20 Absolute Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe’s This August, According to a TJ’s Aficionado

As summer transitions into fall, Trader Joe’s shelves are brimming with must-try items. From savory snacks to indulgent desserts, there’s something for everyone. Here are the 20 absolute best things to buy at Trader Joe’s this August, curated by a TJ’s aficionado.

1. Peanut Butter-Filled Pretzel Nuggets $2.49/16 Oz

These crunchy pretzel nuggets are filled with creamy peanut butter, offering a satisfying mix of salty and sweet that’s perfect for snacking.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 150 per serving
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 240mg
Carbs: 17g
Protein: 5g
Ingredients: Enriched Flour, Peanut Butter, Salt, Baking Soda
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Enjoy straight out of the bag as a snack.

2. Pizza Bread Cheese $1.99/6 Oz

Trader Joe’s Pizza Bread Cheese

This unique cheese has a delicious pizza flavor that melts perfectly, making it an excellent addition to any meal or snack.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 100
Fat: 6g
Sodium: 190mg
Carbs: Less than 1g
Protein: 6g
Ingredients: Bread Cheese, Tomato Paste, Italian SeasoningCooking/Preparation Directions: Heat in a non-stick pan or microwave until warm and melty.

3. Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup $2.49/15oz

A hearty and nutritious soup packed with organic lentils and vegetables, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 210 per serving
Fat: 2.5 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Carbs: 36 g
Protein: 12 g
Ingredients: Water, Lentils, Carrots, Tomatoes, Celery, Spinach
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Heat on the stove or microwave until hot. Stir well before serving.

4. Marinated Artichokes on the Go $1.29/1.58 Oz

Conveniently packaged marinated artichokes that are perfect for on-the-go snacking or adding to salads and sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 15 per serving
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 125 mg
Carbs: 3 g
Protein: Less than 1g
Ingredients: Artichokes, Sunflower Oil, Vinegar, Salt, Spices
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Enjoy directly from the pack as a snack or add to salads.

5. Thai Banana Fritters $2.99/6.7 Oz

These exotic banana fritters offer a sweet and crispy treat that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 270 per serving
Fat: 12 g
Sodium: 100 mg
Carbs: 37 g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients: Bananas, Coconut Milk, Rice Flour, Sugar
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Heat in the oven or air fryer until crispy.

6. Hatch Pepper Gouda $8.99/lb

A creamy Gouda cheese infused with spicy Hatch peppers, adding a delightful kick to your cheese board or recipes.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 110
Fat: 9g
Sodium: 200mg
Carbs: 1g
Protein: 7g
Ingredients: Pasteurized Milk, Hatch Chiles, Salt, Enzymes
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Enjoy with crackers, in sandwiches, or melted over dishes.

7. Carrot Mini Sheet Cake $5.49/18 Oz

A moist and flavorful carrot cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for a sweet indulgence.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 310 per serving
Fat: 16 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Carbs: 39 g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients: Carrots, Sugar, Wheat Flour, Eggs, Cream Cheese
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Serve at room temperature or chilled.

8. Ginger Shrimp Lo Mein $5.99/16 Oz

A delicious Asian-inspired dish with tender shrimp, noodles, and vegetables, seasoned with ginger for a flavorful meal.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 160 per serving
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Carbs: 20 g
Protein: 7 g
Ingredients: Shrimp, Wheat Noodles, Ginger, Vegetables
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Heat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

9. Mango Sticky Rice Crisps $3.29/4.51 Oz

A crunchy and sweet snack that combines the flavors of mango and sticky rice, offering a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 140 per serving
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 65mg
Carbs: 19g
Protein: 1g
Ingredients: Sticky Rice, Mango, Sugar, Coconut Milk
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Enjoy straight from the bag as a snack.

10. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Bowl $4.29/7 Oz


A hearty breakfast bowl featuring chicken sausage, potatoes, eggs, and cheese, perfect for a quick and satisfying start to your day.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 380
Fat: 27 g
Sodium: 690 mg
Carbs: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Ingredients: Chicken Sausage, Potatoes, Eggs, Cheese
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

11. Crunchy Chili Onion Sprinkle $1.99/2.64 Oz

Add a burst of flavor and crunch to any dish with this spicy and savory chili onion sprinkle.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 0
Fat: 0
Sodium: 105 mg
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 0g
Ingredients: Sea salt, crispy fried onions (onion, palm oil, wheat flour, salt), chili flakes, brown sugar, dried roasted garlic, dehydrated red bell pepper, silicon dioxide (anti-caking), dried Szechuan pepper, yeast extract, paprika oleoresin (color).
Use Directions: Sprinkle on top of dishes for extra flavor and crunch.

12. Crispy Crunchy Coated Peanuts $2.79/8oz

These peanuts are coated with a crunchy shell, offering a satisfying and flavorful snack.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 130 per serving
Fat: 4.5 g
Sodium: 55 mg
Carbs: 20 g
Protein: 4 g
Ingredients: Peanuts, Wheat Flour, Sugar, Salt
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Enjoy as a crunchy snack.

13. Apricot Cardamom Spread $2.99/7.57 Oz

A sweet and aromatic spread that combines apricots with a hint of cardamom, perfect for toast, baking, or pairing with cheese.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 35 per serving
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Carbs: 8 g
Sugar: 7 g
Ingredients: Apricots, Sugar, Cardamom
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Spread on toast, use in baking, or pair with cheese.

14. Crunchy Jicama Slaw $4.99/11.5 Oz

A refreshing and crunchy slaw made with jicama, carrots, and red cabbage, perfect for a light and healthy side dish.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 120 per serving
Fat: 7 g
Sodium: 200mg
Carbs: 11g
Protein: 3g
Ingredients: Jicama, Carrots, Red Cabbage, Cilantro
Preparation Directions: Toss with dressing and serve chilled.

15. Dark Chocolate Dipped French Butter Cookies $2.99/4.76 Oz


Indulgent butter cookies dipped in rich dark chocolate, perfect for a decadent treat.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 140 per 2 cookies
Fat: 4.5g
Sodium: 30 mg
Carbs: 17 g
Protein: 2 g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Butter, Sugar, Dark Chocolate
Preparation: Enjoy as a sweet treat.

16. Pizza Seasoned Crackers $2.49/4.22 Oz

These savory crackers are seasoned with pizza flavors, making them a tasty snack on their own or with your favorite dips.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 110 per serving
Fat: 3.5 g
Sodium: 410 mg
Carbs: 16 g
Protein: 2 g
Ingredients: Wheat Flour, Tomato Powder, Cheese, Spices
Directions: Enjoy straight from the box or with dips.

17. Peach Raspberry Crisp $5.49/15 Oz

A delightful dessert featuring juicy peaches and raspberries topped with a crispy oat crumble.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 230 per serving
Fat: 7 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Carbs: 42 g
Protein: 2g
Ingredients: Peaches, Raspberries, Oats, Sugar
Preparation Directions: Bake in the oven until golden and bubbly.

18. Sliced Black Truffle Monterey Jack Cheese $4.99/7.5 Oz


This luxurious cheese combines the creamy texture of Monterey Jack with the earthy flavor of black truffle, perfect for gourmet sandwiches or cheese boards.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 80 per serving
Fat: 6 g
Sodium: 160 mg
Carbs: 0 g
Protein: 5 g
Ingredients: Monterey Jack Cheese, Black Truffle, Salt
Use: Enjoy with crackers, in sandwiches, or melted over dishes.

19. S’mores Ice Cream $3.79/pint

A delicious ice cream that captures the classic s’mores flavors with a graham cracker swirl and chocolate chunks.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 290 per serving
Fat: 16 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Carbs: 32g
Protein: 4g
Ingredients: Cream, Sugar, Graham Cracker Swirl, Chocolate Chunks
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Enjoy directly from the pint or scoop into a bowl.

20. Ponzu Sauce $3.99/12.17 Fl Oz

This versatile ponzu sauce combines soy sauce with citrus for a tangy and savory addition to marinades, dipping sauces, and dressings.
Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 10 per serving
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 420 mg
Carbs: 1 g
Protein: Less than 1 g
Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Citrus Juice, Vinegar, Sugar
Cooking/Preparation Directions: Use as a marinade, dipping sauce, or salad dressing.

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