I tried 32 of Trader Joe's seasonal summer products, and there are only a few I wouldn't buy again

• I reviewed 32 seasonal summer products from Trader Joe's as part of an ongoing taste-test series. 
• Foods like the key-lime tea cookies and Bloody Mary salsa will become summertime staples of mine.
• Next time, I'll pass on the pickle chips, Enchanted Jangle, and dark-chocolate watermelon sticks.

From versatile crispy jalapeño pieces to luscious Southern-style peach ice cream, Trader Joe's has plenty of seasonal items for the summer. 

As part of an ongoing series in which I review Trader Joe's seasonal products, I gave the chain's summer offerings a try.

Keep reading to find out which products I'll return for and which ones I'll pass on next time. 

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in June 2021. Although many seasonal summer foods return, item availability is subject to change.

The lemony arugula salad made for a light and refreshing lunch

This salad's assortment of greens packed every bite with a bold, peppery flavor that played well with the delicious mix of nutty roasted almonds, sweet carrot ribbons, and salty Parmesan flakes.

It was tied together with a lemon-basil vinaigrette that tasted more like a mustard dressing than any of the two named ingredients, yet somehow still worked perfectly with the other ingredients. 

That said, the salad certainly could have used more dressing.

Nevertheless, this tasted like something I'd pay $14 for at a swanky brunch restaurant.

VERDICT: If I had a cooler, this is exactly the kind of salad I'd throw in it and take to an outdoor lunch.

Given how much it would cost to buy this salad's individual ingredients — like the almonds alone — it's worth buying. 

The key-lime tea cookies were absolutely divine

Upon opening the box, I was met with the fresh, invigorating scent of key lime — a nice preview for the bright, aromatic, and all-around delightful snacking experience to come.

Key lime pie is often paired with a honeyed graham-cracker crust, but the simple, buttery shortbread made the citrus flavor pop and lent the cookies a soft yet crumbly mouthfeel.

Every bite was bursting with refreshing key-lime flavor that tasted exactly like the center of the famous pie, and the dusting of powdered sugar enhanced the citrus' subtle sweetness.

VERDICT: These key-lime tea cookies were such a nice change of pace from the usual chocolate or strawberry-themed sweets I enjoy during the summer.

These cookies will definitely be a staple of mine for years to come.

This dill pickle mustard would be great on a sandwich

This dill pickle mustard packed quite a punch. The herbaceous dill was in full effect, almost to an unrelenting degree, and dominated every corner of my nose and taste buds, with a kick of tangy vinegar in tow.

Although dill was the dominant flavor, it didn't completely bury the sharp, savory mustard that was the perfect pairing for this herb and made the whole mix even spicier.

This mustard is flavored with dill weed and contains chunks of pickle. I liked the added texture.

It tasted great on my barbecue sandwich, and I can totally see it elevating a hamburger or hot dog, especially if you're a pickle fan.

By itself, it's a bit too sharp and strong, but then again, most people aren't just eating mustard by the spoonful. 

VERDICT: This mustard was pretty good, but I can't see myself buying it more than once every year or two.

Trader Joe's pulled chicken in hickory-smoke-flavored sauce was delicious

I'm not sure it gets any better than tender chicken doused in a slightly smoky yet sweet sauce.

Each box comes with a pound of ready-to-eat chicken in chunks that are just the right size to add to any dish.

The tender and flavorful results made this option that much better than Trader Joe's year-round offerings.

There was also plenty of sauce to go around. It wasn't too sweet and boasted a refined, woody, peppery profile with subtle notes of molasses. 

This product is the absolutely perfect execution of a convenient meal.

VERDICT: As someone who loves barbecue but doesn't own a grill or smoker, I'm certain this pulled chicken will be a staple in my house.

It's easy to throw together and also super versatile — the tender chunks of meat would make the perfect addition to sandwiches, pizzas, and salads.

The tangy and garlicky dill pickle hummus would be a superb summertime snack 

Amazingly, this dip had the same creamy texture as Trader Joe's other hummus options, so you'd never guess there's real pickle in it. You can absolutely taste it, but the vinegary tang was light enough to be enjoyable.

The tahini, chickpea, and garlic flavors all paired well with the dill, without being overly salty. 

At the same time, the brine-y pickle flavor lent the dip a slightly sour overtone, which I surprisingly enjoyed.

VERDICT:  This dill pickle hummus has convinced me to embrace the mantra "don't knock it 'til you try it," and the snack section of my fridge will be eternally grateful.

