Skip to content

Trader Joe's Is Adding These 6 New Summer Items Soon

Inventive food combinations that hit the spot for your next outdoor gathering.

Warm weather is on the way—and especially during a time where there's still some uncertainty around the state of the pandemic, being outdoors is the perfect way to socialize distantly. For all the charcuterie boards, the barbecues, and the picnics you're going to put together this summer, you'll need somewhere to shop for all those supplies.

And your favorite neighborhood grocery store is here to help. Trader Joe's is in the business of crafting brand-new food creations that you have to try, and this season is no exception. Their website features newly released products, and these six items are ripe for the picking. Consider them your go-to's for those sunny days when you want to spend less time thinking about what to cook and more time soaking up some sunshine.

 These Are Costco's Most Popular Items Right Now

Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette

Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette
Jordan Summers-Marcouillier / Eat This, Not That!

Welcome to your favorite summer salad dressing: this refreshing vinaigrette, with notes of citrus, basil, and strawberry. For those who try to avoid canola oil-laden products, Trader Joe's assures that this one is expeller-pressed on their product page, so it's free of harsh chemical residue.

Shoppers have already gotten their hands on this, and the reviews are resoundingly positive. An Instagram user commented on a post from @traderjoeslist: "Used this last night and it is crazy good! I want to use it on everything!"

For $3.49, you can pick up an 8-ounce bottle of the Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette—and hurry, because it's limited-edition, here for this season only.

Beef Birria

beef birria
Courtesy of Trader Joe's

You're going to be adding this seasoned meat on top of rice, inside a tortilla, or even in a bowl of greens. Trader Joe's carries a variety of marinated meats that cut your meal prepping time in half, and here's another to add to your dinner rotation.

Their website describes the Beef Birria as "slow-cooked beef in a flavorful, savory broth made with crushed tomatoes, dried chiles, and aromatic spices." The melt-in-your-mouth meat from Jalisco, Mexico comes in a package of 16-ounces (a full pound!) for $7.99 – not bad for beef at a time of rising meat prices, considering that the cooking is already done for you.

Strawberry Lemonade Joe-Joe's

Strawberry Lemonade Joe-Joe's
Courtesy of Trader Joe's

This Oreos spin-off has seen a lot of flavor combinations in its day: classic chocolate, vanilla bean, peanut butter, candy cane, and more. Well, this summer, you can add Strawberry Lemonade to the list. No, really, add it to your shopping checklist, because this limited-edition cookie is bound to sell out.

The creamy middle is flavored with lemon zest, reminiscent of the lemon-themed ice cream that came out earlier this spring, and tiny pieces of dried strawberries. TJ's lovers are already giving it rave reviews. Many commented on @traderjoeslist's Instagram post that the cookies taste like Trix or Fruity Pebbles cereals.

These are obviously a dessert, so enjoy them in moderation. But you can find the box of Strawberry Lemonade Joe-Joe's on shelves for $2.99.

Dill Pickle Mini Falafel

Dill Pickle Mini Falafel
Courtesy of Trader Joe's

You've never seen anything like this before – a Mediterranean staple flavored with dill pickle for a zesty, protein-filled bite. This isn't the only item that has been transformed with pickle brine in TJ's roster. Their product page suggests to "Pack them in a Pita with Dill Pickle Hummus and mixed greens for a tangy twist on the classic. For an extra pickle-y punch, why not dip them in Dill Pickle Mustard for a pickle-packed snack?"

It seems that the mini falafels could use the additional flavor. According to @traderjoesobsessed on Instagram, they needed an extra kick with the new, limited Seasoning In A Pickle Seasoning Blend. Commenters on the post also offered their own methods for livening up the hors d'oeuvres, from Trader Joe's tzatziki to a sour cream and pickle seasoning blend. One user suggested, "Make tahini sauce and add the seasoning to it. Tahini, water, lemon juice, salt and crushed garlic."

However you take your Mini Falafels, this versatile (and vegan!) snack can be found in a 12-ounce bag for $3.99. Peep your freezer aisle and cross your fingers it's still there.

Truffle Flavored BBQ Sauce

Truffle Flavored BBQ Sauce
Courtesy of Trader Joe's

If you haven't gotten your fill of the truffle craze, here's a glaze you might want to add to your grill-outs. This barbeque sauce will add that umami punch to your steaks, burgers, and pizzas with "a suite of savory seasonings including garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and, of course, bits of black summer truffle," according to Trader Joe's. This $3.99 bottle of Truffle Flavored BBQ Sauce is available for a limited time only.

Buttermilk Brined Half Chicken

Buttermilk Brined Half Chicken
Courtesy of Trader Joe's

Some kitchen connoisseurs have been using this marinade trick for years, but it might be news that you can use buttermilk to achieve an unparalleled level of moistness in your chicken. This Trader Joe's marinated meat has already been soaked in buttermilk, vinegar, salt, and rosemary brine, creating an elegant entree for an at-home dinner that's sure to impress.

The product became viral on TikTok by @wishbonekitchen, who made a cooking video instructing viewers on how to release excess moisture from the chicken, sear it to form a crispy exterior, and bake it in the oven until done. She noted that the size is small for the value, but you're paying extra for convenience.

So if you're looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your cooking with this tender, juicy chicken, grab this two-serving package of Buttermilk Brined Half Chicken for $4.99.

In other news, we recently went to pick out some summer foods, and These New 6 Trader Joe's Items Are Worth Buying Right Now.

Sarah Wong
Sarah studied at Northwestern University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in computer science and experimented with mixing tech and journalism. Read more about Sarah