Trader Joe’s July 2025 New Items Taste Test

Welcome to a comprehensive taste test of Trader Joe’s new items for July 2025! This review covers the latest products, from savory snacks to sweet treats and refreshing drinks, with honest opinions on flavor, texture, and versatility.

Let’s dive into what’s new at Trader Joe’s this month!

Pretzel Bun

Description: A soft, flavorful pretzel bun sprinkled with pretzel salt, perfect for sandwiches or burgers.
Taste Test: An egg sandwich with avocado, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, onion, and a slice of tomato was crafted on this bun. Its soft texture and classic pretzel flavor were standout features, enhanced by added pretzel salt. The bun’s freshness held up even after days in the fridge, making it versatile for breakfast sandwiches or burgers.
Rating: 10/10
Verdict: A must-try for pretzel lovers. Ideal for burgers, sandwiches, or a toasted breakfast bun.

Sparkling Tea Lemonade

Description: A refreshing blend of black tea and lemonade with a sparkling twist, reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer.
Taste Test: This effervescent drink impressed with tiny bubbles and a mild flavor. The subtle tea and lemon balance, with 15g of sugar, added just enough sweetness without overpowering. It’s a refreshing choice for a hot summer day.
Rating: 8/10
Verdict: A great summer sipper, especially for those who enjoy light, fizzy drinks.

Parsley Crackers

Description: Sturdy, crunchy crackers coated with dried parsley, ideal for cheese boards or dips.
Taste Test: These vibrant green crackers delivered a bold parsley flavor. Paired with artichoke spinach gouda, they were a hit, though eating them plain was overwhelming due to the intense herbiness. Their thickness makes them perfect for hearty dips, and excess parsley can be saved for cooking.
Rating: 7.5/10
Verdict: A unique addition to cheese boards, best paired with creamy cheese or dip to balance the parsley.

Guava Fruit Spread

Description: A tropical guava spread, perfect for crackers, toast, or desserts.
Taste Test: Tried on water crackers with cream cheese, the guava flavor was unmistakable and complemented the creamy texture. It would shine on waffles or as a cake topping, though the water cracker wasn’t the ideal base.
Rating: 8/10
Verdict: A delicious, versatile spread for guava fans, best on waffles, toast, or desserts.

Kiku Apple

Description: Sweet, juicy apples with a nostalgic flavor and a crisp bite.
Taste Test: These apples stood out for their sweet, childhood-reminiscent flavor and great crunch. Slightly sweeter than typical apples, they paired well with the guava spread. The skin’s unique color didn’t detract from the delicious taste.
Rating: 9/10
Verdict: A fantastic apple for snacking or pairing with spreads.

Rainbow Brite Hazy IPA

Description: A 6.2% ABV hazy IPA with a bright, summery flavor.
Taste Test: This beer impressed with its bright, refreshing taste, perfect for poolside sipping. The lower alcohol content makes it ideal for hot days, delivering a vibrant flavor.
Rating: 9/10
Verdict: A top pick for beer lovers, especially for summer gatherings.

Root Beer Float Pieces

Description: Chocolate pieces with a soft cookie center and popping candy, mimicking a root beer float.
Taste Test: These treats delivered a true root beer float flavor, with popping candy adding a fun, fizzy finish. The soft, crunchy texture was a highlight, and they’d work well as cupcake toppers.
Rating: 8.5/10
Verdict: A fun, nostalgic treat, especially for kids or root beer float fans.

Lustrous Chardonnay

Description: A Sonoma County Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, priced at $10.
Taste Test: This wine was smooth with no sharp aftertaste, a pleasant surprise for a Chardonnay. While not a standout, it’s a solid choice for white wine fans, especially in warm weather. Its attractive bottle makes it a great gift option.
Rating: 7.5/10
Verdict: A decent, affordable Chardonnay for casual sipping or gifting.

Seasonal Macarons (Raspberry, Vanilla, Blueberry)

Description: Festive red, white, and blue macarons for the Fourth of July, featuring raspberry, vanilla, and blueberry flavors.
Taste Test: The blueberry macaron was the star with its tart, authentic blueberry taste and visible seeds. The vanilla was a reliable classic with perfect texture, while the raspberry was sweeter and less vibrant than expected. The chewy, crisp texture was a highlight across all flavors.
Rating: Blueberry: 9/10, Vanilla: 8.5/10, Raspberry: 7/10
Verdict: A festive treat, with blueberry as the standout. Perfect for holiday parties.

