Summer is here, and that means it’s officially BBQ season! Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or bringing a dish to the party, Trader Joe’s has everything you need—from sizzling mains to crowd-pleasing sides and frozen treats. We rounded up 20 must-have TJ’s finds to make your summer grilling lineup effortless and unforgettable.
1. Spicy Dynamite Sauce $2.99/9.88 oz
A creamy, fiery condiment made with vegan mayo, sriracha, garlic, and pickled peppers—perfect for drizzling on shrimp, tacos, or sliders.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 45
- Total Fat 3.0 g
- Carbs 4 g
- Sodium 200 mg
- Dietary Fiber 0 g
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 0 g
Ingredients
- Vegan mayo spread (water, soybean oil, sesame oil, modified tapioca starch, distilled vinegar, mixed tocopherols [to preserve]), water, sugar, pickled red chili peppers (red chili pepper flakes, salt, acetic acid), toasted sesame oil, mustard paste (water, mustard powder, distilled vinegar, horseradish, salt, sugar, turmeric powder, citric acid [acidulant], xanthan gum), salt, distilled vinegar, garlic, modified tapioca starch, acetic acid, oleoresin capsicum, red chili pepper powder, paprika extract, citric acid (acidifier).
- Contains: Sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Ready-to-use. Shake well before serving.
2. Mac and Cheese Bites $3.99/10 oz
These golden, bite-sized balls are packed with creamy macaroni and cheddar cheese, then breaded and fried to crispy perfection. Perfect for dipping in ketchup, hot sauce, or TJ’s Spicy Dynamite Sauce.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 190
- Total Fat 10g
- Carbs 19g
- Sodium 280mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 7g
Ingredients
- Cooked elbow macaroni (water, enriched durum wheat flour [semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid]), milk (whole milk, vitamin D3), four cheese blend (cheddar cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme, annatto {color}], gouda cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme, annatto {color}], havarti cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme], swiss cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme]), breadcrumbs (wheat flour, sugar, yeast, salt), cornstarch, expeller pressed canola oil, unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, barley malt), egg, water, onion, pepper jack cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, jalapeno peppers, salt, microbial enzyme), heavy cream, pecorino romano cheese blend (pecorino romano cheese [pasteurized sheep’s milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme], hard grating cheese [milk, salt, cheese cultures, microbial enzyme], cheese whey solids, cornstarch), unsalted butter, cream cheese (cultured pasteurized milk and cream, salt, stabilizers [guar gum, carob bean gum]), salt, garlic, cayenne pepper sauce (aged cayenne red peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, garlic powder), paprika, garlic powder, nutmeg.
- Contains milk, wheat, egg.
- May contain traces of soy.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 425°F for 17–19 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
3. Mini Vegetable Samosas $3.99/8.5 oz
These Indian-inspired triangles are filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and onions wrapped in a crisp pastry shell. A fan-favorite that pairs well with tamarind chutney or yogurt sauce.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 160
- Total Fat 7g
- Carbs 20g
- Sodium 190mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 4g
Ingredients
- Filling (potatoes, carrots, peas, lentils, onion, expeller pressed canola oil, cilantro, salt, spices, garlic, citric acid, turmeric [flavor]) pastry (water, unbleached enriched flour [wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, ascorbic acid, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, amylase, folic acid], expeller pressed canola oil, salt, distilled vinegar).
- Contains wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
4. Tarte d’Alsace $5.49/8 oz
This flatbread-style tart combines caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and ham on a buttery pastry crust. Slice into small squares for a sophisticated starter.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 190
- Total Fat 11g
- Carbs 17g
- Sodium 400mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 7g
Ingredients
- Crust: unbleached wheat flour, water, sunflower oil, salt.
- Toppings: crème fraîche (cultured Grade A pasteurized cream), fully cooked ham strips water added, smoke flavoring added (pork ham, water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphates, smoke flavoring, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite), caramelized sliced onion (yellow onion, canola oil, caramel color), shred Swiss-style Gruyere cheese (Swiss-style Gruyere cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes], potato starch, corn starch, powdered cellulose [added to prevent caking]).
