What’s New and Good at Trader Joe’s ~ honest feedback on the latest and greatest products from everybody’s favorite grocery store!
Trader Joe’s s is such a fun place to shop because they’re always innovating, and you never know what you’re going to run into on any given shopping trip. That thrill of the hunt unites foodies across America who count on TJs to liven up their weekly menus. I’ve chosen a few of my favorite new products to chat about today. A lot of their current newbies seem to be on the sweet side, don’t know what’s up with that. Maybe they go in cycles, but I can’t complain, the taste testing was fun 🙂
Oat & Greek Yogurt Sandwich Cookies
I rarely buy cookies unless I need them to make a crumb crust, or I’m desperate for a last minute dessert for company. I usually prefer to make homemade, but oh man are these good. The cookies have a unique soft/crisp/crumbly/melt-in-your-mouth texture, with a sweet oaty coconut flavor. And the filling has a pleasing tang that makes them unlike anything I’ve had before. I’m going to experiment with the idea for a recipe of my own, starting with a great oatmeal cookie.
The verdict: if you’re in the market for cookies, these are a must buy. They were so good I had to stash them at the back of the freezer in hopes I’d forget about them 🙂
Jalapeño Sauce
I was excited to see this sauce because I adore jalapeños, and I’ve never seen a sauce like this. It’s what I appreciate about TJs, they come up with unique products you can’t find anywhere else. This is something I might have posted on my blog, if I’d thought of it 😉
The verdict: yum! It’s delicious, fairly spicy, and perfect as a dip for veggies, fries, baked zucchini sticks, etc. I think you could use it in salad dressings for green salads but also in potato, egg, and pasta salads. The flavor is fresh and pleasing, I’m a fan.
Cedarwood and Sage Multi-Purpose Cleaner
If you do as much cleaning in the kitchen as I do you’ll appreciate why I’m sharing this…I love to find biodegradable cleaners that don’t cost an arm and a leg and actually smell good.
The verdict: this one is a great substitute for a Windex type cleaner for kitchen surfaces, stainless steel, and glass. I was especially impressed that it leaves NO streaks, a pet peeve of mine with other natural type cleaners. It’s not for heavy duty grease.
Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
It’s a no brainer when it comes to reviewing these, TJs dark chocolate peanut butter cups are possibly the best thing they’ve ever made, and I included them in my 12 Things I Never Leave Trader Joe’s Without post. I would say the almond butter cups are even better. If you have good willpower and can stop at one or two, these make the ultimate healthy-ish treat.
The verdict: I can’t recommend that you go out and buy candy, I wouldn’t feel right about that, but if you’re going to buy candy anyway, buy these!!!
Ghost Pepper Chile BBQ Sauce
One of the things I appreciate about Trader Joe’s is that they offer outlier products, products that they know won’t appeal to everyone, like this ghost pepper sauce. I bet most Americans don’t even know what a ghost pepper* is, but for those who do, this is an exciting sauce they won’t find in their regular grocery store.
*The ghost pepper from India is the 7th hottest pepper in the world.
The verdict: of course this is ghost pepper for dummies, but that’s how we want it! It’s got the sweet molasses flavor of your favorite grilling sauce, with a lingering burn on par with Tabasco or Sriracha. Nice for the daredevils at your next backyard bbq.
Dehydrated Beets and Broccoli Florets
These may not be technically new, I’m not sure when they debuted, but they’re new to me. I have to say I bought them on a whim, not expecting to like them, but I do! A lot. They satisfy my late afternoon urge for crunch and they have the most amazing true veggie flavor.
The Verdict: they have a definite astronaut food vibe, but I like them!
Organic Dark Chocolate PB &J Minis
This is another one I wasn’t sure about, but ended up loving. I’m a dark chocolate girl all the way, so I loved biting through that thick, glossy coating of pure organic chocolate. After a chew or two, I had a legit flashback to eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as a kid. These are clever, well made with good ingredients, and would be a fun surprise in a lunchbox, or scattered on the table with after dinner coffee.
The Verdict: these are quality chocolates, and unexpectedly delicious.
Banana Date Nut Bread Crisps
One of the things Trader Joe’s is good at is coming up with foods that you’re not quite sure how to classify. These look like those Rainforest Crisps everybody loves to add to cheese boards, but they’re sweeter, and definitely reminiscent of banana bread.
The Verdict: pretty perfect with cream cheese as a snack but not so sure how they’d work as part of a cheese plate.
Spicy Avocado Hummus
The latest member of the growing TJs line of dips, guacs, and hummuses (hummi?) It’s been panned in a few reviews, so I had low expectations, but it delivered what it promises: an avocado infused hummus with a kick.
The Verdict: I’d call it more of a hummus dip than a classic hummus, the texture is definitely looser, but the flavor is there.
