Welcome to my latest Trader Joe’s Product Review – Summer Edition. Soon the leaves will be falling, along with everything at Trader Joe’s becoming pumpkin spiced. But before that happens, let’s take a closer look at some terrific products available on store shelves right now. All the items are the perfect accessory for sunny days and summer barbecues.
Trader Joe’s Patio Potato Chips
What a super great concept to mix four outstanding potato chip flavors into one bag! This is the ultimate summer side to hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ ribs, you name it.
The four flavors, which are all my favorites I might add, include Salt & Vinegar, Delicious Dill, Homestyle Ketchup and Smokin’ Sweet BBQ.
This is a total winner. Even the bag design is adorable with pics of potatoes doing their thing.
Trader Joe’s Lemon Chess Pie
I was pretty sure when I picked this out that it was going to be sinfully good…and I was right! Taste-wise, this is the cousin of lemon meringue pie.
The crust was buttery, without being heavy and over-powering. The filling was thick and velvety with a sweet lemony zing. I served it along-side fresh blueberries, which made the perfect companion. At $7.99 a pie, this is a fabulous summer dessert.
Trader Joe’s Organic Sugar Cones
I mean ice cream cones are the epitome of summer… need I say more? In this case yes!
Trader Joe’s has mastered the perfect vessel to hold your favorite frozen creamery. These sugar cones are just the right size with just the right amount of flavor and crunch. They hold up too without crumbling or letting a river of melting dairy escape from the bottom.
At $2.29 for a box of 12, you can have a cool treat on hand at anytime.
Sparkling Black Tea w/ Peach Juice
Crisp, fizzy and refreshing is how I would describe Trader Joe’s new sparkling beverage. The subtle peachy flavor paired with the bold black tea is a perfect marriage.
If you are a fan of flavored sparkling water…and honestly who isn’t these days…then you will be singing its praises with each sip. With no added sugar and only 15 calories per can, this refresher is swimsuit season approved! Get 4 cans for $3.99 a pack.
Italian Blood Orange Soda
I highly recommend this slightly sweet, fizzy, super refreshing Italian soda. It seems to sell out fast, so when the shelf was empty I tried the Grapefruit flavor. Grapefruit was good too but a little too bitter for my palate. I found the Blood Orange flavor to be outstanding!
Another great summer item to keep your thirst quenched on these hot days!
Organic Roasted Vegetable Pizza
What freezer doesn’t have a frozen pizza waiting to be used on those nights you need a quick dinner or game-time snack? The problem, it’s not always easy to find a good one. Well problem solved. If you like your pizza piled with veggies, then this is for you.
All the elements for a good pizza are present – crispy crust, tomato sauce, cheese and a variety of tasty veggies including eggplant! Bake pizza, pop open a beer and relax the day away!
Trader Joe’s Potato Salad
For me, this is the summer of potato salad. For some strange reason, I have been craving this cool spud salad and trying a bunch of different brands to find my favorite.
TJ’s refers to theirs as ‘old fashioned’ and to be honest, it does taste the closest to homemade of all the brands I’ve tried. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of chopped egg and green onion. It is also not drenched in mayo, but instead heartier in texture. Another must-try for your next BBQ!
Trader Joe’s Wine Country Chicken Salad
This is another great lunch option available all year long, for now at least. I am a big fan of chicken salad in general, but this one is something special. The white meat chicken, cranberries and pecans really add a sophisticated flare.
Although there is not actual wine, only white wine vinegar which is slightly misleading, I give this item a big must-try rating!
Trader Joe’s Candy Coated Chocolate Candy
Obviously Trader Joe’s these are M&Ms in disguise, lol. TJ decided to create their version of the popular candy. The result is an excellent alternative that has fun, all-natural colors derived from fruit juices, not artificial food coloring.
Feel good about pouring handfuls out to your kids when they want a sweet treat.
Grecian Style Eggplant w/Tomatoes & Onions
I already love eggplant in just about every way, shape and form, so of course I would be a fan of this tasty item.
This is another perfect lunch on the go with it’s pop-top lid. I don’t even heat it. Just eat it straight out of the can with some bread to sop up the tasty tomato sauce and enjoy! 🙂
Mexican Cowboy Pinto Beans
This was a new item I discovered during my latest trip to TJ’s. It is one of the few items at Trader Joe’s that has an independent brand, made by A Dozen Cousins.
I loved that it came in a portable, microwavable pouch, making for an easy lunch or snack. I also love that it uses avocado oil and all natural ingredients. If you like beans, then this one is also a must-try.
Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower
So we have reached the last item on my review list today…and I’m very sorry to report that this is a big MISS from Trader Joe’s. The only reason I put it on my list is because it was one of the items I purchased during my recent Trader Joe’s haul and I feel people should be warned not to buy this!
Usually I love everything TJ’s invents but with the soggy cauliflower and heaps of excess breading falling off the cauliflower, this was a major disappointment. I really had high hopes too. Oh well, you can’t win them all!
So that concludes this Trader Joe’s Product Review – Summer Edition. I sure hope everyone’s having an outstanding summer. See you next time when season’s change at our favorite grocery store. Live. Laugh. Love…And Eat!