Buzz
Photo Credit: Trader Joe'sNow that the holidays are over, winter can feel endless, gloomy, and downright unbearable. But never fear—Trader Joe's is here to lift our spirits. Packed with cozy and comforting items, both new and returning, these exclusive products are just what we need to beat the winter blues. Some of these gems were featured on the latest episode of the Inside Trader Joe's podcast with Matt Sloan, the customer relations communications director, and Tara Miller, the vice president of marketing. Others are fan favorites we can't wait to dive into. Ready for the ultimate roundup of comforting Trader Joe’s treasures? Keep scrolling!
Zesty Meat Pizza
Trader Joe’s offers an impressive selection of frozen pizzas, and now there's a new addition to the lineup. According to Mary Ann, a TJ’s employee in charge of frozen foods, the Spicy Meat Pizza is now available in stores. Thanks to a change in regulations a couple of years ago, some authentic Italian pizza suppliers are now allowed to import meat, making this the first pizza with Italian-sourced meat. Is there anything more satisfying than a warm, cheesy personal pizza? We think not.
Carbonara
Another exciting frozen find this winter is the new carbonara. This classic Roman pasta dish, made with pancetta, eggs, cheese, and olive oil, is imported straight from Italy. As Miller puts it, this delicious new offering is “easy to prepare.” If you haven’t tried carbonara yet, get ready for a rich and hearty pasta that will have you coming back for more.
Chile Rellenos
Fans of chile rellenos will be thrilled with this new frozen version from Trader Joe’s, made in Mexico. Traditionally, this Mexican dish features a green or poblano pepper stuffed with minced meat and coated in eggs. Trader Joe's makes it easy with a version that takes all the work out of the process. As Sloan notes, 'If you've ever attempted to make a chile relleno at home, it's a lot of work. This one is so simple and perfectly made.' Customers can’t wait to try it.
Calamansi & Mango Sorbet
While summer may still be months away, Trader Joe’s has created a refreshing new sorbet to bring those sunny vibes early. This frozen treat blends the tart, zesty flavor of Calamansi, a citrus fruit from the Philippines, with the sweet, tropical taste of mango. The result is a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, providing a deliciously cool escape. If temperatures rise above 50 this winter, you’ll want a pint of this sorbet on hand to chill out.
Black Garlic Cream Cheese Spread
Reinventing cream cheese is no easy feat, but Trader Joe’s has done it with the new Black Garlic Cream Cheese Spread. Each tub is packed with savory fermented black garlic, complemented by plenty of dried garlic and roasted garlic powder. This tangy spread is perfect for bagels, sandwiches, or anything that needs a flavor boost. Hosting a Super Bowl party or Galentine’s night? Serve it as a dip to wow your guests.
Jalapeño & Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons
These bite-sized wontons have everything you need for a perfect winter snack: crispy, slightly spicy, and filled with creamy tang. Bake them in a traditional oven or air fryer, and get ready to munch all night long. Planning a Super Bowl party? A box of these crunchy delights will go a long way to satisfying your guests.
Thai Peanut Satay Sauce
If you're looking for a sauce that’s creamy, rich, and irresistible no matter what you pair it with, grab a jar (or two) of the new Thai Peanut Satay Sauce. Made by a supplier in Thailand, this sauce blends the sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors of coconut milk, peanuts, red curry paste, and zesty lemongrass. While it’s perfect for traditional satay, it’s just as delicious on burgers, grilled shrimp, or stirred into a hearty noodle bowl.
Snickerdoodle Cookies
While holiday cookie swaps may be behind us, is there really ever a time when cookies aren’t in season? If you're craving a sweet treat with a warming spice kick, try the new Snickerdoodle Cookies, coated with a bold cinnamon-sugar topping. With a crisp exterior and soft, chewy inside, these cookies are the perfect companion for a cozy cup of tea or coffee.
Chocolatey Dipping Kit
Whether you're celebrating Valentine’s Day or just craving a sweet treat, make sure to add this Chocolatey Dipping Kit to your list. Each kit includes milk and dark chocolatey discs, along with two kinds of Valentine’s-themed sprinkles. All you’ll need are a couple of bowls and your favorite goodies for dipping. We recommend fresh strawberries, sandwich cookies, or frozen banana slices—each pairs perfectly with rich, gooey chocolate.
Rosatella Pasta Sauce
After a chilly day, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of creamy pasta. If you agree, this new Rosatella Pasta Sauce is your go-to. This indulgent sauce combines the zesty flavor of marinara with the smooth richness of Alfredo, made with tomato paste, cream, milk, Grana Padano cheese, and more. Pour it over your pasta or use it as a delicious dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or arancini.
Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste
Enhance the flavor of your winter baking with Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste. Sourced from Mauritius, this paste is made with vanilla beans, sugar syrup, and vanilla extract. You can use it as a 1:1 replacement for vanilla extract in any cake, cookie, or pie recipe where you want to boost the vanilla taste. It also adds a rich depth to French toast, homemade whipped cream, and even your morning yogurt.
Ratatouille Bites
This returning appetizer from the frozen section takes the classic French ratatouille and reimagines it into bite-sized portions. Each piece is packed with a medley of roasted veggies—eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes—seasoned with garlic, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. After being coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried, these savory morsels are flash-frozen. For the crispiest results, pop them in your air fryer for a perfect crunch.
