ComScore

What’s New at Trader Joe’s in May? Shrimp Scampi, Japanese Soufflé Cheesecakes and More

Korean rice balls FTW

what's new at trader joe's may 2024: jumeokbap
Trader Joe's

Your favorite thing about your grocery store boo, Trader Joe? He always stocks his shelves with crowd-pleasing appetizers, low-lift mains, unconventional snacks and dreamy desserts. Below, you'll find 11 new favorites to shop this May, from a drool-worthy salad kit to a hyper-regional candy you've likely never tried before. Fetch your roomiest tote bag—it's time to shop.

We Tried 12 Random Trader Joe’s Products to Find Out Which Were Actually Worth the Buy


1. Chickpea Fusilli Pasta

If you're sensitive to gluten, this three-ingredient pasta is a must for your pantry. Not only is it wheat-free, but it's also toothsome, versatile and contains a whopping 11 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving.

2. Meatless Meatballs

Vegetarians rejoice: This soy-based take on a weeknight classic is an uncanny substitute for the real thing. It's packed with Italian-inspired seasonings (onion! garlic powder! basil!), plus mushroom powder for a meaty boost of umami.

3. Jumeokbap

Never tried this handheld snack? You're in for a delicious surprise. Straight from Korea come these hearty vegan rice balls, dappled with plant-based bulgogi and vegetables. They take about a minute to go from frozen to devourable.

4. All Occasion Sprinkle

This mélange of jimmies, multicolored confetti and white hearts and flowers gets its vibrant hues from fruit and veggie juices and spirulina. Use the sprinkles on cupcakes, cookies, ice cream sundaes, pancakes, brownies and everything in between.

5. Milk Chocolate-Covered Honeycomb Candy

Have you ever had the pleasure of eating sponge candy, also known as seafoam candy or cinder candy? The airy, caramelized confection hails from Buffalo, New York, but now you can get it at your local TJ's without making the trek upstate.

6. Japanese Soufflé Cheesecakes

Straddling the line between luxuriously rich and light-as-clouds delicate is this crustless spin on cheesecake. Made with sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese, they're prime for topping with fresh berries, whipped cream or even ice cream, if you're feeling particularly decadent.

7. Dried Australian Red Papaya

You're already a total sucker for TJ's soft dried mango slices, so why not add this Aussie goodie to your snack drawer? Red papayas are known for their intense sweetness, so they don't need the help of added sugar to be delicious. (Seriously—they're the sole ingredient.)

8. Prosciutto-Wrapped Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

You're already fussing with teeny-tiny labels, fancy toothpicks and every condiment in your fridge. Make your next charcuterie project a bit easier with this ready-to-serve antipasto, stuffed with fresh, silky fresh mozz instead of traditional firm.

9. Caesar Salad with Salmon

Color your coworkers jealous when you whip this baby out in the break room. Complete with romaine lettuce, kale, grilled salmon, Romano Caesar dressing and Parmesan crisps in place of croutons, all you'll need to do to go from zero to lunch is assemble and shake.

10. Shrimp Scampi

Garlic + lemon + butter = pure magic. Grated Romano cheese imparts a touch of umami to this shellfish delight, which is its most delicious when eaten alfresco (and even more so when it's washed down with a glass of crisp white wine).

11. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

Tender, dark-meat chicken meets zesty salsa verde (loaded with tomatillos, poblanos and jalapeños), diced peppers and mozzarella cheese to make a last-minute meal that's shockingly memorable. Warm them up in the oven or microwave and dig in to your heart's content.


taryn pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...