Milk (or Dark) Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels
I know what you’re thinking ~ “these aren’t new, I’ve been loving them for years!” ~ but they are new, in a way. They’ve been rehabbed, and improved. What blows me away is that the first ingredient listed on my bag is milk chocolate. The second (and last) is mini pretzels. Love that.
The Verdict: yep, they’re the same chocolate coated mini pretzels you know and love, they just went to Vegas and got a little nip and tuck.
47 Comments
JES
June 18, 2019 at 9:12 pmTo correct the record. Trader Joe’s didn’t come up with Jalapeno Sauce. It’s been served at a small, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Idyllwild (Southern California) for many years. The Trader Joe’s version is good, although I find the sugar in it unnecessary and to me it gives the sauce an odd sweetness. The original version at the restaurant doesn’t have sugar in it, is made with olive oil and tastes even better.
CK
June 9, 2019 at 10:08 amThe new formulation of the multi purpose cleaner sucks. I used to enjoy using it because frankly, the scent was like aroma therapy. It’s now weak and watered down. Won’t be purchasing it again. TJ should probably learn the old adage, ” if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Sue
June 9, 2019 at 11:20 amI agree it is a weak cleaner for grease, especially, but it works wonders for me on glass and surfaces. It’a hard to imagine a kitchen cleaner being aroma therapy, but leave it to Trader Joe’s!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
June 9, 2019 at 8:07 amWe don’t have a TJ’s near us but when we travel to south Florida we always take a cooler. When we head home, we make two stops…TJ’s and Costco. I’ll be on the lookout for the jalapeño sauce…sounds terrific.
Sue
June 9, 2019 at 8:26 amDon’t forget the cookies 😉
Ryan
June 2, 2019 at 8:09 amThat Jalapeno sauce is awesome! Hopefully it’s not just a seasonal product.
Sue
June 2, 2019 at 8:17 amMe too!
J. Korabek
June 2, 2019 at 2:12 pmJust love TJ’s ! Was introduced to them almost 3 yrs. ago, and when I get to Winston-Salem, NC, I look forward to going in there to stock up in our favorites. Some faves include their Mandarin Chicken (frozen), their yogurt drinks, and a new frozen vegie combo: green beans, peas,broccoli. Love trying all their new products. Love TJ’s !
Diana
June 2, 2019 at 7:55 amHello, I Was Wondering When The Fireworks Spicy Dark Chocolate Bar Would Make A Come Back. That Has Been The Best Chocolate Bar I Have Ever Had. Pop Rocks and Spicy Chocolate Are The Perfect Combination For A Mexican Like Me.
Sue
June 2, 2019 at 7:57 amI don’t know, but it sounds pretty amazing. It’s possible it won’t come back, as they change their inventory pretty often.
Susan M
June 2, 2019 at 6:25 amI love Trader Joe’s and Aldi so I enjoy reading about their new items. Thank you.
Other blogger(s) put the retail pricing of the items they review which I find very helpful. Even if prices may fluctuate based on location it gives one a ballpark.
Sue
June 2, 2019 at 7:17 amThanks Susan I may do that in my next ‘installment’ 🙂
Alyce Morgan
June 2, 2019 at 5:34 amThanks for a fun post. I shop at TJ’s (15 minutes away here in Co. Springs–but no wine at ours) regularly and while I have a small set list of things I buy there — fresh peas, haricots verts, fresh Kosher turkey breast on the bone, cheese — I love seeing what others are looking at so I can look around and see the stock with new eyes. I, too, am impressed with their personal care products. Adore the $5.99 Ultra-Moisturizing hand cream; I keep it in several places around the house (and in the car) and give it for gifts! Would love to include this link on my blog (FOODIE READING section) if you’d agree?
Sue
June 2, 2019 at 7:18 amThe requests are growing louder for a look at the personal care stuff, so that will happen soon. And yes, thanks for the share!
Drew S
June 1, 2019 at 5:45 pmI used to love Trader Joes but now skeptical of going back, every time we fall in love with a product of theirs they discontinue it!! Last week i found out they discontinued their quinoa bread and i think that may have been the last straw. We shall see.
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 5:59 pmI think because they’re small they need to discontinue things to add new products to their inventory, at least that’s my guess.
Sarah
February 21, 2020 at 1:25 amThey change products often to keep the cost low. If vendors raise rates or only offer a limited buy at a low price. This is the reason for product turn over. Trader Joe’s is amazing at continuing to bring great products, service at a low price point! We love Trader Joe’s!
Jennifer R.
June 1, 2019 at 5:35 pmTrader Joe’s is a healthy store for non-GMO products and no high fructose corn syrup and we love the taste testing and thanks for posting the new products I will be at Trader Joe’s next week so everybody have fun shopping thank you have a blessed day
Deb
June 1, 2019 at 4:19 pmThanks. What is %of the dark chocolate?Wish you had the back package of the beets & cauliflower so we can see nutritional value. Thanks anyway.