The Bloody Mary salsa was packed with tomatoes, spice, and everything nice

Spice-forward, tangy, and bursting with the sharp bite of horseradish, black pepper, and bitter celery salt, this product encompasses all of the flavors of its namesake cocktail. 

The only thing that separated this from an actual Bloody Mary mix was the texture, but it was so good that I could probably blend it to drink on its own.

It tasted so much more complex than many of the chain's other jarred salsas, and I'm shocked that most restaurants don't already serve a version of this on their menu. I genuinely wouldn't change a thing about it.

VERDICT: It looks like this item is seasonal, but doesn't return every year. It was so good that I hope it keeps coming back.

The gluten-free cauliflower crisps are an essential summer snack

At first glance, these gluten-free cauliflower crisps looked pretty underwhelming. With a slightly murky tan hue and the thickness of a wafer, they seemed like flat cookies.

However, biting into these crisps turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

Like most gluten-free products, they were thicker than the standard chip due to the base of brown rice and cauliflower. Still, their texture was both crunchy and scrumptious.

They also sported a neutral onion and garlic seasoning that would make them palatable with a bunch of different dips, yet tasty enough to eat on their own.

I definitely picked up on a cauliflower aftertaste, but it was so light that I grew accustomed to it after the second bite. Plus, the crisps were so well-salted that I didn't mind.

VERDICT: Even though I wish these came in a slightly bigger bag, these were tasty, gluten-free chips just about everyone can enjoy.

If you dislike coconut milk, don't be put off by the label that lists it as a key ingredient — I couldn't detect the slightest hint of it.

The dark-chocolate watermelon sticks were just OK

When I first sampled these, I audibly uttered, "Oh, that's different!"

As I ate more, I grew accustomed to the sensation of biting into the chocolate and tasting that sweet, fruity center.

The filling didn't taste like fresh watermelon, but I've come to learn this type of flavoring rarely does.

In this case, it was more like a cross between whatever goes in the chain's chocolate-covered Powerberries and toaster pastries, with added watermelon juice.

When paired with the dark-chocolate exterior, these flavors made for an OK combination, but I think it would've been more satisfying with citrus or sweetly tart fruits like oranges and strawberries. 

VERDICT: I didn't love these chocolaty watermelon pieces enough to buy them again, but they'd make a great addition to a snack table.

The pineapple barbecue sauce was delectably sweet and spicy  

Tomato, molasses, pineapple, and other notable flavors come together to form a sauce that's equal parts tangy, peppery, and sweet. I'd actually call it restaurant quality.

It tasted quite similar to Trader Joe's standard barbecue sauce, with a sweet touch from the pineapple. The main difference is the texture, as I noticed some bits of crushed fruit in the jar.

This sauce was a standout because it absorbed all the natural sugar flavors and the subtle kick of citrus without tasting fruity. It's the kind of addition that would make grilled dishes come alive.

VERDICT: This item is absolutely worth buying for the summer. Even though I can't see myself wanting to use it all of the time, it's a fresh take on standard barbecue sauce.

These crispy jalapeño pieces would elevate just about any summer meal

After finally getting my hands on a can of these crispy jalapeños, I can totally see them becoming a contender for the chain's next Customer Choice Awards.

Falling somewhere between a ridged potato chip and nacho topping — with a scent that's nearly identical to jalapeño-cheese bagels — these crispy bits have the "it" factor that would make them both the perfect snack and sandwich addition.

They're crunchy, salty, savory, and spicy, but not in an overwhelming way. I'd been eating them by the handful and found the burn pleasantly crept onto the roof of my mouth but quickly dissipated.

They reminded me of a cooler version of the onion strings you'd put on green bean casserole with an added kick, so I'm hoping this product becomes a year-round staple.

Best of all, these pieces seemed to go with everything. I sprinkled a few on top of a barbecue chicken sandwich and was blown away by how well they enhanced the savory flavors.

They'd likely taste great crumbled on tacos, nachos, or inside a burger, but they're also just as yummy straight out of the can.

VERDICT: If you're a fan of crispy onion strings and aren't afraid of a little heat, you'll love these crispy jalapeño pieces.

The Southern peach-crisp ice cream was incredible

Simply put, this was one of the best store-bought ice creams I've ever tried.

Every bite was full of decadent, milky sweet-cream flavor. The peach presence was subtle enough that it was like receiving a pleasant surprise on top of the dessert I was already enjoying.

The same goes for the oat chunks — I definitely had to hunt for them, but when I did find them, it was like hitting the lottery. They tasted like mini, soft-baked oatmeal cookies with cinnamon and brown-sugar undertones.

