Summer is almost over, but you're not quite ready to curl up with a cozy blanket and hot PSL yet. That's why we scoured Trader Joe's aisles for affordable pantry products you'll enjoy using while the weather is still warm.
We've got you covered with the best Trader Joe's hacks for saving money on groceries this August. From brand-new black pepper pasta to a tangy mango vinaigrette, our favorite finds include everything you need for an end-of-season soirée, backyard BBQ, or picnic in the park.
You won't regret adding these 15 products to your cart on your next Trader Joe's grocery run.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Trader Joe's Fried Shallots
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Price: $2.49
Take your salad game up a level with these crispy fried shallots. The savory shreds have a crispy texture that pairs perfectly with leafy greens. But that's not all. You can also add this pantry pick to gourmet barbecued burgers, dips, casseroles, and more.
Trader Joe's Organic Black Pepper Barilotti Pasta
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Price: $2.99
Do you need something to take the place of the seasonal Lemon Torchiette? Snag this new TJ's pantry product before it flies off store shelves.
The limited-time imported Italian bronze-cut pasta has a subtly spicy black pepper flavor with a zesty zing. Mix this popular pick with traditional tomato sauce or blend it into a chilled summertime salad.
Trader Joe's Crunchy Sesame Sunflower Seeds Pepitas Salsa Macha
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Price: $4.49
Don't let the word "salsa" fool you into thinking this is just another dip. The three-seed (sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin) salsa macha is actually more like Trader Joe's beloved Crunchy Chili Onion oil. Use this spicy, savory, salty condiment as a marinade, layer it onto toast, or add it to homemade salad dressing.
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Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Covered Cashews
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Price: $4.99
Stock your pantry with these new dark chocolate and caramel cashews. Before you buy this under-$5 six-ounce bag, a few words of caution: these sweet and salty snacks are amazingly addictive. Redditor evolsievolsievol raved, "They are super yummy! Went through a bag, spread out through one day."
Trader Joe's Italian Apertivo Medley Snack Mix
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Price: $2.29
This tasty textured mix of black olive Trecce nuggets, Taralli loops, and rosemary Focacce squares is the perfect party starter. The savory blend is an appetizing alternative to cereal-based snack blends or greasy chips.
Stock your pantry with this product while you can. According to Trader Joe's, this seasonal selection is only on store shelves through September.
Trader Joe's Hoisin Sauce
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Price: $1.99
At $1.99 for 10.23 ounces, this blend of fermented soy bean paste, brown sugar, and black sesame paste is a steal. Whole Foods Market sells 10 ounces of San J International's version for $3 more ($4.99).
Trader Joe's Watermelon Cucumber Cooler
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Price: $3.49
Cool down on a hot August day with a refreshing glass of this watermelon cucumber blend. Pour the subtly sweet juice over ice or mix it into a summery mocktail.
Don't sleep on this seasonal buy. Redditor lilyopf admitted, "I became obsessed and I've been counting the days for when it comes back."
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:
- Travel and getaway must-haves
- Back-to-school basics
- Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries
As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.
Trader Joe's Popcorn In A Pickle
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Price: $2.29
Pickles are popping up everywhere. And if you're a fan of TJ's Chips in A Pickle ($2.99), you'll think this popcorn is a really big "dill." Snap up a few bags this month. This pantry product is a limited-time buy.
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Trader Joe's Rosemary Croissant Croutons
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Price: $3.99
Top summer salads with these buttery, herbaceous rosemary croissant croutons. Stock up now and save a few bags for the fall. You can also add these crispy cubes to autumn squash bisque or mix them into your favorite festive holiday stuffing recipe.
Trader Joe's A Gaggle of Gummy Candy
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Price: $3.79
It's all in the name. The 14-ounce bag is a true "gaggle" of gummy favorites, including fried eggs, cherries, octopi, bears, and cola bottles.
Compare TJ's $3.79 assortment to $2.79 for a five-ounce bag of Haribo's Star Mix (fried eggs, cherries, bears, and cola bottles) at Walgreens. In a price-per-ounce comparison, Trader Joe's gaggle wins at $0.27 versus $0.56 for the brand-name buy.
Trader Joe's Zamora Ecuador Coffee
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Price: $11.99
Wake up with this new medium-roast blend from the Amazon Basin. Trader Joe's Zamora Ecuador Coffee features notes of molasses, dark chocolate, and nutmeg, making it a decadently delicious way to start your day.
Trader Joe's Organic Iced Oatmeal Baked Whole Grain Bars
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Price: $4.69
Pack these individually wrapped iced oatmeal grain bars in your travel tote for your end-of-summer road trip. The sweet iced treat is perfect for snacking on the go.
Not into oatmeal? No problem. TJ's also has a chocolate chip flavor (also $4.69).
Trader Joe's Organic Mango Vinaigrette Dressing
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Price: $3.99
Speaking of salads, TJ's Fried Shallots aren't the only add-ons to nab this month. The retailer's beloved Mango Vinaigrette is back in stock.
This pantry item is 10/10 for its sweet and subtly tangy taste. Of course, this is more than just a "salad" dressing. Make this the star of your next barbecue and drizzle it over grilled fish, chicken, or veggies.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Trader Joe's Lemon Pesto Sauce
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Price: $3.49
Plain pesto is so passe. TJ's lightens things up with this bright lemon and Grana Padano cheese recipe. Stir the citrusy sauce into cooked pasta, use it as a marinade, or layer it onto a crispy Olive Fougasse ($3.39).
Trader Joe's All Butter Apricot Shortbread Cookies
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Price: $3.49
Fans of Trader Joe's All Butter Apple Shortbread Cookies need this apricot version ASAP. The rich indulgence will satisfy your sweet tooth. Pair the slightly tart treats with a glass of iced tea or crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Bottom line
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Whether you're stocking up on seasonal snacks, meal starters, sweets, or staples, our roundup features plenty of inspo for shoppers on a budget. You can tackle high grocery costs without sacrificing taste or quality with a trip to Trader Joe's.
Pantry deals aren't the only bargains we spotted at Trader Joe's. Snag end-of-summer deals on prepared meals, frozen food, fresh produce, sunscreen, and seasonal beauty buys.
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