We Tried All the New Trader Joe’s Items—Here’s What’s Worth It

Trader Joe’s just dropped a fresh batch of new and seasonal finds—and we couldn’t resist trying everything. From saucy mains to snackable bites and even a few home goods, we taste-tested and reviewed every single item so you don’t have to. Here’s what deserves a spot in your cart—and what you can skip.

Trader Joe’s Meatball Calzone $6.99/16 Oz

A hearty handheld meal featuring a beef and pork meatball filling with marinara sauce and cheese, encased in soft, golden bread. Found in the deli section.

Taste Test

Rich, salty, and flavorful. The combination of marinara and cheese complements the meatball well. Better than expected.

Texture

Best when air-fried or oven-baked—crispy exterior, warm and tender center. Bread is a bit heavy but satisfying.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 390 per 1/3 calzone
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbs: 29g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 17g

Ingredients

Bread, beef, pork, marinara sauce (tomato puree, garlic, spices), mozzarella cheese.

Pair-with

Serve with a side salad or kettle-cooked chips.

Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns $4.79/9.52 Oz

Vegan bao buns filled with a savory teriyaki mushroom and vegetable mix. Comes with 9 mini buns per bag.

Taste Test

Pleasantly savory with garlic, mushroom, carrot, and scallion flavors. Mild enough for non-mushroom lovers.

Texture

Soft and fluffy bao; microwave steaming method works well. Filling is tender and moist.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 190 per 3 pieces
  • Fat: 4.5g
  • Carbs: 34g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Wheat flour, mushrooms, carrots, scallions, soy sauce, garlic, spices.

Pair-with

Serve with soy sauce or sweet & spicy dipping sauces like yangnyeom.

Trader Joe’s Roasted Green Vegetables with Olive Oil & Garlic $4.99/12 Oz

A warm, ready-to-roast mix of Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and edamame seasoned with garlic and olive oil.

Taste Test

Well-balanced garlic and salt seasoning. Slightly crispy edges, soft interiors.

Texture

Oven-roasted texture gives it bite with tender centers.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 70 per 3/4 cup
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, edamame, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper.

Pair-with

Perfect as a side for roasted chicken or plant-based mains.

Trader Joe’s Buffalo Ranch Popcorn $2.99/5 Oz

Popcorn seasoned with tangy buffalo sauce and a hint of ranch.

Taste Test

Zesty and slightly spicy. The buffalo flavor overpowers the ranch but it’s bold and snackable.

Texture

Light, airy crunch with bold seasoning.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 180 per 2 cups
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Popcorn, sunflower oil, buffalo seasoning (vinegar powder, cayenne, garlic, onion), ranch flavoring.

Pair-with

Serve alongside iced lemonade or a creamy dip.

Trader Joe’s Synergistically Seasoned Popcorn $2.49/5.5 Oz

A flavor-packed popcorn blending tangy, smoky, salty, and slightly sweet notes.

Taste Test

Intensely smoky with a spicy vinegar afterkick. Highly satisfying.

Texture

Same airy crunch with a more complex coating.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 140 per 2 cups
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Popcorn, seasoning blend (smoke flavor, vinegar powder, paprika, garlic, onion), sunflower oil.

Pair-with

Pairs well with fizzy drinks or a sharp cheese board.

Trader Joe’s Sweet & Spicy Rice Cracker Mix $2.49/8 Oz

A snack mix of sugar-coated and spicy rice crackers.

Taste Test

Divided opinions: sweet ones are too sugary, spicy ones are bold but intense.

Texture

Crispy and crunchy variety with uneven seasoning.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 110 per 3/4 cup
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbs: 26g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Rice, sugar, soy sauce, chili seasoning, oil.

Pair-with

Pair with green tea or a light lager.

Trader Joe’s Strawberry Baton Wafer Cookies $1.99/5 Oz

Crispy rolled wafer cookies filled with sweet strawberry cream. Seasonal item.

Taste Test

Not too sweet, pretty presentation. Pleasant strawberry flavor.

Texture

Light and crunchy with a creamy center.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 130 per 3 pieces
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 21g
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Protein: 1g

Ingredients

Wheat flour, sugar, palm oil, strawberry flavor, milk powder.

Pair-with

Serve on a summer dessert board or with vanilla ice cream.

Trader Joe’s Sparkling Matcha Lemonade $1.99/12 Fl Oz

A refreshing carbonated drink made with real matcha and tangy lemonade.

Taste Test

Crisp, lightly sweet, and unique. Real matcha sediment adds authenticity.

Texture

Smooth with gentle carbonation.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 80 per can
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Protein: 0g

Ingredients

Carbonated water, cane sugar, matcha, lemon juice concentrate.

Pair-with

Perfect with sushi, light salads, or on its own as a summer refresher.

Trader Joe’s Sparkling Tea Lemonade $1.99/12 Fl Oz

A bubbly twist on the classic Arnold Palmer—lemonade and black tea.

Taste Test

Balanced citrus and tea notes. Sweet but not overpowering.

Texture

Smooth and lightly fizzy.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 80 per can
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Protein: 0g

Ingredients

Carbonated water, cane sugar, tea extract, lemon juice concentrate.

Pair-with

Great picnic drink with sandwiches or fruit salads.

Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 $12.99/1.7 Fl Oz

A zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection and is pregnancy- and nursing-safe.

Key Features

  • Broad Spectrum SPF 40
  • No white cast
  • Fragrance-free and lightweight
  • Water-resistant up to 40 minutes

Ingredients

Active: 20.4% Zinc Oxide; Base: Dimethicone, Water, and other emollients

Use Instructions

Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours or after 40 minutes of swimming/sweating.

Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Body Butter $5.99/8 Oz

A cult-favorite dupe for Sol de Janeiro’s Boom Boom Cream, with a tropical scent and ultra-rich texture.

Key Features

  • Deeply moisturizing
  • Smells like pistachio, vanilla, and caramel
  • Seasonal favorite

Ingredients

Contains shea butter, Brazil nut oil, and coconut oil.

Use Instructions

Massage onto dry skin post-shower or before bed.

Trader Joe’s Brazil Nut Body Wash $5.99/16 Fl Oz

A rich, foamy body cleanser with the same addictive scent as the Brazil Nut Body Butter.

Key Features

  • Cleansing and hydrating
  • Lathers well with little product
  • Same seasonal scent profile

Ingredients

Formulated with coconut oil, shea butter, and Brazil nut oil.

Use Instructions

Lather on damp skin and rinse thoroughly.

Trader Joe’s Sea Breeze Castile Hand Soap $3.99/8 Fl Oz

A refreshing, beach-inspired hand soap perfect for summer.

Key Features

  • Gentle Castile formula
  • Light sea breeze fragrance

Ingredients

Made with coconut oil and plant-based surfactants.

Use Instructions

Pump onto hands, lather, and rinse.

Trader Joe’s Organic Tart Cherry Fruit Spread $4.29/15 Oz

A tangy-sweet fruit spread ideal for toast, tea flavoring, or PB&J sandwiches.

Taste Test

Bright cherry flavor with a balance of tartness and added sweetness.

Texture

Smooth with soft fruit bits.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 25 per tablespoon
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 0g

Ingredients

Cherries, cane sugar, fruit pectin, citric acid.

Pair-with

Great in yogurt, on toast, or stirred into iced green tea.

Trader Joe’s Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs $4.29/12 Oz

Fully cooked chicken meatballs flavored with pineapple and teriyaki for a sweet-savory combo. A returning favorite.

Taste Test

Juicy and flavorful with a hint of tangy sweetness. Less fatty than similar Costco options.

Texture

Tender and moist.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 160 per 6 meatballs
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Sodium: 440mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 13g

Ingredients

Chicken, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic.

Pair-with

Perfect with rice, stir-fry veggies, or on skewers for parties.

Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce $3.49/6.7 Oz

A seasonal lemony twist on classic pesto, ideal for pasta and seafood dishes.

Taste Test

Bright, citrusy flavor that pairs especially well with shrimp. Stocked up while it’s in season.

Texture

Smooth and creamy with bits of basil and garlic.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 270 per 1/4 cup
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbs: 6g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients

Sunflower oil, basil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts.

Pair-with

Ideal on pasta, fish, or grilled veggies.

GT’s Guava Paloma Agua de Kefir $3.99/16 Fl Oz

A fermented sparkling water drink with probiotics and natural flavor. Light and refreshing.

Taste Test

Crisp and fizzy with a hint of sweetness. Refreshing summer pick.

Texture

Bubbly and light.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 35 per bottle
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbs: 7g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 0g

Ingredients

Water kefir culture, erythritol, stevia, natural flavors.

Pair-with

Serve chilled on a hot day or after a workout.

Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Mango Salad $3.99/11.25 Oz

A vibrant pre-packaged salad with sweet chili dressing, mango, and crunchy toppings.

Taste Test

Sweet, tangy, and lightly spicy. A favorite for quick lunches.

Texture

Crunchy lettuce, soft mango, and crisp toppings.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 130 per 100g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Romaine, mango, red cabbage, carrots, wonton strips, sweet chili dressing.

Pair-with

Great with grilled chicken or tofu.

Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Nuggets $2.69/16 Oz

Crunchy pretzel nuggets filled with creamy peanut butter. A kid-friendly snack staple.

Taste Test

Salty and satisfying with rich peanut butter.

Texture

Crunchy outside, smooth filling.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 150 per 10 pieces
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 5g

Ingredients

Wheat flour, peanut butter, salt, canola oil.

Pair-with

Great with apple slices or yogurt.

Trader Joe’s Bamba with Hazelnut Creme Filling $1.99/3 Oz

A puffed peanut snack popular in Israel. Light, crunchy, and salty.

Taste Test

Peanut-forward, melt-in-your-mouth snack. Always a hit with kids.

Texture

Puffy, crisp, and airy.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 150 per 1 oz
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Corn grits, peanut paste, salt.

Pair-with

Pair with fruit or enjoy as-is.

Trader Joe’s Seasoned Waffle Fries$3.79/20 Oz

Frozen seasoned waffle fries with a slightly spicy kick.

Taste Test

Crispy when baked, with mild seasoning. Fries craving approved.

Texture

Crispy edges and soft centers.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 140 per 3 oz
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbs: 16g
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Potatoes, canola oil, seasoning blend (paprika, onion powder).

Pair-with

Serve with burgers or veggie sandwiches.

Trader Joe’s Roasted Potatoes with Peppers and Onions $3.49/24 oz

A frozen side of diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. Great time-saver.

Taste Test

Hearty and flavorful. Useful for breakfast hashes or quick dinners.

Texture

Crisps up nicely in the oven or skillet.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: 130 per 1 cup
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 19g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Potatoes, red and green bell peppers, onions, olive oil, spices.

Pair-with

Perfect with scrambled eggs or roasted sausage.

Final Thoughts

From meatball calzones to matcha lemonade and summer-ready skincare, Trader Joe’s spring-to-summer lineup brings a mix of bold flavors, handy staples, and a few standout surprises. Whether you’re here for the snacks, sides, or seasonal body care, there’s truly something for every kind of shopper. Stock up on your favorites before they rotate out—you won’t regret it.

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