VERDICT: I've enjoyed a lot of good sweets in my day, but I don't remember the last time my taste buds were this happy.

No frozen treat is complete without one of Trader Joe's organic sugar cones

This sugar cone was the perfect vehicle for enjoying my Trader Joe's ice cream. It was sturdy enough to keep everything intact without losing its crunch, and was a lightly sweet compliment to the frozen treat. 

It was also just the right size — I comfortably fit a decent scoop onto the cone without any ice cream spilling out of the sides.

VERDICT: If you're going to Trader Joe's to buy ice cream, you might as well pick up some cones. I'd keep these on hand to enjoy with cool treats all summer long.

I was disappointed by Trader Joe's dill-pickle-flavored chips

Not every food needs to be infused with dill, and these chips are proof of that.  

Even though they had all the right elements — the perfect crunch, plenty of seasoning, and ample salt — something about them seemed off.

They tasted exactly like a dill pickle, but also left a lingering aftertaste in my mouth that I wasn't particularly thrilled about.

The dill flavor was so strong that the only thing I'd pair these with is the pickle hummus — which admittedly did make both components taste really good.

That said, I'm certainly not going to sink these into my caramelized-onion dip anytime soon.

VERDICT: Sorry to my fellow pickle fans, but I thought these chips were a disappointment. 

Trader Joe's ravioli deliciously blended sweet corn and creamy burrata

With the flavors of fresh corn and lightly sweet burrata all wrapped up in pillowy pockets, this ravioli captures the essence of the perfect summer pasta.

The corn added a pleasant pop of fresh flavor, and the burrata had a creamy, mildly buttery taste.

I couldn't really taste the basil that was advertised on the bag, but I was willing to overlook that since the ravioli was fine without it — and I topped my dish with fresh pieces of the herb anyway.

VERDICT: Thanks to the irresistibly tasty burrata and sweet-corn filling, this option might just dethrone Trader Joe's lemon variety as my favorite ravioli.

Trader Joe's old-fashioned potato salad is one of the best store-bought versions I've tried

I normally loathe store-bought potato salad, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one.

The potato pieces were cooked just right and held up well under the dressing. It had a bit of a drier mouthfeel (which is sort of expected for something sitting on the shelf), but for the most part, I'd describe the overall texture as quite creamy, but not at all mushy.

The big sell for me was that it wasn't overly mayonnaise-y, a common pitfall of most store-bought potato salads.

Instead, Trader Joe's did a nice job salting this just enough to be enticing. The addition of green scallions and finely chopped hard-boiled eggs also offered more flavor beyond just salt.

VERDICT: No matter what, homemade will always be the best when it comes to potato salad. Still, I really enjoyed this and will definitely be buying it again.

Kids would probably love the Enchanted Jangle, but it was way too sweet for me 

Like Trader Joe's other Jangles, this bag features a hodgepodge of various crunchy and chewy mini treats.

This one contains strawberry-flavored mini marshmallows, pink confection chips, chocolate-covered pretzel nuggets, pretzel lattices, and — interestingly — lemon-yogurt-dipped animal cookies.

It's as ridiculously sweet as you can imagine, but if you know what you're getting into, it shouldn't be shocking.

VERDICT: Although I don't see myself buying this Jangle again, I can see it being a hit for kids. I'd also recommend this to anyone with a serious sweet tooth looking for something colorful and fun to put on display.

Trader Joe's strawberry-and-vanilla yogurt pretzels were yummy

Each pretzel is covered on all sides in a pretty pink-and-white yogurt coating that tasted like it had real strawberry infused into it.

It was delicately sweet with a twinge of fruitiness that was well balanced by the salt of the pretzel.

This treat reminded me of dipping french fries into a strawberry milkshake. 

VERDICT: In my opinion, these are a welcome addition to the lineup of seasonal dipped pretzels.

The s'mores clusters are delicious

These lumpy mounds attempt to harness the totality of the camping snack into bite-sized candy-bar form, without the mess.

The bag contains silver-dollar-sized pieces, each consisting of a layer of graham cracker topped with a mini marshmallow and enrobed in deliciously smooth milk chocolate. 

The chocolate layer was thick, smooth, and sweet. I thought it tasted like something you might find at a theme park candy shop.

The graham cracker was just the right thickness to make its appearance known, with a slight crunch and tasty honey flavor. 

Because the marshmallows are small, however, they get buried a bit. So, if you're looking for a true s'mores flavor experience, this isn't quite that.

VERDICT: Treats like these are the reason I'm a Trader Joe's loyalist for life. I'd also love to see a dark-chocolate version someday. 

