Memorial Day weekend is just days away—which means summer is here! The only way to celebrate is to do something outside in the sun, whether it’s a beach day or lake day or simply just a backyard BBQ day. Whatever your activity of choice is, you’re going to need some essentials from Trader Joe’s. From wine to ice pops and sunscreen to fresh peonies, we’ve picked 8 things from Trader Joe’s that we think are must-haves for this weekend. Keep reading to check out our list.
1. Organic Freezer Pops
No matter what you used to call these growing up, you know there's nothing better than slurping on one of these on a hot day. But rather than the ones you may have grown up with, the Trader Joe's version is made from 100% juice. You can get a package of 10 pops for just $3.49, with flavors including sweet and citric Orange Pops, rich and refreshing Berry Pops, and tart and tangy Cherry Limeade Pops.
Another great thing about the Trader Joe's version is that you can store them in your pantry or cupboard and simply freeze the night before you want to enjoy, thereby saving yourself a ton of freezer space (which you'll need for at least one other item on our list!).
2. Daily Facial Sunscreen
In case you didn't know, Trader Joe's actually has a ton of skincare and beauty products, and their sunscreen is one of the best on the shelves. This Daily Facial Sunscreen with SPF 40 is different than at least any other sunscreens we've tried because it doesn't leave you feeling or looking greasy and shiny. It's specially formulated to avoid that feeling: "Translucent, oil-free TJ's Daily Facial Sunscreen is specifically formulated for quick absorption, leaving behind a soft and silky matte finish," the Trader Joe's website describes. "No greasy residue or whitish cast in sight!"
It's also oxybenzone-free and fragrance-free, and is only $8.99 for a tube that will last you weeks. A lot of TJ's have actually put purchase limits on these because of how fast they fly off shelves and how many customers buy as many as they can fit in their cart. Get yours while you can!
3. Organic Uncured Grass Fed Beef Hot Dogs
What's a backyard BBQ without hot dogs? It's certainly not a BBQ! Even those who've watched videos of hot dogs being made and have consequently sworn them off forever will indulge in a nice grilled hot dog on Memorial Day. But for all TJ's customers that do fall into that category, have no fear. According to the Trader Joe's website, these Organic Uncured Grass Fed Beef Hot Dogs are made with only the good stuff:
"Generally speaking," the description reads, "hot dogs are notorious for containing questionable ingredients, but ours have an incredibly attractive and uncomplicated list of ingredients. The very first ingredient is USDA certified Organic Beef that comes from Grass Fed cows, yielding delicious flavor. You'll also find sea salt and celery powder in the ingredients. These serve not so much as flavoring, but to effectively 'cure' our Uncured Dogs, allowing us to leave out unwanted preservatives, such as nitrates & nitrites." Get your hands on a package or two of these and you won't have any regrets on Tuesday morning!
4. Organic Strawberry Lemonade
If we had to describe the taste of summer, we might just say lemonade, so of course our Memorial Day celebrations must include an ice-cold glass of it. Trader Joe's just brought back their Organic Strawberry Lemonade, which is perfect alongside a hot dog or burger, or if you're feeling crazy, it's also perfect mixed with a splash of tequila or vodka for boozy poolside beverage!
100% of the ingredients are organic, and it includes no high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or artificial flavors. It's also only $4.99 and flying off of shelves quick! Grab a bottle or two while you still can!
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5. Peonies
The end of May though June is that glorious time of year when peonies are in season: gorgeous, fragrant, lush pink flowers that brighten up any room, you'll want to buy a bouquet for every surface in your house when you see these in stock. Customers have been waiting for these to come back, writing on social media, "Finally!" and "I've been waiting!" in response to the announcement that they're back in stores.
And unlike many florists and grocery stores, these peonies won't make a dent in your weekly grocery budget, because you can get a huge bouquet for just $9.99. Ladies, put some in your room to wake up to a sweet smelling scent and vibrant view, and fellas, buy some for your ladies!
6. Peaches & Cream Cream Cheese
Pictures this: you're waking up on Monday morning sunkissed from the day before and you're ready to eat breakfast outside on your porch. Well, Trader Joe's just stocked the perfect morning breakfast spread: Peaches & Cream Cream Cheese. Spread onto a bagel or a piece of toast and get ready to bite into one of the most deliciously summery flavors.
The Trader Joe's website also suggest adding it to a cheese board or spreading "it on a turkey sandwich for a sweet-n-savory vibe." No matter how you enjoy it, you'll be asking for more once it's gone, so stock up while you still can!
7. Fudgy Cookie Dough Ice Cream
We mentioned you might need some freezer space, right? Because once you try this Fudgy Cookie Dough Ice Cream, you'll want it to be the only thing in your freezer. Let's break it down. It starts "with a base of rich vanilla ice cream," the Trader Joe's website describes, "then mixes in toothsome pieces of chocolate chip Cookie Dough and some additional chocolatey chips. Finally, for an applause-worthy finishing touch, [it's] imbued with a Fudgy, sea-salted swirl."
Is there anything better than that? Trader Joe's is known for rotating out its available ice cream pints pretty regularly, so if this one is calling your name, head to your local Trader Joe's quick!
8. Cinsult Rosé
And finally, for everyone that likes to enjoy a Memorial Day sunset or poolside beverage, we have the Cinsault Rosé from Maison Barboulot. According to the monthly newsletter from Trader Joe's, the Fearless Flyer, this wine is going to make all your dreams come true.
"If you were sitting at a sidewalk café in France, this is likely what you'd find in your glass come happy hour," the flyer reads. "It's made from 100% Cinsault grapes, grown among the morning mists and Mediterranean sea breezes of the Pays d’Oc region. Those growing conditions contribute to the wine’s artful balance of floral and fruity notes and its dry and refreshing nature." This all might sound so fancy that you're guessing it's a pricey wine, when in reality, it's only $5.99 for a bottle! If that price and that description doesn't convince you to give it a try, we don't know what will.
