The Best New Groceries Hitting Shelves This April

1. Fresh Express Asian Apple Salad Kit

Fruit in salad is an underrated feature. In this salad kit from Fresh Express, the apples add a pop of sweetness and audible crunch, which is a nice foil to the bitter radicchio and tangy miso-based vinaigrette. Because it’s April and the weather has been warming, I’ve been craving salads nonstop, and this easy kit fits the bill.

Find it in stores: Fresh Express Asian Apple Salad Kit, $4.49 for 9.1 ounces at retailers nationwide

2. Maison Perrier Forever Lime Sparkling Water

With so many sparkling waters on the market, it’s hard to get truly excited about anything new. And yet Perrier continues to draw me in with its light, fluttery bubbles and this refreshing lime flavor from the brand’s new line, fancifully called Maison Perrier. Something about drinking sparkling water from a slim can just feels extra luxe, and that’s the energy I’m taking with me into summer.

Buy: Maison Perrier Forever Lime Sparkling Water, $19.07 for 24 (11.15-ounce) cans at Amazon; also available at retailers nationwide

3. Haribo Unicorn-i-licious Gummi Candy

I’m a recovering “horse girl” and still gravitate toward anything horse-related, including these Haribo gummies shaped like unicorns. The flavors of these gummies are unique and unlike the standard Haribo gummies: There are cotton candy and tangerine (a first for the candy brand) as well as banana, apple, blue raspberry, and berry punch. The texture is like a typical Haribo gummy bear — satisfyingly chewy — and it’s hard to deny how adorable these pastel candies look.

Buy: Haribo Unicorn-i-licious Gummi Candy, starting at $1.29 for 5 ounces at Walmart; also available at retailers nationwide

4. Organic Valley Spicy Cheddar Cheese Slices

There’s been a huge influx of flavored cheeses lately (see: February’s Grocery Spotter), and I’m not mad about it at all. This version from Organic Valley has fun orange marbling and a spicy kick. I’ve used it for sandwiches, grilled cheeses, and burgers, and it adds a sharp, cheesy flavor and a heat that’s on par with Tabasco — a bit tangy and noticeably spicy, thanks to the addition of habanero peppers. 

Buy: Organic Valley Spicy Cheddar Cheese Slices, $6.53 (on sale) for 6 ounces at Instacart; also available at retailers nationwide

5. Deep Indian Kitchen Chicken Tikka Masala Kati Street Wrap

If you’re a former latchkey kid who has a soft spot for Hot Pockets, you should definitely try out Deep Indian Kitchen’s new kati street wraps. Reminiscent of that after-school snack, these kati street wraps feature Indian fillings like tikka masala, paneer, and butter chicken. It’s hard to choose a favorite among these three flavors, but if I had to I’d say the tikka masala. It has a rich and creamy tomato flavor that, when paired with its flaky crust, makes for a wonderfully punchy bite. A single wrap boasts 19 grams of protein, is a good source of fiber (18% of daily value), and only requires 2 minutes in the microwave.

Buy: Deep Indian Kitchen Chicken Tikka Masala Kati Street Wrap, $3.99 (on sale) for 5 ounces at Sprouts

6. Local Weather Wildberry Premium Sports Drink

I love the online discussion about what each flavor of Gatorade is intended for — yellow for when you’re sick, orange for exercise, red for vibes. This new sports drink by Local Weather, reminiscent of childhood soccer games, is definitely for nostalgia. The flavor reminds me of summer and gummy candies of the ’90s, yet it feels refreshing, light, and hydrating.

Find it in stores: Local Weather Wildberry Premium Sports Drink, $2.49 for a 16-ounce bottle at Whole Foods

7. Premier Protein Cookie Dough Shake

Protein shakes have come a long way. I used to find them difficult to choke down; I thought most had a clumpy consistency and unbearably sweet flavor. Premier Protein’s new cookie dough shake is nothing like that, though. Yes, it is sweet, but it’s smooth and easy to drink, with a prominent vanilla flavor that really is reminiscent of buttery chocolate chip cookies. Drinking it straight is great, but I particularly like blending it with frozen bananas, chia seeds, and peanut butter. Each bottle boasts a whopping 60% of the daily value protein, so if you’re looking to beef up your protein intake, this is a great option.

Buy: Premier Protein Cookie Dough Shake, $29.99 for a 12 (11.5-ounce) bottles at Amazon; also available at retailers nationwide

8. Yoplait Protein Strawberry Yogurt

I grew up on Yoplait so, admittedly, the flavor is very nostalgic to me. The new protein version tastes just like the original — creamy and smooth with ample strawberry flavor, but no strawberry pulp. If you’re someone who prefers fruit-flavored yogurt but does not want actual chunks or seeds in it, this is the yogurt to try. There’s 30% of daily value protein in a single cup with only 3 grams of sugar. It doesn’t have a prominent fake sugar aftertaste that many protein yogurt options do, which is why I’ll definitely continuously be reaching for this. Pair it with granola and fresh fruit for a more filling breakfast parfait.

Buy: Yoplait Protein Strawberry Yogurt, $1.69 for a 5.6 ounces at Instacart

9. Alec’s Palm Springs Banana Date Shake Ice Cream

Pulling over for a banana date shake on the two-hour road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is a rite of passage. Alec’s really captures that experience in its new banana date shake ice cream flavor, which tastes exactly as it sounds: Ripe banana ice cream is studded with sweet dates, dark chocolate chunks, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Even if you’re not in sunny Palm Springs, having a scoop of this ice cream can transport you.  

Find it in stores: Alec’s Banana Palm Springs Date Shake Ice Cream, $8.99 for 14 ounces at Sprouts, Fresh Market, and Whole Foods

10. Simple Mills Pizza Pop Mmms

If you haven’t already tried the original cheddar flavor of Pop Mmms, get those first. They taste exactly like a beloved fish-shaped cracker, but with 1/3 cup of vegetables in every serving. This new pizza iteration follows the same philosophy and has the same puffy, diamond-shaped cracker, but with a robust tomato note and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. For all fans of pizza-flavored snacks, who also wouldn’t mind getting a little extra fiber per serving (2 grams, or 7% of the total daily value), these puffed-up crackers are for you. The best part is that a single serving is 44 crackers, so snack away.

Buy: Simple Mills Pizza Pop Mmms, $5.39 for 4 ounces at Amazon; also available at retailers nationwide

11. Canada Dry Zero Sugar Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale

I am someone who always wants a sparkling little treat in the afternoon, and Canada Dry’s new cherry ginger ale really fits the bill. The flavor is definitely more cherry-lime and reminds me of something you’d find at an old-school soda pop shop or a Sonic (and I mean that as the highest compliment). The cherry component is sweet, there’s a small hint of lime, and all it blends together perfectly with the fizzy ginger ale base. (Love the classic? Try the best ginger ale money can buy.)

Buy: Canada Dry Zero Sugar Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale, starting at $7.99 for 12 (12-ounce) cans at Instacart; also available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, and more