As soon as I turn to the first page of my new “Men in Kilts” calendar each year, a rush of wanderlust hits me like a Scottish gale-force wind. Rather than pack my bags, I’ve found that Trader Joe’s new items in January satisfy the culinary portion of my travel bug — at least until my passport renewal is processed, of course. As I found on my most recent Trader Joe’s run, you can find products that will help you eat your way through a French bakery, grab the Italian staple I always bring home in my suitcase, or even simply remake a drive-thru classic if road trips are more your speed.
All in all, I sampled 27 new items this month. If you see any new items missing from this list, know that I likely tried it and gave it a “that was totally fine and inoffensive” marking and moved along. I just think we all deserve better than fine this year — in which case, you should grab most of the items below (and avoid two). Keep those standards high in 2026.
Credit: Mackenzie Filson
1. 2 Affogatos, $4.49 for 6.42 ounces
Trader Joe’s has the monopoly on silly (albeit very cute) groceries. We know this. So please welcome a new entirely unnecessary yet deliciously portable affogato experience! Sure, one could simply pour espresso over their own scoop of gelato, but it’s hard to resist the allure of these festive cups that feature a wee packet of instant coffee for pouring into the cavern formed by the creamy non-dairy ice cream base.
All these need is a bit of hot water over the instant coffee (which dissolves really easily; no need to stir or scrape). I will say, the instant coffee has that distinct tang that’s pretty common amongst most instant coffee packets. That said, it earns major points for how smoothly it dissolves, plus its potency when mixed with the ice cream in each bite. Also, the cup itself makes it easy to bring on the go (if it makes it out the door, that is).
Credit: Mackenzie Filson
2. Organic Double Chocolate Batard, $4.99 for 11.8 ounces
Have I watched season five of Emily in Paris twice already? You bet, but I never regret doubling up on something good, like Trader Joe’s new Organic Double Chocolate Batard. When in doubt in the bread aisle, I’d always suggest getting any of the French or Italian varieties that Trader Joe’s offers (like the ciabattas or baguettes), and I’d argue that this might be one of its best breads of all time.
This batard truly embodies all the greatest aspects of French baked goods: It’s got a crunchy exterior that gives way to a not-too-sweet speckling of chocolate chips amongst a deliciously airy, chewy crumb. I’m pretty sure Emily would easily have one of these poking out of her knockoff Fendi purse, and I will be doing the same (and toasting slices to top with the new — spoiler alert! — pistachio spread below).
Credit: Mackenzie Filson
3. English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches, $4.99 for 10.5 ounces
Maybe your idea of a perfect getaway means a tank full of gas and the open road. I, too, self-describe as a “road trip dad,” especially because a long drive means I get to eat all of my favorite road trip staples (namely, McDonald’s McGriddles and Egg McMuffins). Well, now you’ll get to skip those long snaking lines (or, more likely, missing that all-too-narrow breakfast timing window) with Trader Joe’s English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches — a more-than-worthy dupe of the Sausage Egg McMuffin.
In truth, these breakfast sandwiches taste homemade in that made-by-someone-who-loves-you kind of way (the English muffins crisp up SO nicely), but with all the tasty nostalgia of the classic. There’s plentiful melty cheese, a fluffy egg round, and a sage-y sausage patty that only needs a splash of your favorite hot sauce (Cholula, in my case). With one of these in your hands, you’ll be well past the mountains by sundown.
Credit: Mackenzie Filson
4. Everything But The Pizza Whipped Cream Cheese Spread, $2.79 for 8 ounces
This cream cheese actually sparked a text thread with my mom. “Uh oh, this tastes just like your pizza dip,” I wrote, waiting for her reply. It’s not often that an item absolutely nails the flavor of a recipe that’s been bopping around my family for decades, but I’m personally not mad about it. I can now rationalize eating pizza-flavored dip at breakfast (the dream).
This airy whipped spread is easily the best thing you can put on sliced bread (especially an everything bagel). The jammy sun-dried tomato flavor is pronounced and plays so well with the oregano, garlic, and, yes, more cheese (Parm, in this case). Shall I use this to add double the pizza flavor to my next pizza dip? Absolutely!
Credit: Mackenzie Filson
5. Pistachio Spread, $6.49 for 6.7 ounces
Thanks to the Dubai chocolate craze of 2025 (and 2024), I now can slow down my toting of pistachio cream jars back home from Italy. The pistachio spread that’s key to the treat is now widely available, although I’ve found that the quality can really vary and the quantities can be swiftly wiped out by rampant TikTokers.
Thankfully Trader Joe’s has finally jumped on the TikTok trend train, and its own version of pistachio cream is rich and sweet enough that I can hold off on using my credit card points for a flight back to Italy. Flavor-wise, this spread has all the roasted, vanilla-y flavor of the ones I’d grab across the Atlantic (it is made by an Italian supplier). I’d almost say it’s smoother and not as overly sweet as my previous jars. I immediately slathered this onto a toasted slice of the Organic Double Chocolate Batard for a trans-continental breakfast for the scrapbooks.
Plus, 2 to Skip
Credit: Mackenzie Filson
1. Mini Beef Tacos, $6.49 for 16 ounces
Much like the chicken tacos that arrived back in the frozen aisle after a long hiatus, these mini beef tacos are also something you’re going to want to skip. Try as I might with various different preparations and cook times, these mini tacos just don’t seem to be their formerly crunchy selves. Plus the ground beef filling could use more seasoning and excitement. These just need too many added embellishments to really be worthwhile. Sad!
Credit: Mackenzie Filson
2. Cherry Cola Prebiotic Soda, $1.99 for 12 ounces
Having worked at Trader Joe’s before, I can’t count number of the times people asked if the store carried soda. The answer: Yes, until it was discontinued due to its unpopularity. I’d say this prebiotic soda is likely headed for that same fate. (Ditto for the strawberry vanilla flavor!) Too much sweetener, not enough cherry or vanilla creaminess.
Which new Trader Joe’s item are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments below.
The Weekly Checkout
Sign up for The Weekly Checkout to get the most up-to-date grocery news, tips, and highlights.
Subscribe to The Kitchn!
Dining and Cooking