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What’s New at Trader Joe’s in January? Crispy Potato and Poblano Tacos, Sweet Mustard Dill Sauce and More

2025 just got tastier

what's new at trader joe's january 2025: sweet mustard dill sauce
Trader Joe's

Trader Joe always has tons of creative appetizers, drool-worthy mains, trendy snacks and seasonal desserts on his shelves. So, it's no surprise that your grocery store boo started the new year with a delicious bang. Here are ten of my favorite Trader Joe's items to shop this January, ranging from heat-and-eat tacos to a new iteration of the chain's dangerously poppable mini ice cream cones.

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


1. Sweet Mustard Dill Sauce

This Scandinavian-inspired condiment is typically enjoyed with cured salmon, but it also tastes divine on potatoes, pierogi, meatballs, hot dogs and just about any roasted vegetable. It's equal parts tangy, sweet and herbaceous.

2. Strawberry Mini Hold the Cone!

The latest riff on TJ's iconic miniature ice cream-filled cones is just as irresistible as its predecessors. The strawberry ice cream is made with real fruit purée. Most importantly, the cones are dipped in chocolatey coating to gild the lily.

3. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

If you prefer crunchy shells to soft, you need to add this dinnertime hero to your cart. Stuffed with seasoned mashed spuds and slightly spicy poblanos, these dorado tacos are begging to be dunked in guacamole, sour cream and hot sauce alike.

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Eat your heart out, Wendy's. Made from free-range birds that are fed a vegetarian diet, these chicken nuggets are breaded with a mix of wheat, rice and corn flours, then doused in cayenne-based hot sauce and lightly fried. Pop them in the air fryer, oven or microwave and serve with plenty of ranch dressing (or ketchup).

5. Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Fact: Sometimes, less is more. This hummus is crafted from nothing but the essentials (like chickpeas and garlic), but a double dose of tahini makes its texture extra rich and luscious. Slather it on pita, add a dollop to salad or serve it as a dip with falafel or crudités.

6. Chicken Mole

A trio of chiles is the key to this mole rojo, which is just as delightful as the chocolatey versions you've tried in the past. Guajillo and pasilla peppers meet tomatoes, garlic, warm spices and chicken legs to create a heat-and-eat dinner that will satisfy in a pinch.

7. Butter with Parmesan, Garlic & Herb

Whether it's popcorn, grilled cheese, corn on the cob, garlic bread or roast chicken, one thing's for sure: This compound butter is a surefire win. It's packed with garlic, shallots and parsley, along with white vinegar and lemon juice for a touch of acidity.

8. Organic Sri Lankan Curry & Rice

Hailing from a TJ's supplier in Sri Lanka, this kit stars tender wild rice and creamy coconut curry sauce, which is teeming with spices like curry leaves, cumin seeds, coriander and cinnamon. The cashews not only add rich nuttiness, but also much-welcome crunch. Plate it with naan and a chutney of your choice (I'm partial to mango).

9. Hot Honey Mustard Dressing

Swicy snacks and condiments are popular as ever, and this new Trader Joe's product shows why. It's honey-like on the nose and impeccably balanced by tangy Dijon, crushed red pepper, cayenne and brown sugar. It makes a great dip (or poultry marinade).

10. Teensy Candy Bars

Good luck not polishing off the entire bag in one sitting. These minis contain chopped peanuts, caramel and nougat, enrobed in milk chocolatey coating. Eat them solo, add them to an over-the-top sundae or make them the centerpiece of a batch of thumbprint cookies.


taryn pire

Food Editor

  • Contributes to PureWow's food vertical
  • Spearheads PureWow's recipe vertical and newsletter
  • Studied English and writing at Ithaca College