15 Budget-Friendly Trader Joe’s Items That I Just Know I’m Going To Be Buying All Summer Long

Kailey Hansen

Kailey Hansen

These limited-time cookies are a summery twist on the beloved Joe-Joe’s. Each cookie is filled with tasty strawberry cream sandwiched between two lemon wafers. You’ll only find this flavor available during the summer months, so be sure to grab a box (or two) for $3.49 if you spot them! 

Kailey Hansen

This delectable dessert is on the pricier side for T.J.’s sweets but is well worth it if you’re on the hunt for an affordable “upscale” snack. You can’t get more summer than this: sweet, sugary watermelon and peach macarons that melt in your mouth.

Kailey Hansen

Baked goods are a year-round necessity, but these orange poppy seed scones feel wonderfully seasonal. They aren’t too dry and crumbly for a store-bought pastry and have a considerable amount of glaze. Also, the light orange zest complements the poppy seed flavoring and makes for a delicious treat.

Kailey Hansen

This dessert unlocks the childhood nostalgia of enjoying an ice-cold frozen pop on a hot summer evening after school. A pack is $3.29 and includes six pops, with a strawberry, blueberry, and lemon layer. The festive snack is perfect for a 4th of July cookout — or any day of the week.

Kailey Hansen

I am all in on these sparkling bevvies made with apple cider vinegar. I tried both flavors (Ginger & Lemon and Elderberry & Pomegranate) and preferred the elderberry but really enjoyed them both. They are truly delicious on their own but can also be used in an assortment of fun summertime cocktails! 

Kailey Hansen

If you’re a rosé-all-day type during the summer months, your wallet will thank you for indulging in this affordable wine selection. Of the current summer rosés featured, the priciest (Aime La Vie!) comes in at only $7.99, while the least expensive is only $5.99 (La Ferme Julien).

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As a household of one, I frequent the premade salad section often. The unique blends at T.J.’s are delicious, quick, and easy to eat on their own or as a side. My personal favorite is the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad for $4.99, but you can also channel summer vibes with the Mozzarella & Tomato Salad ($3.99), the Baby Spinach & Greens Salad ($3.99), and the Chickpea Kale & Crispy Red Rice Salad ($4.99).

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If you’re planning a season of picnics and charcuterie boards, a trip to the meat-and-cheese aisle can’t be missed. T.J.’s has a huge selection of really high-quality options, with price points ranging from around $2.99 to $6.99.

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A quality candle for $3.99 is practically unheard of, so this is your sign to go to T.J.’s stat! I’m a longtime fan of their summery Peony Blossom candle (also $3.99), but this new, lightly sweet scent is also a must-have! 

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Say hello to the grilling season with these scrumptious salmon burgers. These are a personal favorite and can be thrown in a pan, baked in the oven, or cooked to perfection on a grill. If you’re a salmon lover like me, you’ll love this flavorful burger, which comes in a pack of four for $7.49 (a bargain for seafood).

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This seasonal treat has an unmatched lemony-vanilla flavor. I love these guys for a quick snack that satisfies my sweet tooth, without being too rich or calorie-heavy. Plus, they come in this adorable canister for only $2.99, so what’s not to love?

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Fruit-infused anything screams “summer” in my book, including these blueberry muffins for $4.49 that can be easily prepared. The texture comes out light and fluffy, and they’re an easy treat for when you want something special on a lazy vacation morning.

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T.J.’s has myriad mac ‘n’ cheese options, but my go-to is the “reduced guilt” version because it reduces my guilt. This frozen single-serve meal can be turned into a picnic classic when paired with grilled veggies. One serving is only $1.99, so it’s great for an easy workday lunch or weeknight dinner.

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You simply can’t beat the $1.99 price point of this new milk substitute at T.J.’s. The versatile nondairy beverage arrives just in time for the summer season, with the potential to add creamy goodness to your iced coffees, or a splash of vanilla to your smoothies. 

Kailey Hansen

‘Tis the season to keep a fresh supply of flowers in your home at all times. T.J.’s is known for ultra-budgetary bouquets, which are colorful, well presented, and available at a variety of prices, with some as low as $3.99. You can buy yourself flowers!