- Contains wheat, milk.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
5. Roasted Hatch Chile & Jalapeño Cheese Dip $4.99/10 oz
Spicy, creamy, and loaded with roasted chiles and cheese, this dip is perfect warm or cold. Great with tortilla chips or spooned over nachos.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 60
- Total Fat 5g
- Carbs 2g
- Sodium 150mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
- Sour cream (cultured pasteurized cream), sharp cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzymes, annatto extract [color]), cream cheese (pasteurized cultured milk and cream, salt, stabilizers [carob bean gum and guar gum]), roasted Hatch green chile peppers, roasted green jalapeño peppers, jalapeño peppers, cornstarch, sea salt, roasted garlic purée, yeast extract, onion powder, smoked paprika (paprika, rosemary extract [to preserve]).
- Contains milk.
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 30–45 seconds and stir. Heat longer if needed.
6. Parmesan Pastry Pups $4.99/10.5 oz
Think pigs in a blanket—but fancier. These all-beef mini franks are wrapped in buttery puff pastry and topped with Parmesan.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 210
- Total Fat 16g
- Carbs 11g
- Sodium 360mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 6g
Ingredients
Beef franks, puff pastry (flour, butter, water), Parmesan, egg wash.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes until golden.
7. Puff Pastry $4.99/18.3 oz
Trader Joe’s frozen Puff Pastry Sheets are a go-to for easy appetizers and baked goods. Buttery and flaky, this all-butter pastry can be used for both sweet and savory snacks. It’s versatile enough for pinwheels, cheese twists, or tarts.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 170
- Total Fat 11g
- Carbs 15g
- Sodium 95mg
- Dietary Fiber <1g
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, butter, salt, water.
Preparation Instructions
Thaw at room temperature for 40 minutes. Roll out, fill or top as desired, and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
8. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning $1.99 for 2.3 oz
This cult-favorite seasoning blend brings the flavor of an everything bagel to anything you sprinkle it on—pastries, eggs, dips, or avocado toast. It adds crunch and savory depth without overpowering.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 5
- Total Fat 0g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 80mg
- Dietary Fiber 0g
- Sugars 0g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
- Sesame seeds, sea salt flakes, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds.
- Contains: Sesame.
Preparation Instructions
Use as a finishing seasoning on baked puff pastry, dips, bagels, eggs, or roasted veggies. No prep required.
9. Pretzel Buns $2.99/12.8 Oz
Soft, golden pretzel buns with a chewy crust—ideal for sandwiches, burgers, or halved and toasted for dipping.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 250
- Fat 5 g
- Carbs 43 g
- Sodium 270 mg
- Dietary Fiber 0 g
- Sugar 4 g
- Protein 7 g
Ingredients
- Enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, vegetable oil (canola oil and/or sunflower oil), sugar, yeast, contains 2% or less of cultured wheat flour, salt, distilled white vinegar, malted barley flour, ascorbic acid (dough conditioner), enzymes, sodium hydroxide (processing aid).
- Contains: Wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Slice and lightly toast, or warm at 350 °F for 5 minutes.
10. Lemon Basil Pasta Salad $4.99/11.5 oz
Refreshing farfalle pasta with zucchini, peas, asiago, all tossed in lemon‑basil vinaigrette—ideal for a light summer side.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 220
- Fat 9g
- Carbs 26 g
- Sodium 240 mg
- Dietary Fiber 3 g
- Sugar 3 g
- Protein 7g
Ingredients
- Lemon basil pasta blend (cooked farfalle pasta [water, enriched farfalle pasta {durum wheat semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid}, oil blend {canola oil, extra virgin olive oil}], blanched green peas, zucchini, basil lemon vinaigrette [soybean and/or canola oil, water, white balsamic vinegar {white wine vinegar, concentrated grape must}, basil, olive oil, honey, garlic, shallots, contains 2% or less of Dijon mustard {apple cider vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, spices}, lemon juice concentrate, salt, natural flavors, orange juice concentrate, sugar, spices, xanthan gum, extractives of basil, fruit and vegetable juice {color}, lemon oil], sea salt, black pepper), spinach, shredded asiago cheese (asiago cheese [pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzymes], powdered cellulose [anti-caking]), lemon.
