Instead, you’ll look wonderfully dewy and vibrant.
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