Trader Joe's Best New Products of 2018

Frozen

The frozen aisle seems to have picked up the largest number of winners and in fact has always been one of Trader Joe's strongest aisles in terms of product quality. Here are my picks of the best new items of 2018.

If you aren't into all the sweet, but are still feeling like you want something to snack on, then check out these Croissini. The are half croissant, half breadstick with enough sesame seeds to bake another back. You can see my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

I'm a fan of the sliced french brioche bread (which freezes really well by the way). If you are too, then this is another hit. Cream Cheese Broiche Pastry is like a Danish and is best served slightly warm. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

I said it then, and I'll say it again. This was probably product of the year when it first came out. Cauliflower Gnocchi is a substitute for real gnocchi but it is done exceptionally well. If you are willing to get these crispy, that means saute them, you will be rewarded with an easy and delicious meal. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

I'm shocked Trader Joe's didn't think of these earlier. Chocolate and strawberry are an amazing combination and this dessert box was no exception. You can read my full review of Gone Berry Crazy! here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

I am only slightly embarrassed as to how many of these Big Soft Pretzel bags I've purchased. This is now a household staple (along with Pub Cheese). This has become our go to snack because of its taste and ability to adjust the salt levels. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Trader Joe's Macaron aux Framboises is new, yet not new to shelves. If something hasn't been seen on shelves in many years, it's new, right? This is the one item that was last seen on shelves several years ago, giving all of us hope that Trader Joe's might just bring back our favorites on day. You can read my full review of this delightful frozen dessert here.

Grocery

Here is the more shelf stable items, edible and health and beauty of this year.

This Marinara would certainly please Julia Child. The wine taste is strong with this one, and the only down side is the saltiness to this sauce. Otherwise, this has become my go to sauce. You can see my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

If you are willing to give these the time you need, you will get some delicious Falafel. This box is also labeled as being Gluten-Free as well as Vegan. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Non Food Items

The health and beauty section is getting more interesting. This hair mask is outstanding, smells great, and even my husband took to it. This is much cheaper than many hair masks and did not leave my hair greasy. You can read my full review here with all the product information.

At under $2, this Face Sheet Mask is hydrating, inexpensive, and slightly tingly. If you can embrace the cucumber aroma and the fact that no sheet mask will fit EVERYONE 100%, then this is a great try. You can read my full review here.

Refrigerated

Here are the best additions that are found in the refrigerated case. Yes, you can freeze them to extend their shelf life too. But they are all solid options if you haven't tried them already.

I can't tell you if these Chicken Shawarma Thighs are authentic or not. But I can tell you this is one of the most repurchased items that I've had this year. The chicken is tender, flavorful, and moist. It cooks best if you cut it into smaller pieces. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Now, the refrigerate aisle got a big makeover in 2018, which has recently spread into the produce section as well. The fresh fish options can now compete with your local fish monger. Wild Salmon, Farm Raised Salmon, Scallops, and Haddock have all graced my local Trader Joe's. They all get a thumbs of for me for taste, freshness and price. Click on the links to see all the product information from calories to price to suggestions on how to prepare these.

Snacks and Sweets

I've got a sweet tooth and Trader Joe's has been very good to me this year. There have been plenty of sweet and snackable options hitting shelves this year.

Ok, so they don't taste anything like Churros. But I couldn't stop eating them either. This product nearly ended up on my discontinued list, but has since returned to shelves. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Don't let the name fool you, the cookies are mini, the flavor of these isn't. Think of these as Thin Mints on steroids in terms of flavor, especially on the chocolate end of things. You can read my full review of these here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

One bite of these Peanut Butter Cartwheel cookies and I was about to do cartwheels too. This box did not last very long in my household. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

So, Crispy Cookies filled with Belgian Chocolate is also a returning item, because they were previously pulled off of shelves because Trader Joe's was sued over their similarities to the Milano cookie. Doesn't matter, these do laps around their more oval counterparts anyways. You can read my full review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price.

Seasonal But Not Forgotten

Here today, gone tomorrow. If you've ever wondered about that one person who has 15 of one item in their cart, they must be a regular to Trader Joe's. They know that some items are only temporary and it isn't always easy to tell which ones are keepers. Here are my two that I liked a lot, but have vanished in the same year.

Marsala Style Sauce was loved by many, but found its run on shelves way too short. It even sounded like some people hoarded it when it came out. Sadly, this too has disappeared off of shelves. We can only hope for its return because this had the most wine flavor out of everything I tried short of wine this year. You can read my review here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price. Please note, this item has returned however it might be a seasonal item

Mint Watermelon Black Tea showed up on shelves in the early part of summer but quickly vanished. It was best enjoyed cooled, but we can only hope to see it again. You can read my full review of this product here with all the product information from calories to ingredients to price..

The Bottom Line

Don't forget to share your thoughts on this Trader Joe's Best New Products of 2018 List and leave a comment below if you agree, disagree, or just think I forgot something.

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