Trader Joe's Employees Reveal Their Favorite New and Returning Summer Products

Seasoning in a Pickle Spice Blend

TJ's is known for its wide variety of delicious pickle-flavored products, like Pickle Potato Chips, Popcorn in a Pickle, and last year's biggest hit: Dill Pickle Mustard. If you can't get enough of TJ's pickle provisions—get ready for the Pickle Spice Blend that will change your world. It's essentially the same seasoning blend used in some of the chain's other products, but now you can sprinkle it on anything and everything. If you need some inspiration, Miller and Sloan suggest sprinkling some on garlic bread, egg salad, and even French fries.

Ube Spread

There are quite a few TJ's products that instantly get swooped off the shelves and Ube Ice Cream was one of them. If you've never had ube (pronounced oo-beh), it's a purple yam originating from the Philippines, and it's used to make all different kinds of sweet treats, like jam, cake, candies, and ice cream. Now, TJ's is introducing a beautiful purple jarred Ube Spread that can be used in several ways. It has the same consistency of a lemon curd, but with a subtly sweet flavor. Try it on toast, drizzled on cookies or cheesecake, or enjoy a sweet spoonful all on its own.

Crunchy Jalapeño Lime

One of the most beloved products at TJ's must be the Chili Onion Crunch. But there's a new crunchy oil in town—say hello to Crunchy Jalapeño Lime. Is your mouth watering yet? Packed with zesty lime juice, spicy jalapeño, and fresh herbs, this flavorful oil can be used on pretty much anything, from sandwiches and burgers to salad dressings and omelets. Miller mentions adding it to a potato salad, which sounds like a million-dollar idea.

Jalapeño Limeade

Continuing the jalapeño trend, TJ's is also welcoming back their spicy limeade, which is perfect for the summer months. Sloan mentions he makes ice cubes with the Jalapeño Limeade, which enhances the standard spicy margarita. You could also use it to make frozen cocktails, or just enjoy it over some crushed ice.

Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette

One of the best ways to use summer berries is in a big salad with a delicious, tart vinaigrette. TJ's takes it one step further with this mildly flavorful strawberry basil dressing that has just the right combo of acidity and sweetness. Try it on a refreshing watermelon and feta salad, or over some freshly picked crisp greens. You could even use it as a dip in the center of a crudité board.

RELATED: 13 Sweet Strawberry Recipes That Taste Like Summertime

Watermelon and Peach Macarons

Anyone else feel like they've been anxiously awaiting watermelon season? Seeing the giant bin of seedless watermelons when you walk into TJ's is basically a warm welcome to the summer season, but why stop there? Mosey on over to the freezer section and grab a box or two of the Watermelon and Peach Macarons for a refreshingly fruity treat. They're made in Belgium (fancy!) and have a classic macaron texture with a delightful fruity flavor. The other cool thing about these is they have no plastic packaging—Sloan and Miller mention that the desserts come in a paper box with a cardboard sleeve.

Stone Fruit

Watermelon isn't the only star of the summer season—it's about that time to stock up on ripe, juicy stone fruit as well. It's no secret that TJ's has some of the best peaches, nectarines, cherries, and apricots to choose from, but did you know the chain sells peaches and nectarines by the box? Good news is, if you're planning to make some pies, galettes, or tarts for your summer barbecue, you can buy in bulk at an incredibly affordable price.

Sparkling Pineapple Beverages

The sparkling beverage selection at TJ's should never be ignored. The shelves are always stocked with classic flavors like cranberry, lime, and grapefruit, but every now and then a special rendition is introduced. This summer, it's all about pineapple. The lovely thing about this Sparkling Pineapple Water is that it has no calories or sugar, but it's packed with flavor. It's perfect to add to a cocktail or sip on its own.

There's also the Sparkling Pineapple Juice Beverage, which uses real fruit juice, if you're looking for something a bit sweeter.

Horchata-Inspired Ice Cream

TJ's hits another home run with innovative ice cream flavors, like this one inspired by horchata. If you've never heard of horchata, Sloan explains that it's a rice beverage made with tiger nuts and cinnamon. It's creamy, mildly sweet flavor is delightful when transformed into an ice cream. Mixed with speckles of cinnamon and cookie pieces, this ice cream is slightly addicting. In other words, don't be surprised if the pint quickly disappears.

RELATED: How to Make Frozen Banana Ice Cream, Plus 4 More Ways to Enjoy Frozen Bananas

Cashew Butter Cashews

Why snack on plain cashews when you could indulge in these Cashew Butter Coated morsels? TJ's Almond Butter Almonds were such a hit, the company figured why not make a cashew version? And we're so happy they did. Picture this: perfectly honey roasted cashews divinely dipped in cashew butter. You won't be sorry you picked these up.