Summer may be winding down, but Trader Joe’s shelves are heating up with fresh and flavorful pantry essentials that keep your meals exciting. From savory condiments to seasonal snacks and indulgent sweets, August’s lineup is perfect for picnics, backyard BBQs, and cozy late-summer dinners. Here’s our list of 15 must-have pantry picks—with #10 earning a special place in fans’ hearts.
1. Trader Joe’s Rosemary Croissant Croutons $3.99/4.5 Oz
These buttery, herbaceous croissant croutons are the ultimate salad topper. Each cube is baked to golden perfection, with fragrant rosemary adding a gourmet twist.
Review
Crispy yet airy, they bring bakery-level flavor to any salad or soup. They’re equally delicious crushed over baked mac and cheese or tossed into fall stuffing.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 30
- Fat 1.5g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 80mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 1g
Ingredients
Unbleached wheat flour (wheat flour, enzyme), plant-based butter (modified palm oils [palm fruit oil, palm kernel oil], water, salt, monoglycerides, sunflower lecithin, natural flavor, citric acid [acidulant], vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D2), sunflower oil, sugar, dried rosemary, yeast, sea salt, distilled vinegar, wheat flour, wheat gluten, xanthan gum, fermented wheat flour, deactivated yeast, ascorbic acid (dough conditioner), wheat sour (cultured wheat flour, water), enzymes.
Contains: Wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle directly onto salads or soups; enjoy straight from the bag for a snack.
2. Trader Joe’s Organic Black Pepper Barilotti Pasta $2.99/16 Oz
This imported Italian bronze-cut pasta gets a kick from freshly ground black pepper infused right into the dough.
Review
Perfect for hearty sauces or chilled pasta salads, its subtle spice elevates any recipe without overpowering.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 210
- Fat 1.0g
- Carbs 41g
- Sodium 140mg
- Dietary Fiber 3g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 8g
Ingredients
Organic durum wheat semolina, water, organic black pepper.
Contains: Wheat.
May contain: Egg, soy.
Preparation Instructions
Boil in salted water for 9–11 minutes; toss with your favorite sauce or olive oil.
3. Trader Joe’s All Butter Apricot Shortbread Cookies $3.49/4.93 Oz
These buttery shortbread cookies are filled with a luscious apricot center, offering a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Review
They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and are divine crumbled over vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 140
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 19g
- Sodium 70mg
- Dietary Fiber <1g
- Sugar 7g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, butter (pasteurized cream, salt), sugar, freeze dried apricots, contains 2% or less of whole milk powder, vanilla extract (ethyl alcohol, water, vanilla bean extractives), apricot juice concentrate, citric acid (acidulant), natural flavor, soy lecithin (emulsifier), lemon juice concentrate, sea salt, baking soda.
Contains: Milk, soy, wheat.
May contain: Egg, sesame, almond, coconut, hazelnut, pecan, pistachio, walnut.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy at room temperature; store in a cool, dry place.
4. Trader Joe’s Crunchy Sesame Sunflower Seeds Pepitas Salsa Macha $4.49/6 Oz
A nutty, spicy, and savory oil-based salsa packed with sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds.
Review
Adds instant flavor to everything from roasted vegetables to grilled meats. Comparable to TJ’s cult-favorite Crunchy Chili Onion.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 90
- Fat 11g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 900mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Olive oil, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, garlic powder, dried pequin chile pepper, salt.
Contains: Sesame.
May contain: Peanut, almond.
Preparation Instructions
Stir into marinades, drizzle over pizza, or mix into dips.
5. Trader Joe’s Hoisin Sauce $1.99/10.23 Oz
A sweet and savory Asian-style sauce made with fermented soybeans, brown sugar, and black sesame paste.
Review
At under $2, it’s a budget-friendly way to add restaurant-quality flavor to stir-fries, wraps, and glazes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 90
- Fat 1.0g
- Carbs 19g
- Sodium 860mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 17g
- Protein <1g
Ingredients
Brown sugar, water, fermented soybean paste (soybean, rice, salt), salt, black sesame paste (black sesame seeds), distilled vinegar, modified tapioca starch, molasses, garlic, citric acid (acidifier), seasoning blend (black pepper, cinnamon, star anise, cumin, coriander seed, Szechuan pepper, cardamom), garlic powder, chili powder, xanthan gum.
Contains: Soy, sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Brush onto grilled meats or mix into dipping sauces.
6. Trader Joe’s Zamora Ecuador Coffee $11.99/12 Oz
A medium roast coffee sourced from the Amazon Basin with notes of molasses, dark chocolate, and nutmeg.
Review
Rich and smooth, it’s ideal for both morning brews and iced coffee creations.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 0
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
100% Arabica coffee beans.
Preparation Instructions
Brew in a drip coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine.
7. Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce $3.49/6.7 Oz
A zesty twist on classic pesto with bright lemon and Grana Padano cheese.
Review
Lively and refreshing, perfect for summer pasta or as a marinade for grilled seafood.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 270
- Fat 25g
- Carbs 6g
- Sodium 610mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 4g
- Protein 4g
Ingredients
Sunflower seed oil, lemon, water, Grana Padano cheese (milk, salt, rennet, egg lysozyme), almonds, sugar, lemon zest, salt, lactic acid, natural flavors, vegetable and fruit juice (for color), yeast extract, ground black pepper.
