20 Tasty Trader Joe’s Snacks That Are Perfect for Summer
You can walk into Trader Joe’s with a plan, but come out with a cart full of frozen dinners, household staples, and even beauty products that weren’t on your list. If you’re looking for just a quick bite, the opportunities seem even more endless: There are tons of intriguing, seasonal TJ’s snacks that are just begging for you to try.
And summer is a great time to do so. If you’re looking for refreshing snacks to cool you off, stock up on basics like fruit-forward popsicles, premade smoothies, chilled ready-to-eat foods like gazpacho or salsas, and hydrating produce, Kelsey Lloyd, MS, RD, LDN, tells SELF. Need energy for outdoorsy activities like hiking, swimming, or dancing at a block party? Shelf-stable options that contain a balance of the three macronutrients—carbs, protein, and fat—can help fuel your body on the go, she says. Goodies like dried fruit, trail mixes, or bars with nut butter or jams can do the trick.
Luckily, Trader Joe’s has you covered with fun snack options that can check all those boxes. Not sure where to start? To shape your grocery list, we asked SELF editors, scoured TikTok, visited a few stores, and rounded up 20 summer-friendly, must-shop snacks. Read on for what to grab the next time you visit.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's1Gone Berry Crazy! ($3)
Who says chocolate-covered strawberries need to be reserved for Valentine’s Day? Lloyd pulls these frozen fruit bites out her freezer whenever she’s ready for a rich yet refreshing snack—no defrosting required!
Courtesy of Trader Joe's2Vegan Poke ($5)
This vegan version of a pescatarian staple proves that veggies alone can be just as delicious as seafood. It nixes the raw tuna for roasted beets marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, giving it a nutty, salty taste for when you’re craving a cold, savory snack. Eat it chilled on its own or with tortilla chips or crackers.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's3Corn and Chile Tomato-less Salsa ($4)
Corn screams summer, but not everyone has time to boil or grill it—especially when you’re just looking for a quick snack. Enter: corn in salsa form. Lloyd recommends keeping a jar of this sweet and spicy condiment in the fridge for when you’re craving an a-maize-ing dip.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's4S'mores Clusters ($4)
Roasting marshmallows is a picturesque summer activity, right? But when it’s scorching out, sitting over a blazing fire seems way less appealing. That’s where these clusters come in handy; keep a bag of these s’mores in your fridge or cabinet for whenever you’re in the mood to feel like you’re at camp again.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's5Mini Chicken Tacos ($6)
A taco might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a good snack. But SELF’s associate health conditions director Julia Sullivan says they ought to be. These tacos are tiny and tasty, so you can munch on a handful without spoiling any lunch or dinner plans. Think of them as a post-breakfast pick-me-up, Sullivan says.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's6Organic Elote Corn Chip Dippers ($3)
These elote-flavored chips are great for scooping up heaps of salsa and guacamole. SELF’s health director Amy Rose Spiegel describes this snack as “god-tier,” and so flavorful that you can eat them on their own—no dips or spreads required.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's7PB & J Snack Duo ($4)
When busy summer days are calling, the best snacks are ones you can eat on the go without any mess. These peanut-flavored rolled wafer sticks are convenient, packed with eight grams of protein to keep you full, and come in a cute container with a compartment filled with raspberry jam for dipping.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's8Cauliflower Jalapeno Dip ($4)
Skip the bland string cheese and dunk some raw carrots, cucumbers, or broccoli into this spicy, velvety dip instead—and then bring it to all your summer outings so your friends can enjoy it as well, says Lloyd. The base of the spread has all the good stuff like cream cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan for that ultimate comforting feel.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's9Wildberry Cheesecake Ice Cream ($4)
Traditional ice cream flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate are great. But when you’re looking for a more exciting option, reach for this berry-cheesecake-inspired frozen dessert for an extra seasonal punch.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's10Super Seedy Cheese Snack Bites ($4)
These bite-size crackers are cacio e pepe pasta in finger-food form. They’re great alone or as a vehicle for scooping chilled guacamole. Spiegel swears by these as a necessary component of a picnic charcuterie board.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's11Instant Boba Kit ($5)
This boba tea is all the rage on TikTok thanks to its chewy Tapioca pearls packed with delicious brown sugar flavor. It comes with four serving packs so that you can make multiple cups of the refreshing drink.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's12Patio Potato Chips ($3)
Spiegel reaches for these often because, well, what’s better than having every chip flavor in one bag? Crunch on ketchup, salt and vinegar, BBQ, and dill crisps—there’s a little something for everyone.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's13Nectarines ($8)
This four-pound box of juicy, in-season fruit will help you stay hydrated this summer, says Lloyd. Throw them in some yogurt, on top of some vanilla ice cream, or just eat them on their own.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's14Jerk-Style Plantain Chips ($2)
I love walking around my neighborhood and smelling jerk chicken on the grill. And while I’d love to heat up a barbecue of my own, sometimes it’s just too hot. In those cases, I keep these jerk-flavored plantain chips stocked in my pantry when I’m craving a smoky and spicy treat.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's15Mango 100% Juice Smoothie ($3)
Lloyd always leans on smoothies for an easily accessible cool-down. While mangoes are the main ingredient in the drink, apples, oranges, lemons, and bananas are also blended in to add a creamy, sweet, and citrusy flavor.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's16Watermelon & Peach Macarons ($6)
You’ll find these summery macarons chilling in TJ’s freezer aisle. Simply thaw them anytime you host an outdoor gathering and need the perfect no-cook dessert.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's17Mango Jicama Slaw ($6)
This cold snack-of-sorts is sweet, spicy, and hydrating all at the same time. Crunchy cabbage and jicama serve as the base and provide a refreshing savory component, while the mango-lime vinaigrette provides an extra flavor boost. Spoon some of this in a bowl and dig in all summer.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's18Organic Chunky Homestyle Guacamole ($5)
Sometimes sticking to the basics is best for snacks—especially ones that you know will satisfy you, like guacamole, says Lloyd. You can never go wrong with this chilled dip, whether you’re scooping it onto some tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's19Olive & Herbs Mixed Nuts ($5)
Trail mixes are great picks for folks on the go seeking some fuel, says Lloyd. This blend mimics a charcuterie board—without all of the fuss. It’s packed with dried Kalamata olives, nuts like cashews and almonds, and a herby spiced coating.
Courtesy of Trader Joe's20Blueberry & Lemon Hand Pies ($5)
Sweet blueberries and citrusy tastes of lemon shine in these handheld pastries, which are perfect for the beach or a picnic.
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