MANHATTAN – If you haven’t yet ventured under the 59th street bridge to visit the Upper East Side’s new Trader Joe’s, you’re missing out! Located on First Avenue between 60th and 59th street, the new TJ’s opened earlier this month and is serving up wide store-aisles and an A+ rated plant station. While some areas of the store may have been picked over, management says to arrive early to ensure you pick up the shipments as soon as they arrive, around 8:00 am.
Here at the Upper East Site, we’re going to review new and seasonal items that have made it to Trader Joe’s on the Upper East Side this week, so you can prepare your holiday grocery shopping list.
*Plus – this Trader Joe’s aficionado gives her rating for each product
Truffle Piccante, Spicy Pasta Sauce – $5.99
Amp up your traditional pasta night in, by swapping your marinara sauce with a new red sauce that has a little zest and kick. This spicy pasta sauce is made with both calabrian chilis and truffle oil to create the perfect flavor.
Rating 8/10 *must love the taste of truffle!
Quite Possibly the World’s Largest Fusilli – $2.49
If you’re like this Upper East Sider and view pasta as a vessel to enjoy delicious sauce and toppings, you’ll love Trader Joe’s latest noodle release. Both the size and shape of the Fusilli allow it to hold onto flavor better than most traditional Fusilli – plus the flavor is great when served al dente.
Rating 8.5/10
Gluten Free, Organic Rolled Oats with Ancient Grain and Seeds – $4.49
For those who may be a fan of Trader Joe’s initial launch of Gluten-free and Organic Rolled Oats, you may be wondering why this is a new item. The addition of ancient grains and seeds not only resulted in a new product ingredient list, but new packaging and a 50 cent price increase. Still a delicious breakfast item to pair with fruit and your morning cup of coffee, this TJ’s aficionado will give it a…
Rating 6.5/10
Organic Split Pea Soup – $1.99
We’re heading into full fledged soup season, and I for one was excited to learn that Trader Joes once again carries Organic Split Pea. Creamy in texture (with a little grit), the soup has a hearty taste and rich flavor. Additionally, the soup is vegetarian friendly with a super clean ingredients list.
Rating 7.5/10
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Think Keto Protein Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie – $1.49
Full of healthy fats and and only 4 grams of net carbs, it’s great to see Trader Joes add to their collection of protein bars (especially those that are Keto friendly). When it comes to flavor, you can’t go wrong when combining peanut butter and chocolate – however pie? Well, we think they did good! Creamy and decadent, this is a great staple to add to your pantry— or gym bag.
Rating 8/10 *Remember it’s a protein bar and not a candy bar
Carvery Trio: Turkey, Chicken, and Lamb Dog Treats – $2.99
If you’re a dog owner on the Upper East Side, you know how expensive local pet stores can be, especially when it comes to treat bags. You can be spending anything from $9 to $15 on a single bag full of treats, that’s why we love Trader Joe’s. $2.99 for a bag of treats with minimal fillers and three sources of protein, my dog Atlas and I are fans.
Atlas’ Ratings 9/10
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Pound Plus Milk Chocolate Bars – $4.99
A true superstar landed its way into the New Items section at Trader Joe’s this season, the Pound Plus Milk Chocolate Bars with caramel, pretzel bits, and sea salt. The perfect combination of sweet and salty, these bars serve a pound of pure Belgian chocolate that the whole family will love. Speaking of family, these bars also make for a great gift for the Holidays (especially as stocking stuffers).
Rating 9/10
Chocolate Liqueur Cherries – $6.99
Speaking of holiday gifts, Trader Joe’s has an entire section dedicated to sweet treats. If someone on your list is a fan of Chocolate, Cherries and liqueur, TJ’s has the perfect item for that special someone on your gift list.
Rating 6/10
Danish Butter Cookies – $3.99
It’s true, the new UES location can have slim pickings on prime products— this includes the Danish Butter Cookies— there was ONE cookie tin left. These golden cookies are buttery and crumbly in the best way! And for under $4, you can’t go wrong.
Rating 9/10
Dark Chocolate Minty Mallows – $3.29
Looking for the perfect Hot Chocolate topper, look no further! These mallows are fluffy, tasty, and VERY minty. A great addition to your hot cocoa bar – even enjoy in a festive holiday cocktail or mocktail.
Rating 7/10 *must like mint
Organic Hot Cocoa Mix – $3.99
Speaking of Hot Chocolate, Trader Joes has their seasonal organic hot cocoa mix ready for your next holiday gathering. While the directions advise to mix with hot water, a warm milk (or oat milk) also makes this product more like an authentic hot chocolate.
Rating 7.5/10
Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Cremes – $3.49
Layers and layers of peppermint, these creams do not disappoint. For those who are Peppermint fans, this treat takes a dark chocolate covered peppermint creme with crushed peppermint (candy canes) on the outside layer. Makes for a great holiday dessert, or gift.
Rating 8.5/10
The Spice Market Gift Set – $9.99
If there was one item from Trader Joe’s that every home needs, it’s their signature Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. On top of that, the gift kit also comes with two of their most beloved seasonings, the Chili Lime and Everything but the Elote.
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However, the true benefit of this kit (aside from the price), are the two seasonings you can’t buy on your own. The Cocoa Cinnamon Sugar Blend and Spicy Italian Sprinkle are ONLY available in the gift kit. So while you may be shopping for others on your list – make sure to get one for yourself (and your pantry).
Rating 10/10
Baton Lovers Quartet – $7.99
If you’re a fan of their baton cookies, you’ll especially love the flavors they have for this season. Flavors include: cocoa, hazelnut, chocolate orange and cookies & cream. This item also makes for a great party snack or dessert, as well as a gift for someone special.
Rating 8.5/10
The Almond Kringle – $8.49
While not new, this item is seasonal and only comes once a year during the holidays – the Almond Kringle is back! A guaranteed hit at any gathering, or your holiday mornings, the Kringle is a delicate pastry with an almond paste filling inside. It’s beyond delicious and the UES neighborhood knows it, there were only TWO left when shopping. As they restock daily, check in the mornings if you’re looking to get your hand on a kringle.
Rating 10/10
The Pillar Candle – $3.99
If you’re a fan of the scented seasonal candles at Trader Joes, the 3-pack tin was not available at the UES location, however they did have the Pillar Candle. With 80 hours of burn time, it’s a hearty candle, however $3.99 for a plain, unscented candle may not be your cup of tea.
Rating 5/10
The Holiday Plant Section – Prices range $4.99-$9.99
The seasonal plants section is one of the most impressive sections the UES location offers (over any of the city’s TJ’s). Instead of arriving with flowers for your holiday gathering, opt for one of the festive plants, such as the Glitter Tree, the Grumpy Cypress Tree, or Zygo Cactus.
Holiday Gift Bag (Plant/Flower Section) – $14.99
Special mention, the Holiday Gift Bag is a wonderful plant gift and can be found near check out by the orchids.
A change up from both the grocery and holiday items, Trader Joe’s also has a wonderful beauty section. While our UES location does not have all the seasonal beauty products in stock, one of the new items available is the Hair Rescue Set. This two pack has clarifying charcoal and peppermint shampoo, as well as a deep moisture hair mask. The shampoo has a great grit texture to help wash your scalp and the mask is extremely hydrating.
Rating 8.5/10
Spot any new items we may have missed? Share your Trader Joe’s findings and favorites with Upper East Site by commenting below.
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