Contains: Milk, egg, almond.
Preparation Instructions
Toss with cooked pasta or spread over bread before baking.
8. Trader Joe’s Popcorn In A Pickle $2.29/5 Oz
A tangy dill-seasoned popcorn that delivers a big pickle punch.
Review
Fans of pickle chips will love this addictive, limited-time snack—perfect for movie night.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 150
- Fat 9g
- Carbs 15g
- Sodium 250mg
- Dietary Fiber 3g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
Popcorn, vegetable oil (sunflower and/or canola oil), dill pickle seasoning (maltodextrin, salt, citric acid [acidulant], vinegar powder, natural flavor, dill weed).
Preparation Instructions
Open and enjoy; store in an airtight container for freshness.
9. Trader Joe’s Organic Mango Vinaigrette Dressing $3.99/12 oz
A sweet and tangy salad dressing made with ripe mango purée.
Review
Excellent on salads, grilled chicken, or as a glaze for fish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 50
- Fat 2g
- Carbs 8g
- Sodium 120mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Mango purée, vinegar, oil, honey, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Shake well before use; refrigerate after opening.
10. Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Covered Cashews $4.99/6 Oz
Cashews coated in rich dark chocolate and caramel for the ultimate sweet-salty snack.
Review
A fan-favorite that shoppers rave about—dangerously easy to finish in one sitting.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 170
- Fat 11g
- Carbs 18g
- Sodium 65mg
- Dietary Fiber 1g
- Sugar 10g
- Protein 3g
Ingredients
Cashews, sugar, unsweetened chocolate processed with alkali, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, caramel powder (skim milk powder, whey powder, sugar, milkfat, natural vanilla flavor), skim milk powder, milkfat, sea salt, caramelized sugar, tapioca dextrin, confectioners shellac, soy lecithin (emulsifier), natural vanilla flavor, sunflower lecithin (emulsifier), unsweetened chocolate, salt.
Contains: Milk, soy, cashew.
May contain: Egg, wheat, peanut, almonds, coconut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, pecans, pistachio, walnut.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy straight from the bag; store in a cool, dry place.
11. Trader Joe’s Fried Shallots $2.49/5 Oz
Crispy fried shallots that add crunch and flavor to any dish.
Review
A versatile garnish for salads, burgers, casseroles, and more.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 25
- Fat 2.0g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Shallots, oil, salt.
Preparation Instructions
Sprinkle over finished dishes; store in a sealed container.
12. Trader Joe’s Watermelon Cucumber Cooler $3.49/64 Fl Oz
A refreshing juice blend with watermelon and cucumber notes.
Review
Light, crisp, and perfect for summer mocktails or cocktails.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 90
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 23g
- Sodium 30mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 23g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
Filtered water, organic sugar, organic watermelon juice concentrate, cucumber juice concentrate, organic flavors, organic fruit and vegetable extract (color), natural flavors, citric acid.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled over ice.
13. Trader Joe’s Italian Apertivo Medley Snack Mix $2.29/8 Oz
A savory mix of black olive Trecce nuggets, Taralli loops, and rosemary Focacce squares.
Review
A sophisticated alternative to standard snack mixes, ideal for entertaining.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 140
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 19g
- Sodium 230mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 3g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, sunflower oil, white wine, sea salt, black olives (black olives, salt, ferrous gluconate [to maintain color]), extra virgin olive oil, natural flavor, yeast, dried rosemary, malted wheat flour.
Contains: Wheat.
May contain: Milk, soy, sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Serve as-is or pair with cheese and wine.
14. Trader Joe’s A Gaggle of Gummy Candy $3.79/14 Oz
An assortment of gummy shapes, including fried eggs, cherries, octopi, bears, and cola bottles.
Review
Fun for all ages, offering chewy, fruity goodness in every bite.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 110
- Fat 0g
- Carbs 25g
- Sodium 0mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 21g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
Glucose syrup (wheat, corn), sugar, bovine gelatin, citric acid (acidulant), natural flavors, color added (vegetable juice, fruit juice, spirulina extract, paprika oleoresin), glazing agent (sunflower oil, carnauba wax), caramelized sugar syrup, wheat starch.
Contains: Wheat.
May contain: Coconut.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy directly from the bag; store in a cool place.
15. Trader Joe’s Organic Iced Oatmeal Baked Whole Grain Bars $4.69/1.27 Oz
Soft-baked oatmeal bars topped with a sweet icing drizzle.
Review
A great grab-and-go breakfast or snack for busy mornings.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 150
- Fat 5g
- Carbs 26g
- Sodium 120mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 13g
- Protein 3g
Ingredients
Whole grain oats, sugar, icing (sugar, palm oil, milk), wheat flour, cinnamon.
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s has truly delivered a winning mix of pantry staples, limited-time flavors, and budget-friendly indulgences this August. Whether you’re looking to elevate weeknight dinners with gourmet condiments, keep your snack drawer stocked with seasonal favorites, or treat yourself to a sweet pick-me-up, there’s something here for every taste. The key takeaway? Many of these finds are limited-edition, so if one catches your eye—especially fan-favorite #10—don’t wait too long to add it to your cart. One quick Trader Joe’s run could set you up with flavor-packed meals and snacks to enjoy well into the season.