The frosting on Trader Joe's tres leches cake left something to be desired

Trader Joe's take on tres leches is like vanilla pudding in cake form.

Like most versions of this dessert, the texture was so spongy and soft that it pretty much dissolved immediately when it touched my tongue.

Each bite brought an omnipresent vanilla sweetness that I couldn't help but keep going back to, even though it tasted a bit artificial.

Overall, for a frozen cake, it's quite yummy, and the convenience really won me over. I simply let it thaw in my fridge for several hours and it was ready to eat.

The frosting, however, was a letdown. I thought it tasted like an unsweetened, whipped buttercream without any flavoring. Thankfully, it's nothing a bit of fruit can't improve.

VERDICT: As someone who enjoys baking tres leches but doesn't always want to go to the trouble of making an entire cake, I really appreciated this treat.

Trader Joe's cheddar-jalapeño pull-apart bread is a standout in the bakery section

Once fully heated, this bread reminded me of a better version of the cheesy bread I add to every pizza delivery order. It was super soft with a slightly doughy, almost bagel-like chew. 

Basically, this bread is the stuff of dreams. I dipped it into cream cheese to balance out the heat, but I'd serve it with something like the chain's elote dip if I wanted to kick up the heat.

Really, my only complaint is that the package isn't resealable.

VERDICT: I would absolutely buy this again.

Trader Joe's frozen corn ribs are a tasty vegan barbecue option

Trader Joe's corn ribs are like regular corn on the cob that's been cut into smaller sections for easier eating.

The reddish-brown seasoning offered a salty taste with a very faint hint of cumin-like flavor. But overall, it wasn't very strong.

I squeezed some lime over my corn ribs to brighten things up a bit. I also think these would benefit significantly from being slathered in another sauce, like elote dip.

The slightly curved shape and the fact that the kernels sit on a "bone" really did make each bite of this feel like I was eating the vegetarian version of a rib, which was pretty neat. I wish these existed years ago when I wasn't eating meat.

In all, this is a satisfying vegan barbecue food, but I'm not sure if it's for me.

VERDICT: I don't think I'd buy these again for myself, but I still think they're neat to try. 

If you want a chewy, fruity snack, look no further than these Beach Day gummy candies 

Despite the name, I thought these tasted more like fruit snacks than gummy bears — pleasantly chewy and easy to bite into. 

Each morsel had a fruit-juice-style sweetness that was slightly tart on the finish.

To me, the prevailing flavor was peach, with a few gummies offering a vague lime flavor. Either way, they're quite yummy, and the shapes are absolutely adorable.

VERDICT: These are an essential for road trips. 

I didn't think there was anything special about the Mediterranean-style salad kit

I expected this salad to resemble a classic Greek salad, but it tasted more like a fancy slaw.

In place of typical leafy greens were sturdy leaves of finely chopped romaine and radicchio. The salad also contains shredded broccoli and toasted flatbread sticks, which made it a win for crunch factor.

For the most part, I thought this was fine, but nothing to write home about.

The feta crumbles practically vanished once everything was tossed together, and there were so few chickpeas they almost seemed like they weren't supposed to be there.

On the plus side, this held up well for hours and didn't get soggy — probably because there was so little dressing. Overall, it's not bad if you're looking for something green to sneak as a side into your weeknight meals.

VERDICT: I probably won't go out of my way to get this for lunch, but I might pick it up if I needed a last-minute side dish.

The peaches-and-cream spread would taste great with French toast

When I opened the container of Trader Joe's peaches-and-cream spread, I didn't see any obvious chunks of the fruit.

When I tried it, however, the peach component was very noticeable, and there was a slight tang the moment the spread hit my palate.

I thought this tasted like a denser, slightly sweeter, spreadable peach yogurt. It's decently tasty, but if you're not a huge fan of peaches, this might be too much without another strong flavor to pair it with.

I spread it on regular wheat bread, but I imagine it would be great on French toast with lots of cinnamon and fresh peaches.

VERDICT: Though I probably wouldn't buy this again, I'd recommend it to anyone who loves peaches.

The Out of this World ice pops had strong fruity flavors

I thought these patriotic-colored ice pops were much more tart than sweet.

The red layer was strawberry-flavored, but to me, it seemed closer to raspberry or cherry. The center layer was a similar-tasting icy blueberry puree, and the bottom white section was an intensely sour cold lemon-juice concentrate.

Though I prefer an ice pop with a touch of creamy sweetness, these were still pretty decent. 

VERDICT: I can't see myself buying another box, but I'd recommend these to anyone wanting a light, frozen treat.