Italian Medley Snack Mix

Description: A savory snack mix with Italian herbs, including rosemary and black olives.
Taste Test: This mix was flavorful but extremely thirst-inducing due to its intense herb and salt profile. The thick, crunchy pieces were satisfying but not bite-sized, making it better as a party appetizer than a solo snack. A cheesy note was detected, though no cheese was listed in the ingredients.
Rating: 6.5/10
Verdict: Good for parties but not a repeat purchase due to its thirst factor.

Sparkling Lemonade

Description: A chilled, refreshing lemonade with a light, sparkling twist.
Taste Test: This drink’s light, refreshing lemonade flavor stood out without a bad aftertaste. It was one of the best sparkling drinks tried, perfect for quenching thirst after salty snacks.
Rating: 8.5/10
Verdict: A top pick for a refreshing, summery drink.

Mini Pretzel Twists

Description: Large, salted pretzels marketed as “mini” but thicker than typical kids’ pretzels.
Taste Test: These pretzels were tasty with a good salt balance but not truly mini. Less thirst-inducing than the snack mix, they lacked unique flavor. Best paired with dips like pub cheese or mustard, they’re a hit with kids who love classic pretzels.
Rating: 7/10
Verdict: A solid, traditional pretzel, but not a standout without a dip.

Fried Shallots

Description: Crispy, fried shallots in a resealable package, perfect for adding crunch to dishes.
Taste Test: These shallots were a favorite for their oniony flavor and versatility, ideal for burgers, salads, or any dish needing crunch. The resealable bag and vibrant green packaging were bonuses.
Rating: 9/10
Verdict: A must-have for onion lovers, perfect for camping or everyday meals.

Strawberry and Watermelon Marshmallows

Description: Watermelon-shaped marshmallows with a watermelon flavor, containing gelatin.
Taste Test: The lack of strawberry flavor disappointed, with only a mild, artificial watermelon taste. The texture was less soft than Trader Joe’s regular marshmallows, making them a miss, though kids might enjoy them.
Rating: 6/10
Verdict: Skip these for the classic Trader Joe’s marshmallows.

Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Bites

Description: Chocolate-coated crispy rice bites with peanut butter, individually wrapped.
Taste Test: The balanced peanut butter and chocolate flavors were likened to a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup with a Rice Krispie twist. The chewy texture was a downside, getting stuck in teeth, but the flavor was spot-on.
Rating: 8/10
Verdict: A great treat for peanut butter lovers, despite the chewiness.

Milk Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears

Description: Gummy bears coated in milk chocolate, back by popular demand.
Taste Test: The chocolate and gummy combination felt odd, with the chocolate overpowering initially and the gummy offering a flavorful finish. The resealable bag was a plus, but the pairing didn’t work for some, though others might enjoy it.
Rating: 6/10
Verdict: A pass for those who prefer sour gummies or separate chocolate and gummy treats.

Additional July 2025 Items

Trader Joe’s introduced a few more exciting products in July 2025:

• Mango Mochi: Soft, chewy mochi with a mango filling, offering a tropical twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for summer snacking.

• Spicy Chili Crisp Dip: A creamy dip infused with chili crisp for a spicy, umami kick. Great with crackers or veggies.

• Coconut Cashew Granola: A crunchy granola with coconut flakes and cashews, ideal for breakfast or snacking.

Final Thoughts

July 2025 brought a vibrant mix of Trader Joe’s products, with standouts like the Pretzel Bun, Kiku Apples, Fried Shallots, and Sparkling Lemonade earning high praise for their flavor and versatility. The blueberry macarons and Rainbow Brite Hazy IPA were also highlights. However, items like the Italian Medley Snack Mix and Strawberry and Watermelon Marshmallows fell short due to overpowering flavors or lackluster execution. Whether hosting a summer party or seeking a quick snack, Trader Joe’s has something for everyone this month. Visit your local store to try these items and discover your favorites!