One of the greatest joys of living in New York City is coming out of a dreary winter hibernation to experience summer. After months of seeking reprieve inside tightly enclosed apartments, everyone is buzzing to be outdoors as much as possible. That includes day trips to Coney Island, beach getaways and picnics at the park — my personal favorite summer pastime.
When it comes to enjoying the perfect picnic, your choice of food and drinks matters. My rule of thumb is to have a nice mix of sweet and savory items — whether that’s a packaged snack or non-perishable meal options — along with something fresh, like cut-up fruits and veggies, and a fun beverage. For meals, you’ll want to stick to things that are easy to make, easy to pack and require only a few utensils to serve.
As for where to find good picnic foods and ingredients, Trader Joe’s has got you covered. The retailer announced several new, seasonal products that are perfect to enjoy outdoors with company.
Here’s what to buy to throw the ultimate summer picnic.
Deli Sandwich Style Potato Chips
Sandwiches are a picnic staple. So, of course, TJ’s Deli Sandwich Style Potato Chips are also a must-have. Per the brand, the chips are seasoned with a medley of seasonings “that evoke notes of smoky ham, dilly pickle, sharp cheese, and zesty mustard, and kettle-cooked for a consummately crisp texture, creating a savory synthesis of two culinary icons in one snack.” The chips can be enjoyed on their own or or layered inside homemade sandwiches. They are also great for dipping, whether that’s in guacamole, hummus or cottage cheese.
These chips scream “summer picnic,” so be sure to snag them during your next trip to TJ’s.
Hot Honey Popcorn
Whether you love it or loathe it, the hot honey trend has taken the culinary world by storm in recent years. Hot honey has been drizzled on pizza, fried chicken, grilled meats, breakfast eggs and, yes, even ice cream. Now, thanks to TJ’s, the sweet and spicy condiment is getting its own flavored popcorn.
TJ’s Hot Honey Popcorn is “savory, salty, sweet, and spicy, all at once.” Each kettle corn popcorn is generously coated in honey powder and hot cayenne pepper, providing the perfect balance of two bold flavors. Try making a picnic-friendly trail mix with this popcorn. TJ’s recommends mixing the popcorn with a combination of sweet and spicy snacks, like its Bite-Sized Candy Coated Milk Chocolate Candies, Thai Lime & Chili Cashews and Sweet & Spicy Pecans.
Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
On the topic of chips, TJ’s rendition of Takis is perfect as a stand-alone snack or for dipping in guacamole (like TJ’s Avocado’s Number Guacamole) or hummus (like TJ’s Roasted Garlic Hummus). The chips are shaped like little scrolls and are dusted in hot Chili & Lime Flavored seasoning, which is why they’re so addictive.
It’s also worth mentioning that TJ’s Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips were crowned the top fan-favorite item for the second year in a row in the 2024 Customer Choice Awards. The chips also won the #1 Snack category for the second year in a row. In addition to being a pantry staple, they are an absolute picnic must-have.
Savory Squares
If you’re planning on assembling a picnic charcuterie board, be sure to grab TJ’s Savory Squares during your next grocery trip. The bite-sized, gluten-free crackers are a cheese lover’s dream come true. They are made with a mix of nut and seed flours and coated in a cheddar-y coating that makes them a more satisfying alternative to Cheez-Its. Top them with your favorite cheeses, spreads and preserved meats. The crackers can also be crushed up and used as breadcrumbs for making fried chicken or chicken cutlet sandwiches.
Shropshire Blue English Cheese
Crafted in the U.K. by a team of “expert cheesemakers,” TJ’s Shropshire Blue English Cheese is made with pasteurized cow’s milk, vegetarian-friendly microbial enzyme and annatto, which gives the cheese a beautiful pale orange color. The cheese itself “offers tangy flavors, rich aromas, and a crumbly, elegantly easy-eating texture,” as described by TJ’s. It’s stellar on a charcuterie board with dried fruit, fruit preserves, fresh figs and crackers. The cheese can also be crumbled over a picnic-ready salad.
Black Sesame Mochi
Enough about the savory options, because no picnic is complete without its sweet fixings — and no summer picnic is complete without a cold treat to help battle the heat. TJ’s limited-edition Black Sesame Mochi is filled with ice cream infused with a paste made from roasted and finely-ground black sesame seeds. “This paste not only lends a rich gray-black hue, but also brings that characteristic nuttiness with a hint of savory to contrast with the flavor of the frozen sweet cream,” TJ’s writes, adding that the “resulting couple-bite-sized frozen treat is intriguingly tasty, and an instant conversation starter during your dinner-party dessert course.”
If you’re planning on enjoying these mochis at a picnic, be sure to carry them in an insulated cooler bag. The mochis are ready to eat after three to four minutes resting at room temperature.
Dark Chocolate Covered Cashews
TJ’s Dark Chocolate Covered Cashews touts roasted cashews covered in a thin, caramel-like coating and a layer of rich dark chocolate. It’s the perfect picnic dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or in a homemade trail mix with crackers, dried fruit and salted nuts. The dark chocolate-covered cashews can also be crushed up and included in homemade cookies or topped on freshly-baked fudgy brownies.
Watermelon Freeze Dried Candies
A colorful and refreshing sweet treat, TJ’s Watermelon Freeze Dried Candies are made with spirulina, paprika, vegetable juice, turmeric and fruit juice. They are deliciously sweet yet slightly tangy. And they melt in your mouth shortly after they hit your tongue. “As they melt, these Candies gently fizz on your tongue,” per TJ’s. “Another fun fact? You’ll find Trader Joe’s Watermelon Freeze Dried Candies on our shelves, every day.”
These candies are a great option for those who want to enjoy something light and fruity while picnicking.
Sparkling Tangerine Vanilla Water
TJ’s Tangerine Vanilla Sparkling Water is infused with natural Tangerine and Vanilla flavors, making it a healthy alternative to soft drinks. It’s fizzy, crisp and flavorful — simply put, it’s got everything you’d want in a summer beverage!
Enjoy this drink plain or in a mocktail made with fresh fruit juice, like TJ’s Tangerine Juice, and a creamsicle, like TJ’s Tangerine Cream Bar. I won’t recommend bringing alcoholic beverages to the park, as it’s illegal in specific states. But if you’re planning on moving things indoors, then try adding a splash of rum or tequila to boozify your drink.
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