- Contains: Milk, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled or at room temperature, stir before serving.
11. Sliced Basil Garlic Monterey Jack Cheese $4.99/7.6 oz
Smooth Monterey Jack infused with fresh basil and garlic—great for melting on sandwiches or snacking straight from the pack.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 80
- Fat 6 g
- Carbs 0g
- Sodium 125mg
- Fiber 0 g
- Sugar 0 g
- Protein 5g
Ingredients
- Milk, salt, basil, roasted garlic puree, microbial enzyme, cheese culture.
- Contains: Milk.
Preparation Instructions
Serve cold in sandwiches or melt over veggies and burgers.
12. Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce $2.99/19 oz
Sweet and tangy sauce with organic tomatoes, molasses, and mild spices—great for ribs, pulled pork, and glazed vegetables.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 45
- Fat 0 g
- Carbs 11 g
- Sodium 250 mg
- Fiber 0 g
- Sugar 10 g
- Protein <1 g
Ingredients
- Organic tomato puree (water, organic tomato paste), organic cane sugar, organic brown sugar, organic distilled vinegar, salt, organic molasses, organic caramel color, natural hickory smoke flavor, organic onion powder, organic garlic powder, organic lemon juice concentrate, organic black pepper, organic paprika, organic chipotle powder.
Preparation Instructions
Brush on meats or drizzle over grilled veggies in the final minutes of cooking.
13. Spicy Mango Habanero Guacamole $3.49/10 oz
Creamy guac meets a flavor punch of sweet mango and smoky habanero—ideal with chips or as a spicy topping.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 35
- Fat 2.5g
- Carbs 3g
- Sodium 120mg
- Fiber 1g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
Ingredients
- Hass avocado, mango, onion, jalapeño peppers (jalapeño peppers, water, salt, acetic acid, calcium chloride), red bell pepper, distilled white vinegar, sea salt, habanero peppers purée, cilantro.
Preparation Instructions
Serve chilled; refrigerate after opening and use within 5 days.
14. Cowboy Caviar Salsa $3.49/13 oz
Chunky salsa with black beans, corn, peppers, onions, and a zesty lime dressing—great for chips or as a topping.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 25
- Fat 0 g
- Carbs 6 g
- Sodium 125 mg
- Fiber 1 g
- Sugar 2 g
- Protein 1 g
Ingredients
- Corn, black beans, red bell peppers, onions, jalapeño peppers, cane sugar, lime juice concentrate, chipotles in adobo (chipotle pepper, water, tomato puree, vinegar, salt, sugar, onion, garlic, paprika), spices, sea salt, chipotle pepper, guar gum.
Preparation Instructions
Stir and serve chilled as a dip, side, or topping.
15. Avocado Ranch Salad Kit $3.99/12.8 oz
Pre-mixed greens with creamy ranch dressing and feta—ready for a quick salad or side.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 140
- Fat 11g
- Carbs 8g
- Sodium 240mg
- Fiber 2g
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 3g
Ingredients
- Salad (green cabbage, green leaf lettuce, corn chips [corn, vegetable oil {sunflower and/or canola and/or safflower oil}, sea salt], carrot, red cabbage, kale, cheddar cheese [cheddar cheese {pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, microbial enzyme}, powdered cellulose {anti-caking agent}], green onion), avocado ranch dressing (vegetable oil [canola and/or soybean oil], cultured buttermilk, water, avocado, egg yolk, apple cider vinegar, cilantro, contains 2% or less of dried garlic, distilled vinegar, cane sugar, salt, phosphoric acid, dried onion, ground mustard seed, natural flavor, xanthan gum, spices, rosemary extract, guar gum).
