The Best Trader Joe's Items To Grab In May 2026

One of the Trader Joe's secrets you'll wish you knew sooner is that every month brings fresh treasure to the tiki-riffic grocery store. Our list of the best products to buy at Trader Joe's is always evolving, because the retailer likes to cycle out older products and bring in new finds. This not only keeps shoppers interested (and coming back to spend their coins), but helps maintain the company's pricing standards and conserves shelf space. May 2026 is no different — we've found a wealth of new, delicious items on the shelves, and we've been busy sussing out the ones that you absolutely have to try. 

From pork shoulder to potato flatbread, we're fully sat for the spring lineup of TJ's goodies ... and more than a little hungry. Keep in mind that availability is sometimes limited and is always subject to change based on location. In other words, you might want to check with your local store before making a special trip for a particular item that catches your attention. All pricing information is accurate as of this writing. With all the disclaimers out of the way, let's get to the good part: the noms. Allons-y! Time to find a spot in that small Trader Joe's parking lot and scoop up some fantastic new food!

Whether your tacos are French or Mexican — did you even know there were different kinds? — this quick-cooking, marinated package of diced pork is eagerly awaiting its starring role in your next Taco Tuesday fiesta. Personally, we think any day of the week is just right for al pastor tacos, which are traditionally served with pineapple, raw onion, and lots of cilantro. At $6.49 per pound, this pork is priced right for an easy weeknight dinner. 

Options are too often lacking for sugar-free candy that actually tastes craveable, but trust Trader Joe's to have the goods. These gummy worms are sweetened with allulose, organic erythritol, and monk fruit extract, meaning they are safe for those avoiding table sugar. The $3.99 price tag for a 5-ounce bag isn't too shabby, either! Pop these by the handful at the movie theater (we won't tell on you for sneaking them in), or use them to top your vintage no-bake "dirt cup" desserts. 

We're proud of loving potatoes in all forms, whether baked, scalloped, or fried ... to say nothing of French onion mashed potatoes, a favorite side dish. Yet potato flatbread wasn't strictly on our radar before now, but we're kind of loving the idea, and not just because it sounds tasty. The potato flake base of these wraps keeps them supple even when they're at room temp. Norway knew what it was doing with these lefse wraps, which sell for $3.99 a package and are only here for a limited time. 

Trader Joe's Spotlight Cheese for May is a cold-smoked cheddar coated in a punchy orange dusting of paprika. There are multiple varieties of paprika, all with different uses, and it sounds like the spices on this cheese are long on smokiness. For $4.99, you get the perfect accompaniment to your grad party or Father's Day charcuterie, a great partner for crackers while snacking, or — hear us out! — the focal point of some life-changing mac and cheese. 

We're always looking to add newcomers to our ranking of frozen pizza brands, and this deep dish pepperoni pie looks like a serious contender. It's slathered in a garlic tomato sauce, three different cheeses, and a generous topping of uncured pepperoni. What's more, it comes in an oven-safe baking pan, meaning that both good taste and convenience are just $7.99 away ... a price far better than most carryout options at chain restaurants. 

Honey never spoils, nor does our love for the combination of this quintessentially sweet condiment plus creamy butter. If you're a fan of the classic sweet and salty flavor combination, you'll go gaga for these roasted cashews, which are coated in a flavorful candied coating (and are currently a limited-time offering). This $4.99 bag of buttery happiness is not only perfect for that same charcuterie board on which you put the cheddar (can you say "one stop shop?"), but is also a protein-packed snack when you have the munchies. 

Wake up, babe — the "it" condiment of every summer cookout just dropped, and it's not ketchup or mustard. Made of shredded Parmesan cheese in an oil and vinegar mixture spiked with herbs and spices plus diced garlic, jalapeños, and Manzanilla olives, this spread is going to rock your world. Well, as long as it stays on shelves. For $4.99, you get an exciting addition to burgers, whether beef or made of plant-based meat alternatives. We can also see it being the focal point of some epic potato salad. 

Silkier and more spreadable than regular ricotta in a tub, this whole-milk whipped ricotta has been dubbed "creamy dreamy" by Trader Joe's ... and we're fully onboard with the fantasy. It's $3.49 for an eight-ounce tub that you can stash in the fridge for spreading on toast or using as the basis for dips and spreads. We also wouldn't hesitate to use it in lasagna cooked in the smoker, our budding summertime obsession. Best of all, it's a new everyday product, meaning it should be around for a while.

If you've never heard of gözlemes, all you need to know to start is that they're a type of Turkish hand pie. In this case, they're stuffed with three Balkan-style cheeses. Just heat them up in a dry pan and, with just a little time, the outside will be crispy, and the interior will be soft and gooey. In Turkey, they're often eaten for breakfast with cucumber and tomato. We're a little tempted to dip them in tomato sauce for an adult spin on a pizza Hot Pocket. 

It's probably not a fruit that you'll leave in your garden for attracting hummingbirds (which you shouldn't do, anyway), but the often-underrated lychee is delicious and unique, which is why we were so excited to see TJ's feature it in this limited-time sparkling beverage. Don't call it a soda — this quaff is made of 50% real lychee juice and pure sparkling water for a drink that's refreshing and just sweet enough. For $3.99, you get four cans just begging to be chilled and enjoyed on their own or as a spritzer cocktail.