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 4:27 pmThe beets are 140 calories for the whole bag, .5 g fat, 0% cholesterol, 120g sodium, 29g total carbs, sugars 17g, protein 4g
The broccoli is: 220 calories for the whole bag, 15g fat, 0% cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 14g total carbs, sugars 3g, protein 7g
Not sure which chocolate you’re talking about?
Debra
June 1, 2019 at 3:48 pmHow can I order something online from Trader Joe’s. Just moved from CA and am trying to order a specific wine. I live about 75 miles from the closest one.
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 3:52 pmI don’t think they do online ordering Debra, although that seems like something they should offer. They do sell some of their stuff on Amazon, but not the alcohol.
Jennifer R
June 1, 2019 at 5:33 pmKi
Mary
June 1, 2019 at 3:29 pmSue, you do lovely presentations for us. I am thankful that I don’t live anywhere near a Trader Joe’s because I wouldn’t be able to resist all that lovely stuff. My shopping places stock the same stuff in either smaller or larger sizes with prices to match.
On visiting your country there is nothing I like more than to find Cooking utensils shops and your wonderful Supermarkets. The joy of finding a longed for utensil or cooking ingredient that I have seen advertised. Always need a spare suitcase!!
Thankyou, from the other side of the world, for your efforts and your lovely recipes.
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 3:34 pmThanks for that nice comment Mary 🙂 America’s reputation in the world isn’t so good these days :/ so it’s nice that you think so fondly of our supermarkets!
Mary
June 2, 2019 at 1:06 pmI know one has to be aware and read the labels but it’s nice to actually be able to easily source some items that will never be on our supermarket shelves. Your cookware stores have got to be the best. One can purchase such fun pieces to cook in. At least you can buy a bundt tin that you haven’t got to mortgage the house for!! 🙂
Jugee
June 1, 2019 at 3:11 pmI feel like It seems your sweet tooth kind of took over this review….every few items were something chocolate covered. The one item I have to really stay away from. Maybe can you review more of a variety of items next time – including skin care, shampoo or scrubs? thanx!
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 3:15 pmGood idea, I plan to review their personal care stuff, I love it. As far as the sweet theme, it was definitely hard to avoid, the new offerings from TJs this year have been heavily in the dessert category!
E
June 1, 2019 at 2:25 pmThat is not a red jalapeno in your picture.
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 2:48 pmOh, you’re right, it’s a cayenne, I’ll fix that 🙂
Squirrely
June 3, 2019 at 7:56 amThat’s exactly what I was thinking! Looks more like a Chile de Arbol.
Kim
June 1, 2019 at 12:09 pmBecause I bake so often, I almost NEVER buy store cookies. But, I did try the sample of those oatmeal/yogurt filled cookies and bought a box. Holy moly they are delicious! How about coming up with a recipe, Sue?
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 12:14 pmThat’s exactly my experience, I can’t remember the last time I bought cookies for myself, but man those cookies might change my habits. I’m going to try to copy cat them, I’ve been studying the ingredients.
T. V. Rajan
June 1, 2019 at 11:26 amI agree about the dark chocolate almond butter cups. They are the best!!
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 11:28 amThey’re literally dangerous to have around…I notice the package is smaller than the peanut butter cups, which helps a little 😉
Gina L. Maslow
June 1, 2019 at 11:05 amThank you for doing all that hard work for us!
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 11:12 amI can’t complain, taste testing is fun 🙂
Laura
June 1, 2019 at 10:14 amI’ve been resisting most of these new items for several weeks now, but you’ve convinced me, they are all no-risk, high reward! Thanks so much, Sue!
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 11:07 amHappy shopping!
2 sisters recipes
June 1, 2019 at 8:27 amGreat post!! We love to shop at Trader Joe’s every chance we get! Thanks!
Laura
June 1, 2019 at 7:59 amI appreciate your honesty and your blog but I am so tired of IKEA and Trader Joe’s stuff on every blog and website I see and read, I live in an area where I have neither and so do many of my friends and It is so frustrating !!!
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 11:06 amI understand how you feel Laura, but rest assured I put out lots of great content that is 99% original recipes…I think of these posts as a fun change of pace. And I bet if you ever do get a TJs in your area you’ll change your mind 😉
Monique
June 1, 2019 at 7:35 amThanks I may be going soon:)I know my son in law loves ghost peppers and I bet the J sauce would make him happy too.
Have you tried their moisturizing gel?(Not food related) supposed to be La Mer dupe?
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 7:37 amI haven’t tried the gel, but I think I may do a post all about their personal care stuff, it’s getting really good, and so well priced.
We slathered the sauce on burgers last night and loved it 🙂
Tricia
June 1, 2019 at 4:54 amThis makes me want to drive 60 miles one-way to shop at the closest Trader Joe’s! So wish we had one in town. These products look terrific.
Sue
June 1, 2019 at 7:31 amYou might need to pick up and move Tricia, nobody should be that far from a TJs!
Monique
June 1, 2019 at 7:35 amWe drive 3 hours there 3 hrs back:(