Summer 2026 Grocery Favorites
As August nudges us back into routine, I wanted to capture five brands I tried and loved this summer.
I spend a lot of my day thinking about brands, so I also keep a running list of products that genuinely delight me as a consumer. If something surprises me, it usually ends up as a photo in my camera roll and a note in my Notes app.
Most of today's picks fall into the sweet treat category. When Austin spends months above 100°, I find myself reaching for smaller bites instead of heavier desserts.
Halo Top Mix-ins: Protein ice cream is everywhere right now, so I decided to revisit an OG as a reference point. I was not prepared for the rich swirls of flavor packed into every bite of the PB Cookie Dough & Fudge and Cookies & Brownies flavors. At 490 calories for the whole pint, a scoop has become an easy after-dinner treat on hot summer nights.
Trader Joe's Apple Chip Duo: I discovered these while staying with a friend in New Jersey who always leaves snacks in the guest room. I tore through the bag. The blend of Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples gives them an incredible texture. Now I want them on sandwiches, sprinkled over ice cream, or tossed in my bag for a crunchy snack.
Broderick's Salted Caramel Crispy: Every Costco trip, I pick one new dessert to add to the chocolate box my husband and I keep at home. This one was an instant favorite. Salty, sweet, caramel-forward, with a great puffed rice texture. At just 90 calories, it's a light but satisfying way to end the day.
Caltein Protein Butter Cookies: I spotted these at Happier Grocery in New York and was immediately drawn to the simple, resealable packaging. The lemon flavor is buttery and shortbread-like, with a little extra protein. In a sea of protein cookie competitors, the flavor and texture of these cookies were unparalleled. No fake sugar or protein chalkiness to be found here. I loved that I could enjoy the bag over several days, and now I want to keep a pouch in my gym bag for a pre-workout snack.
Harmless Harvest Coconut Sparkling Water: I had never tried sparkling coconut water before, and on a hot day in New York it was incredibly refreshing. The combination of crisp bubbles and coconut water feels genuinely different. I'm surprised this format isn't more common, especially as coconut water continues its comeback.
What are some snacks I should try before summer ends?
In Austin, summer stretches well into October, so I've still got plenty of time to discover a few more.
