Club Trader Joe's Newsletter, July 15th 2025
Time to break out the Sunscreen!
Hey there, fellow survivors of mid-July madness! It's officially hot enough outside that even thinking about cooking makes me want to lie on the kitchen floor next to the air conditioning vent, which means we're deep into "whatever keeps us cool and fed" season. I've been spending way too much time in the blessed, climate controlled sanctuary of Trader Joe's lately (honestly, it's become my primary social outing), and they keep dropping these summer gems that help when it's 97 degrees and your motivation to adult has completely melted. From sparkling espresso drinks that won't make you sweat more to carnival cake fries that taste like fair food without the sticky outdoor nightmare, this week's new products are basically designed for people who want interesting food but refuse to turn on the oven. Plus, I've been testing a bunch of other TJ's finds that are perfect for hot weather survival, think microwave meals that don't heat up your kitchen and frozen treats that actually taste good. Because sometimes staying cool is more important than staying fancy, and that's exactly where these products shine.
Things picked up on the new product front the past week! Trader Joe’s released several summer themed products that are sure to be hits. I plan to run to the store today and pick up some of these new products to review, but for now you can read the product announcements from Trader Joe’s that I put up on the blog to see if it’s something you want to try or not. I am especially looking forward to those Carnival Fun Cake Fries to see what “fun” they are! You can see all the new product this week by clicking the button below.
Trader Joe’s Japchae Fried Rice Review
Probably the biggest thing to drop at Trader Joe’s (in my humble opinion) was this new Japchae Fried Rice in the frozen section. If you haven’t had Korean Japchae, Trader Joe’s makes a version of it they still sell in the freezer area. I reviewed it a long time ago, but my review still stands. So, this version of the Japchae takes the noodles and adds some rice and a couple of other things and now you have Japchae Fried Rice! I am a sucker for a good fried rice dish so I had to try this immediately after it was released. The good news is that this is also vegan like the regular Japchae but loses it’s Gluten Free status. Also, like the Japchae, it is loaded with sodium. But I found the flavors to be quite good and easy to prepare! Click the button to read my full review!
Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac and Cheese Review
I love Mac and Cheese and so does Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s has mixed in some Hatch chiles into some mac and cheese and voila, instant flavor bomb! This is not a new product but I have been walking past it for so long, I had to finally pick up a box and give it whirl in the microwave to see if it was something I wanted to add to my weekday lunch rotation. I really like the regular Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese, so it was going to be hard to top that. The addition of some Hatch chiles seems like a great way to liven up a regular Mac and Cheese but does it pass muster? You’ll have to read my review!
Trader Joe’s Energy Bars Review
If you’ve been a shopper at Trader Joe’s for any length of time, you’ll know they love their snack/energy/protein bars and have quite a bit selection. This is one area that you see a lot of non-Trader Joe’s products pop up. Clif Bars have been sold at Trader Joe’s for a long time and I think with the introduction of these new Trader Joe’s branded bars, you’ll not see Clif Bars in the stores pretty soon. They released a Chocolate Chip and Peanut butter version. These bars are an almost exact dupe of Clif bars so it makes you wonder if Trader Joe’s cut a deal with Clif Bars or not. Anyway, to check out what is up with these new bars, see my full review!
Thank you! I'm so grateful for everyone who leaves comments and reviews, opens my newsletter, and clicks on the links I share. Your engagement whether it's sharing recipes on Pinterest, posting in Facebook groups, or leaving comments helps me keep bringing you free Trader Joe's reviews and recipes. All support goes directly toward reviewing more products and developing new recipes. Thanks for being here!
~Steve
sell online please
i can get some products on amazon but at 3x your instore cost
Please open a TJ in Vacaville, California! I have the perfect spot all picked out! A few feet from our Costco! Please!