The passion-fruit granola would bring a tasty, tropical flair to summertime breakfasts

Trader Joe's passion fruit granola was delicious. It had just the right level of sweetness to give off a tropical, fruity vibe without tasting perfumey.

This flavor worked surprisingly well when paired with the oat clusters, as the sour notes tasted sweet against the nuttiness.

The granola mixture also contained freeze-dried raspberries, which offered a soft bite that dissolved into a bright, tart flavor. 

I intended to sample just a few tiny pieces but ended up pouring some into a ramekin for snacking.

VERDICT: I'm planning to grab another bag before the summer ends. I'm positive it would be amazing on top of an açaí bowl or plain yogurt.

The strawberry-and-jalapeño crisps were like a vacation for my taste buds

Some people will undoubtedly find these crackers odd. Honestly, I understand — it's essentially a spicy cookie masquerading as a cracker. But I loved it.

The lively jalapeño worked wonderfully with the dry, sweet strawberry bits, with a quick-hitting medium heat that warmed the sides of my mouth.

I enjoyed these plain, but I'd also have them with goat cheese or Brie to bring out even more sweet notes.

VERDICT: This is the only cracker I'll be buying this summer.

The lemon basil pasta salad left me underwhelmed

Trader Joe's lemon basil pasta salad comes pre-dressed, which is great for on-the-go convenience. However, it's not so great if you're expecting it to taste anywhere close to a homemade or restaurant-style dish.

In my experience, the vinaigrette was barely detectable, and the Asiago cheese didn't do much but add to an overall sense of dryness to the meal.

I appreciated the inclusion of peas, but the basil didn't taste very fresh, likely due to the prolonged refrigeration. Overall, it reminded me of leftover pasta salad.

VERDICT: I won't be buying this again.

The strawberry mochi is a scrumptious, fruity treat for a hot summer day

I love how light Trader Joe's strawberry mochi are. Unlike the blood-orange version of this treat — which packs an intense punch of citrus — these pink morsels are quite mellow in flavor.

The strawberry note is pleasantly sweet without being cloying, which makes for a refreshing treat that doesn't feel too sugary or heavy. They're perfect for those super hot days where the thought of a bowl of ice cream feels like too much.

Above all, though, the texture made these a real winner. The soft, squishy encasing yielded just enough resistance to give my teeth something to bite, while giving way easily into the smooth, creamy center.

VERDICT: I'll definitely be buying multiple boxes on my next trip to Trader Joe's.

I thought the red, white, and blue macarons tasted like they came from a bakery

Trader Joe's isn't new to the macaron game, and these flavors offer something slightly more exciting than the usual vanilla and chocolate rotation.

The blueberry and raspberry versions had a noticeable tartness that I wasn't expecting. However, this kept them from being overly sweet.

The vanilla one, however, tasted a bit like cupcake frosting, and was just a touch too sugary for my liking.

Overall, these manage to have a soft, nearly fresh-baked quality even after being stored in the freezer.

VERDICT: I'm not one to buy macarons repeatedly, but I'd definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a light summer treat.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Green Goddess Gouda

As someone who isn't crazy about the Green Goddess dip or dressing, I was nervous about trying this cheese.

However, it turns out my palate finds Gouda cheese a better companion to the herbs than mayonnaise or yogurt.

Overall, this cheese was pretty flavorful. To me, the prevailing note was garlic.

I've heard some say they find the greens overpowering, but I thought there was just the right amount. I still detected the gouda's creamy sweetness underneath the bitter parsley and peppery basil.

I cut several slices straight from the block and thought it was delicious, even without crackers.

VERDICT: I would definitely buy this one again.

The mango pineapple salsa had potential, but I thought it needed more seasoning

I probably should've known from the dull, vaguely translucent yellow color of the fruit that this wasn't going to be a hit for me, but I still had high hopes.

Unfortunately, scooping the salsa was difficult. There were a lot of solid pieces, and not quite enough liquid to soften everything to a scoopable texture.

Having tried (and loved) mango salsas from other stores, I expected this to explode with a bright, juicy, burst of tropical summer flavor and a hint of spice.

However, the mango itself seemed muted, and at best, there was a slight sharpness from white onion. I also thought the pineapple got lost under everything else.

Overall, it could really use a squeeze of lime, some salt, and some heat.

VERDICT: With some tweaks, this could be much better. But for now, I think it's best left on the shelf.

Click to keep reading other Trader Joe's taste tests in this series.

This story was originally published in June 2021 and most recently updated on June 18, 2025.