I admit I’m a little obsessed with Trader Joe’s. I find myself breathlessly recapping my recent shopping trips there like most people discuss the latest political scandal these days. (Truly, I’ve spent way too much time at dinner parties going on about their impressive cheese selection.)
So I’m pretty excited to tell you about the new family-friendly products they have on their shelves in May. I’ll try not to faint while I do so.
Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
Trader Joe’s has mastered the art of making cauliflower into everything imaginable. (Their Cauliflower Pizza Crust is so good!) So I’m eager to try this Califlower Gnocchi, especially considering their suggestion to serve it tossed in butter, fresh sage and Parmigiano Reggiano is making my mouth water. (Lke I said, don’t get me started on their cheese selection.) Pair it with a salad and you’ve got a whole meal, and it’s only $2.69 for a 12-ounce bag.
Related: 15 of our favorite Trader Joe’s products that make healthy eating easier for families.
Trader Joe’s Party Cake
How many times have gone to Trader Joe’s to grab party foods, then dreaded having to make one more stop to pick up the birthday cake? Dread no more – now the cake’s in the store! This vanilla cake is covered in vanilla buttercream frosting, hand-decorated with rainbow-colored confetti sprinkles and ready for you to top with your own message or Pinterest-inspired cake topper. And at this low price you’ll have more cash leftover for party gifts since a 21-ounce cake is only $6.99. Wow.
Costco — you’ve got competition!
Trader Joe’s Springy Sodas
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for that refreshing drink compromise: Can I find something that tastes good, without putting me into a sugar coma? These springy sodas seem to fit the bill. They come in two unusually foodie flavor combos – Rhubarb & Strawberry and Lemon Elderflower – and are only 60-70 calories per can.
While they’re suitable for younger palates, they’re also recommended as a fancy cocktail mixer. That, and the fact that they’re only $4.49 for a 4-pack makes me want to say “Cheers!” Stock up for summer on this one.
Trader Joe’s Mexican Style Corn and Quinoa Salad
I’m a huge fan of Mexican street corn, and excited that Trader Joe’s has now made a salad out of it so I can eat more of it. The corn is combined with tomatoes, kale, cabbage, quinoa and brown rice, making for a healthy dish to eat on its own, or as a healthy side to a main course. Or hey, eat it a side of more corn, no judgement here. Pick up a 14-ounce container for only $4.99.
Trader Joe’s Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
We’ve been making a lot of ricotta pancakes around here lately, because they come out like light, fluffy clouds that make you eat too many of them. In a good way. Trader Joe’s has just added a part-skim version of their ricotta cheese to their selection, and I’m putting it on my shopping list now so I can keep the pancake train rolling. Bonus: It’s made with milk from cows not treated with rBST!
Ricotta is just so good to have around — you can it on your toast, bake it into your lasagna, or serve it on crackers with a drizzle of honey and black pepper. Use it for everything, since it’s only $3.49 for a 16-ounce tub.
Trader Joe’s Shawarma Chicken Thighs
I’m a huge fan of Trader Joe’s pre-seasoned chicken — their Pollo Asado makes taco night a breeze — because it tastes like you’ve been prepping and seasoning forever. I’m going to run out and get this new savory chicken today, toss it on the grill and served it with pita, an easy tzatziki, and a cucumber salad, while my family marvels at my cooking skills.
Get your accolades too, by picking up these new chicken thighs up for only $4.49 per pound.
Trader Joe’s 27 Layer Croissini
They call this a cross between a French croissant and an Italian breadstick, which you pastry purists may balk over, but I’m all about it. These make the perfect to-go breakfast pastry (easily balanceable on the lid of my to-go coffee cup) or a nice departure from the usual crostini as hors d’oeuvre for a party. Just bake and serve along with your favorite jam, honey or even hummus. The price is easy on your wallet, too – $3.99 for a box of eight.
Trader Joe’s Maple Ladders Cereal
I’m on board with anything that has maple in the title — syrup, doughnuts, bacon — so this cereal is going straight onto my May shopping list. It’s made with chickpea, yellow corn and rice flours so it’s gluten-free, and the adorable ladder shapes will remind me of the metaphorical uphill climb I have every morning until my coffee kicks in. You can get a 10.6 ounce box of your own ladders for $3.49. Or, get two so you don’t have to fight over them with the kids.
