Trader Joe’s Has the Perfect Tomatoes—I Buy Them Every Time I Go

I know I’m not alone when I say that grocery shopping sparks true joy for me. Whether it’s my go-to spot or an entirely new space, if I’ve got the time, I can rack up my daily step count just by sauntering through the aisles of pretty much any supermarket.

This is especially true at Trader Joe’s. It’s one of my favorite places to get the creative wheels spinning both professionally and personally. I love discovering new and limited-time products, digging for treasures in the “new items” corner, and seeing what’s happening in the produce section.

While the store is always evolving with the seasons—featuring new types of citrus, greens, or squash—I can count on the tomato section to have a large selection year-round. I can confidently say I’ve tried them all, and while I skip around to different varieties depending on the season, what I’m cooking, or whatever recipe I’m developing, there’s one tomato that I never leave Trader Joe’s without.

What Are Campari Tomatoes?

Campari tomatoes are the must-try tomato from Trader Joe’s. Bigger than cherry tomatoes but smaller than a plum or Roma, these plump and flavorful beauties are beloved for their incredible juiciness, intense sweetness, low acidity, and deep red hue.

When you bite into a Campari, the smooth, delicate skin will pop in your mouth, juice will likely trickle down your chin, and it will taste as though someone has sprinkled the perfect pinch of sugar in the center.

I enjoy these tomatoes most at room temperature, and even more so after placing them in the sun for about 10 minutes to naturally warm up, bringing all of those sweet juices to the surface. The taste of a Campari tomato will transport you from standing at your kitchen counter to lounging in a chair under the Tuscan sun.

While Campari tomatoes are generally more expensive than other varieties—sometimes up to $6 per pound—they’re more reasonably priced at TJ’s, where a 1-pound container costs $3.49. The package typically holds eight tomatoes.

How to Use Campari Tomatoes This Summer

Once you pick up a container of Campari tomatoes from Trader Joe’s, the fun really begins. The sky’s the limit for putting these ruby red beauties to use all summer long.

If you’re looking to enjoy them uncooked, Camparis are the perfect addition to salads like a bright Caprese or rustic panzanella, chilled gazpacho, and crunchy bruschetta. If you prefer to cook the tomatoes, try adding them to pizzas and flatbreads, tomato jam with crostini, or fresh tomato sauce with pasta. (Side note: It’s the only tomato I’ll use when cooking eggplant caponata.)

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with snacking on Campari tomatoes solo—just make sure to sprinkle them with a bit of flaky salt to draw out every last bit of their juicy, sweet flavor.

_{To learn more about our approach to product recommendations, see HERE.}