The 15 Best New Summer Groceries Hitting Shelves at Trader Joe’s, According to Employees

Summer is in full swing — at least in the aisles of Trader Joe’s. The beloved grocer has been gearing up for the season for weeks now, with more new and returning products set to hit shelves over the next few months. As if we needed more to look forward to!

In the latest episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s Podcast, co-hosts Tara Miller and Matt Sloan share more than a dozen items we can expect in these summer months (and into fall — yes, fall!). What can we look forward to? Two new frozen desserts! A trio of new salad kits! There’s even a new treat for the pups! Here are the 15 items these TJ’s hosts are most excited about.

This new flavor riff on the classic boba kit features passion fruit, mango, green tea (naturally), and “big” tapioca pearls, explains Matt. Each comes with four pouches and paper straws, so you’ve got three lucky friends to invite over. Simply heat the packet in the microwave for 45 seconds, then mix with water, tea, or sparkling water. Voila! 

These seasoned and fully cooked chicken thigh skewers are “a grilling situation that requires no actual grilling,” Matt says. Introduced last year, they’re back once again this summer. You can reheat them on the grill or in the oven or air fryer. They’re packed with flavor from the chimichurri, a “bright vinegar-based sauce with tons of fresh chopped herbs.” But you can amp it up even more with some additional Trader Joe’s chimichurri sauce. (Hot take: Tara loves to serve the chimichurri as a dip with potato chips. “Game-changer.”) 

We don’t need our gummy candy to look like our favorite breakfast foods, but we’re here for it. The egg and bacon shapes have different textures (the eggs are “foamy,” says Matt, while the bacon is “chewier,” says Tara), but both taste like “sweet gummy candy,” adds Tara. They’ll be in stores later this month.

Made from three different cuts of meat (chuck, brisket, and picanha), these burgers have a slightly higher meat-to-fat ratio (at 75/25 versus the standard 80/20 you’ll often find at butchers), which adds lots of flavor and helps keep the burgers juicy. On shelves in early June, a pack of four will cost you $9.99. 

Of course, we like options — especially when they’re heavy on the flavor. These turkey patties are made with 100% thigh meat and blended with red and green bell peppers and caramelized onions (inspired by a recipe Alex, a member of the TJ’s team, likes making at home). Similar to their beefy counterparts, you’ll find these on shelves this month in packs of four for $5.99.

Need something to smear on top of one of those burgers? Try this cheddar cheese spread with hatch chile. “Not overly spicy and great on a sandwich, wrap, or as a dip,” Matt says. It originally launched last year and is back for a limited time only. Snag a tub as soon as you see one — or risk waiting another whole calendar year.

Flavorful cheese slices are a growing trend, and one we’re excited to see even more of. The basil and garlic in this new Monterey Jack has those “pesto flavors coming through,” says Matt, who adds that it will take your burger from “sort of basic to interesting.” We think it would also be great on a classic Italian sub too. 

Speaking of sweet burger toppings, Vidalias are “THE classic raw onion to go on a burger,” says Matt. Originally grown in Georgia in a town named, you guessed it, Vidalia, these onions have less bite and a sweeter finish. Beyond burgers, they’re great in salads, guacamole, onion casseroles, and more.

Tired of your same ol’ salad? This kit is packed to the brim, starting with a cruciferous cabbage base (great for crunch) and romaine, plus carrots, celery, green onions, crunchy noodles, and a peanut lime dressing. It has the “richness you expect from a peanut dressing” with added brightness from the lime,” says Tara. The seasonal kits hit stores in June and July, so keep both eyes out!

Tara’s personal favorite, this salad plays on the “swicy” food trend, pairing sweet and spicy flavors. Its chock-full of ingredients, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, sunflower kernels, toasted quinoa, Brussels sprouts, radicchio, and dried mango. Paired with a Thai sweet chili sauce dressing, we can see why Tara hearts it so much.

Mark your calendars now, because this Miso Crunch Salad Kit won’t be hitting shelves until … November! The hosts were a little tight-lipped when it came to the details of this chopped salad kit. It will have “a rich depth of savory flavors,” says Matt. 

On shelves now, these fruity Popsicles come in three flavors: a tart-sweet berry made with a cranberry base, sweet and citrusy orange, and a tangy cherry limeade. All are made from 100% juice and have no added sugar, additives, artificial flavors, or colorings. Enjoy some by the pool, or as a treat for finishing up the yard work Matt suggests, or go wild like Tara and throw one in the blender to make a margarita. It’s always five o’clock somewhere. 

“Why has it taken so long to get a coffee flavor?” Tara asks. We have no idea, but we’re glad it’s arrived. The new ice cream flavor pairs well with its classic chewy mochi exterior. Sold in packs of six, they’re gluten-free and also only available for a limited time. You’ve been warned.

Carré means “square” in French, a nod to the shape of this buttery, flaky pastry filled with a sweet raspberry jam filling. It’s like “one gigantic, beautifully large croissant,” Matt says, which you can heat up or eat at room temperature. “The crunchy sugar on top adds a nice little textural element,” Tara says. You can find it in the bakery section for $5.99. 

These totally tubular surfing-themed dog treats come in an assortment of cute shapes like aloha shirts, hibiscus flowers, flip flops, and surfboards and are made from pork, sweet potato, and coconut. “They look like cookies and alarmingly smell like graham crackers,” says Matt before biting into one himself. (The flavor is “mild.”) We recommend getting these crunchy treats for your four-legged friends.

Which of these new TJ’s items are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments.