5 Trader Joe's Treats For Pickle Lovers

We love pickles of all varieties, from big, fat deli dills to petite cornichons and gherkins — and, yes, there's a difference. Over at Trader Joe's, one of our favorite quirky grocers, pickles are big business. One of the secrets that TJ's wishes you knew is that its shelves quietly harbor all sorts of treats for pickle lovers, with availability sometimes dependent on the season. Not every pickle product will be waiting for you at all times of the year, but isn't that the beauty of shopping at Trader Joe's? The flipping of the calendar brings with it an ever-shifting stock of fun noms, including some VIP pickle must-haves. 

Whether you favor crisp, kosher pickle spears straight from the jar, salty-tangy potato chips to accompany your favorite sandwich, or a pickly condiment that will enhance everything it touches, Trader Joe's has the goods at different points in the year. Don't make the classic TJ's mistake of not scooping up limited-time favorites when you see them! Keep in mind that pricing and availability are both subject to change, so don't get yourself in a pickle by not checking stock info before you head to your local store.

Typically available in the summertime, this dill pickle mustard packs brine and zest. Remember when we discussed upgrading brats with the flavor of sweet maple mustard? Why not swirl on this condiment that also shines as a pickle-forward ingredient? Trader Joe's pictures it with deviled eggs, which is a no-brainer, but how about stirring some into your next homemade pot of mac and cheese? Mustard and pickles are already a winning pair in many culinary situations, but combining both big flavors in one squeeze bottle is a game changer. 

Purchase it for $1.99 when it's in season.

What happens when you season a kettle-cooked potato chip with the tart zest of a dill pickle? You get a flavor explosion! These chips are gluten-free, and since you know that artificial coloring and flavors are both on the list of ingredients that Trader Joe's never adds to its products, this is a crisp you can feel proud to snack on. These chips are part of the TJ's regular stock, so they'll (most likely) always be available for stocking up on lunch necessities.

Grab Chips in a Pickle for $2.99 per bag.

While the worst Trader Joe's snack we've tried was an epic fail, these bite-sized falafel bites are a tangy, hearty sensation that beg to be munched upon. Not only are there tiny chunks of pickle in these chickpea rounds, but pickle brine was also used to bring the falafel mix together. The result is a bright bite that will absolutely sing with some tangy tzatziki or ranch dressing. These are a summertime sensation that's only available for a little while, so grab 'em while you can.

Dill Pickle Mini Falafel is available for $4.29 per bag.

Summer is the time to grow the best cucumber varieties for pickles, but warm weather also brings with it the arrival of Trader Joe's Popcorn in a Pickle. Whether you're cuddling up for a movie night under the stars at your local park or grabbing a snack for boating and picnics, there's never really a bad time to eat popcorn flavored with a punch of pickle essence. We might even grab our favorite white cheddar popcorn and make a snack mix with a 50/50 split of the two varieties in one bag! 

Trader Joe's Popcorn in a Pickle is available at $2.29 per bag.

Available year-round, we just had to wrap up our list of Trader Joe's pickle offerings with the real dill: exceptional kosher dill pickle spears that do just about anything you want them to. You get a bottle bursting with crispy pickles in a salty brine: the type that you love to scarf down inside a Chicago-style hot dog or lay alongside your best BLT. All you need to do is keep a few jars on hand so you never run out, and remember how long pickles last in the fridge. 

Grab these at $4.49 per jar.