Trader Joe's has built a unique reputation for offering food and drink imitations that even surpass the originals. Its products have convinced many customers that making coffee or matcha at home can be more delicious than going to the drive-thru.
Among its recent successes are the sparkling matcha lemonade, inspired by a discontinued Starbucks drink, and its intense cold brew coffee. Now, the chain surprises with a new product that's shaping up to be the favorite for those seeking flavor, energy, and an affordable price.
The concentrate that's taking over social media
The latest addition from Trader Joe's is its refreshing tropical dragon fruit concentrate. Available in 16 fl. oz. bottles (473 ml) and priced under $4, it's an attractive option for any budget. What sets it apart is its use of dragon fruit purée, which brings a sweet and tart flavor to every sip.
It also includes passion fruit juice, lemon concentrate, natural flavors, and caffeine to keep you energized all day. Its vibrant fuchsia hue makes it a perfect candidate for Instagram photos, a detail that doesn't go unnoticed by fans of eye-catching drinks.
The homemade alternative to refreshers
The new concentrate is ideal for recreating Starbucks's variety of Refreshers at home. Although the famous "pink drink" doesn't contain pitaya, other versions do, making them easy to imitate. On Reddit, one user celebrated that they can now make their own version without going to Starbucks, while another shared that they mixed it with sparkling lemonade and the result was "amazing."
Some even consider it the perfect substitute for Chick-fil-A's pineapple and pitaya drink, which will soon be discontinued. On Instagram, comments highlight its versatility for creating unique mixes. Some combine it with prosecco or sparkling water, adding mint and orange for an extra touch.
It's important to remember that this is a concentrate, so it should be diluted with water or another liquid base. You just need to pour it over ice and enjoy, adjusting the intensity to your liking. The possibilities are endless: with coconut milk for a creamier flavor, with lemonade for a citrusy touch, or with sparkling water for a bubbly finish.
With these options, it's no surprise that Trader Joe's tropical pitaya concentrate is earning a permanent spot on shopping lists across the country.