I'm On A Serious Budget, But These 15 Trader Joe's Items Will Get Me Through The Summer In Style

For science (and because I was craving cookies), I went to T.J.'s to scope out some of their new summertime items, along with trusty classics that are fitting for the season.

It's savings girl summer for me. In these expensive times, budgeting for necessities like food can be a headache, but that doesn't mean you have to resort to a life of instant ramen. When shopped right, Trader Joe's is a great place to liven up your grocery experience with plenty of fun, fancy, and affordable treats that won't make a big dent in your wallet.

Warner Bros. / Via giphy.com

For science (and because I was craving cookies), I went to T.J.'s to scope out some of their new summertime items, along with trusty classics that are fitting for the season. Most of the items I found were just a couple of bucks, with the priciest on this list a bottle of $7.99 rosé, if you're splurging.

Kailey Hansen

From festive ice pops to sparkling beverages, here are 15 great, budget-friendly T.J.'s items to shop for this season:

1. Strawberry Lemonade Joe-Joe's ($3.49)

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! 

2. Watermelon & Peach Macarons ($5.49)

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.

3. Glazed Orange Poppy Seed Scones ($3.99)

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.

4. Out of this World Ice Pops ($3.29)

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.

5. Organic Sparkling Apple Cider Vinegar Beverages ($1.99)

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! 

6. Rosé Wines ($5.99–$7.99)

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).

7. Refrigerated Salads ($3.99–$5.99)

Kailey Hansen

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).

8. Meats and Cheeses ($2.99–$6.99)

Kailey Hansen

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.

9. Salted Caramel + Pistachio Scented Candles ($3.99)

Kailey Hansen

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! 

10. Premium Salmon Burgers ($7.49)

Kailey Hansen

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).

11. Lemon Baton Wafer Cookies ($2.99)

Kailey Hansen

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?

12. Blueberry Muffin Mix ($4.49)

Kailey Hansen

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.

13. Reduced Guilt Mac & Cheese ($1.99)

Kailey Hansen

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.

14. Organic Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Beverage ($1.99)

Kailey Hansen

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. 

15. Fresh Flowers (Certain Bouquets As Low as $3.99)

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!

What are your go-to Trader Joe's items in the summer? Share your favorites in the comments below!