- Contains: Milk, egg.
Preparation Instructions
Toss and serve immediately for best crispness.
16. Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce $2.99/18 oz
Tangy and sweet with hints of mustard and vinegar—a distinctive glaze for chicken, pork, or veggie skewers.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 60
- Fat 0 g
- Carbs 14 g
- Sodium 410 mg
- Fiber 0 g
- Sugar 13 g
- Protein 0 g
Ingredients
- Cane sugar, yellow mustard (distilled vinegar, water, mustard seed), distilled vinegar, tomato puree (water, tomato paste), sea salt, corn starch, Worcestershire sauce (distilled vinegar, molasses, sea salt, sugar, spices, tamarind), molasses, spices, garlic, onion, natural smoke flavor, xanthan gum.
Preparation Instructions
Use as a brush-on sauce toward end of grilling or as a dipping condiment.
17. Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches $4.99/20 Fl Oz
Chocolate chip cookie sandwiches rolled in mini chocolate chips with creamy vanilla ice cream inside.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 370
- Fat 19 g
- Carbs 51 g
- Sodium 150 mg
- Fiber <1 g
- Sugar 18 g
- Protein 34 g
Ingredients
- Ice cream (milk, cream, sugar, whey, natural vanilla flavor, guar gum, locust bean gum, soy lecithin [emulsifier]), chocolate chunk cookies (enriched flour [wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid], brown sugar, chocolate chunks [sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter], soy lecithin, vanilla, salt], palm oil, sugar, eggs, butter [cream, salt], invert sugar, water, vanilla, whey protein concentrate, leavening, salt), chocolate drops (semisweet chocolate [sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, dextrose], soy lecithin).
- Contains: Milk, egg, soy, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Serve directly from freezer; let soften for 1 minute if too firm.
18. Brioche Buns $3.99/9.45 Oz
Soft and slightly sweet golden buns—perfect companions for burgers, sliders, or breakfast sandwiches.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 180
- Fat 3 g
- Carbs 31 g
- Sodium 310 mg
- Fiber 0 g
- Sugar 7 g
- Protein 5 g
Ingredients
- Unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, enzymes), water, sugar, egg, butter (cream [milk], lactic acid), yeast, contains 2% or less of wheat gluten, monodiglycerides, xanthan gum, enzymes, ascorbic acid (dough conditioner), sea salt, canola oil, vinegar, fermented wheat flour, wheat flour, wheat starch, starter culture, milk proteins, beta carotene (color).
- Contains: Milk, egg, wheat.
Preparation Instructions
Warm at 350°F for 5 minutes or serve fresh.
19. Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage $5.99/12 oz
Juicy chicken sausages flavored with mild Italian herbs and natural casing—great for grilling or pan-searing.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 110
- Fat 6g
- Carbs 1g
- Sodium 410 mg
- Fiber 0 g
- Sugar 0 g
- Protein 12 g
Ingredients
- Organic chicken, water, organic sweet Italian seasoning (sea salt, organic spices, organic garlic powder, organic paprika), potassium lactate, organic basil, organic garlic, celery powder.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or pan-fry 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally.
20. Veggie Kabobs $5.99/12 oz
Pre-assembled skewers with mushrooms, peppers, onion, squash, and zucchini. Easy vegetarian option for the grill.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 20
- Fat 0 g
- Carbs 5 g
- Sodium 0 mg
- Fiber 1 g
- Sugar 2 g
- Protein 1 g
Ingredients
Onion, bell peppers, crimini mushrooms, zucchini squash, yellow squash.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, turning once and basting as desired.
Conclusion
From frozen favorites to zesty sauces and fresh sides, these Trader Joe’s picks are your secret weapon for a next-level BBQ. So grab your cart, fire up the grill, and let TJ’s do the heavy lifting—your summer spread is about to be the talk of the block.
