The 3 Best New Things I Bought at Trader Joe's in April
My top picks: a weeknight dinner starter, a good-for-you drink, and the crispiest cookies.
Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn
In case you missed the sudden burst of the prettiest greenery or the thick layer of tree pollen on your car to remind you that spring is here, walk into a Trader Joe’s. Daffodils, orchids, peonies, ranunculus, and potted basil line the stores' entryways. It's such a delightful scene! Along with the floral bounty, amazing new products landed on their shelves in April. Of the handful of new TJ's products I tried this month, here are my top three picks.
The 3 Best New TJ's Products of April
Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn
1. Trader Joe’s Belgian Cookie Assortment
Back in November and December, Trader Joe's carried a delicious limited edition Belgian cookie trio (crispy butter cookies dipped in chocolate) that I hope they bring back this holiday season. There's good news! I don't have to wait because TJ's just released a spring edition Belgian cookie trio with three flavors: lemon-flavored waffle cookies, almond butter thins, and almond butter thins with strawberry bits. The first two are crispy, buttery, and great. The strawberry-flavored ones are transcendent. They taste like sweet strawberries at their peak with a little tartness, sort of like freeze-dried strawberries.
I wasn't the only one that thought these cookies worthy—I went back to get more and they were sold out. Grab a box or two while you can!
Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn
2. Trader Joe’s Shrimp Boom Bah
I'm adding this box of frozen shrimp to my rotation of weeknight dinner shortcuts. After 12 minutes in the air fryer, the shrimp was tender, and the spicy batter was super crispy. There are so many ways to turn them into a satisfying meal:
a semi-homemade shrimp bo boy or shrimp rolls
in corn tortillas with shredded cabbage and pickled red onions
in this refreshing salad, add shrimp instead of chicken
with an easy fried rice
Of note: Instead of tossing the crispy shrimp in the sauce, which would render them soggy, I served them on the side. I really disliked the sauce—it's greasy, bland, and so odd. Next time I'll likely toss it out.
Simply Recipes / Myo Quinn
3. Trader Joe's Tangerine and Ginger Lemon Probiotic Sparkling Beverage
From kombucha and kefir to sodas and cold-pressed juices infused with probiotics, we have reached peak gut health. I can't get behind most of these beverages because to me they all taste a bit too funky and too vinegary. Like me, if you wish probiotic drinks were blander but still refreshing, Trader Joe's now carries two flavors of probiotic sodas: tangerine and ginger lemon.
It's just water, bubbles, cultures, and a hint of flavor that won't make you scrunch your face. For fans of funkier drinks, these may not be for you.
