Your Ultimate Trader Joe’s Summer Shopping Guide—Featuring 15 Must-Have Items

Photo: Trader Joes

Although summer officially starts on June 20, a visit to your local Trader Joe’s might make you think it’s already in full swing. The store has been rolling out its summer lineup for weeks, and in the latest episode of the Inside Trader Joe's podcast, hosts Matt Sloan, director of customer relations communications, and Tara Miller, vice president of marketing, highlighted 15 exciting new and returning products. From dog treats to the Sweet Chili Mango Salad Kit—a perfect summer dish—the selection is packed with seasonal delights. BBQ essentials like the new Caramelized Onion & Bell Pepper Turkey Patties and the returning Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thigh Skewers are also featured. For those with a sweet tooth, look out for Bacon & Eggs Shaped Sweet Gummy Candies and Organic Freezer Pops. Dive into the full Trader Joe’s summer shopping list below!

Surf's Pup Dog Treats

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Summer is here for everyone, even your furry friend. The new Surf’s Pup Dog Treats are designed like cookies, featuring fun shapes such as a Hawaiian shirt, flip flop, hibiscus flower, and a surfboard. These limited-time treats combine savory pork, sweet potato, and a hint of tropical coconut for a delightful snack your dog will love.

Vidalia Onions

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Vidalia onions have arrived just in time for grilling season. Cultivated in specific regions of Georgia, these onions are celebrated for their natural sweetness and versatility, whether eaten raw or cooked. Packed with vitamin C, the Vidalia onions at TJ’s come in two-pound bags priced at $2.99. Perfect for roasting, caramelizing, or quick-pickling, their sweetness shines through in every preparation. They also make an excellent raw hamburger topping, adding a fresh touch to your summer barbecues.

Peanut and Crispy Noodle Salad Kit

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Trader Joe’s is known for its ever-changing lineup of salad kits, and the latest addition, arriving in late July, is the Peanut and Crispy Noodle Salad Kit. This kit includes a robust mix of romaine lettuce, cabbage, shredded carrots, celery, green onions, and cilantro. It also comes with crispy rice vermicelli noodles, chopped peanuts, and a tangy Thai-inspired peanut and lime dressing. “The dressing is fantastic—rich and nutty with a vibrant lime kick,” Miller said. “It’s one of my personal favorites.”

Sweet Chili Mango Salad Kit

Another standout salad kit, arriving in August, is the mango-infused Sweet Chili Mango Salad Kit

. Perfect as a summer side, it features finely chopped broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale, along with sunflower kernels, toasted quinoa, Brussels sprouts, radicchio, and dried mango. The dressing, inspired by Thai sweet chili sauce, adds a spicy-sweet finish. “The ingredients are chopped small for easy eating, and the flavors are fresh and vibrant,” Miller noted.

Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thigh Skewers

These returning Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Thigh Skewers are a hassle-free option for a grilled dish. Pre-seasoned, skewered, and fully cooked, they only need reheating on the grill or in the oven. “The chimichurri sauce is bright and herbaceous, packed with parsley, cilantro, and garlic,” Sloan explained. “These chicken thighs are absolutely delicious.”

CBP Ground Beef Patties

Summer cookouts wouldn’t be complete without these premium ground beef patties, now available in stores. Each patty weighs a third of a pound and is crafted from a blend of three high-quality cuts: chuck, brisket, and picanha. While slightly higher in fat, this ensures they’re exceptionally juicy and packed with flavor compared to ordinary burgers. Sold in packs of four for under $10, they’re perfect for a backyard barbecue.

Caramelized Onion & Bell Pepper Turkey Patties

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Turkey burgers often lack flavor, but the Caramelized Onion & Bell Pepper Turkey Patties from Trader Joe’s are a game-changer. Made with turkey thigh meat mixed with bell peppers and caramelized onions, these patties are juicy, slightly sweet, and perfect for pairing with your favorite burger toppings. Available now, they’re a must-try for summer grilling.

Potato Buns

No burger is complete without a bun, and Trader Joe’s is introducing Potato Buns this summer. While details are scarce, potato buns are known for their slightly sweeter taste and softer texture compared to traditional hamburger buns.

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread With Hatch Chile

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The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread With Hatch Chile is incredibly versatile, perfect for enhancing anything you’d typically add cheese to. It’s especially delicious when spread inside a soft hamburger bun. “We launched this last year, and it was a huge success,” Sloan said. “It has a balanced flavor—not too spicy, with a distinct green chili taste. It works wonderfully as a dip, in sandwiches, or even in wraps. It’s going to be a fantastic addition to burgers.”

Sliced Basil & Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese

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For a classic burger topping, try the Sliced Basil & Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese. This cheese delivers a pesto-inspired flavor, infused with basil and garlic. “It transforms a basic burger into something extraordinary,” Sloan remarked. “The cheese has a subtle Italian twist and tastes absolutely delicious.”

Bacon & Eggs Shaped Sweet Gummy Candies

Trader Joe's

These adorable candies, now available for a limited time, are gelatin-free and come in two distinct flavors. The bacon-shaped pieces are cherry-flavored, while the egg-shaped ones have a hint of mango. Despite their breakfast-inspired design, they contain no pork and are entirely vegetarian-friendly.

Organic Freezer Pops

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A new addition to Trader Joe’s lineup, these freezer pops come in packs of 10 with three refreshing flavors: orange, berry, and cherry limeade. Certified organic and made with 100 percent juice, TJ’s Freezer Pops are perfect for cooling off on a sweltering summer day. Miller suggests they’re also a fun addition to frozen cocktails for adults. Before freezing, give them a quick shake to mix the natural fruit juice concentrates and prevent separation.

Coffee Mochi

Mochi enthusiasts, get ready! The newest addition to the frozen aisle is Coffee Mochi, a simple yet delightful treat. Each pack contains six pieces, offering a chewy texture and a rich coffee flavor. This limited-edition item is also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Raspberry Croissant Carré

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These rectangular croissants, though not new, are filled with a tangy raspberry filling sweetened with sugar and enhanced with a hint of lemon juice. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re even better when warmed. “The crunchy sugar topping adds a wonderful texture,” Miller mentioned, making them an irresistible buttery and sweet treat.

Tropical Green Tea Instant Boba Kit

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This limited-time TJ’s offering, sourced directly from Taiwan, is a seasonal twist on the Instant Boba Kit. The Tropical Green Tea Instant Boba Kit includes four pouches of vegan, gluten-free tapioca pearls in a passion fruit and mango-infused green tea syrup, along with four wide-gauge paper straws for the full boba experience. To prepare, simply microwave the boba and mix it with your choice of beverage—milk, green tea, coconut drink, or even cold water. It’s a fun and customizable treat!