Here's When You Can Expect Cotton Candy Grapes To Hit Store Shelves
Fruit lovers with a keen sweet tooth rejoice each year when the cotton candy grape hits store shelves. Though their name sounds like a treat you'd find at a candy shop, cotton candy grapes can be found in the produce aisle of most grocery stores as the weather starts to warm. Though the seasonality is technically at its peak August through September, they're often available starting in mid-July — and some shoppers have even been able to get their hands on the infamous grapes even earlier.
They have somewhat of a cult following at stores like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, but cotton candy grapes can also be found at other grocery chains nationwide including Costco, Walmart, and Kroger. You may even find the grapes at discount stores like Aldi, which could help lighten any potential sticker shock. Though, they're more expensive than other grapes for good reason.
At first glance, cotton candy grapes look like regular plump green grapes. However, the difference is in the taste. Compared to typical green grapes, they're sweeter, bringing to mind the sugary, pillowy light taste and subtle creamy vanilla notes of cotton candy — but they're firm to the bite and juicy like a good grape should be. The best part? The fruit and its sugars are all natural (despite what the flavor would have you think).
Cotton candy grapes are beloved for their candy-like taste
Cotton candy grapes haven't been around that long, really — perhaps that's part of the allure, along with their seasonal nature. Created by International Fruit Genetics (IFG) in Bakersfield, CA and grown in the state's fruitful growing conditions, cotton candy grapes first launched around 2011. After much experimentation and plant-breeding (via processes that don't require genetic engineering), the result was a hybrid of two grape types — and one exceptionally candied-tasting grape.
While late summer is peak season for the fruit, extra excitement usually gets drummed up due to its rather ambiguous entrance on store shelves each year. Of course, like any other seasonal fruit, environmental factors can cause that date to vary, and there's a short window you can buy them. But by some unknown feat, cotton candy grape brands like The Grapery are known to pop up in the springtime, too.
Due to the fruit's following, grocery store chains make sure to post on their social media to alert loyal consumers of the grapes' presence on shelves. So, follow your favorite stores on social media to get the sugary grapes ASAP, or better yet, stay tuned to what their fan accounts are posting. For instance, @traderjoesnew, a popular such account and self-professed "Trader Joe's enthusiast" on Instagram, posted an ardent PSA about an early sighting of the fruit in March (a real surprise, since the fruit is typically only seen as early as May or June).
How to enjoy the extra sweet fruit
Though spring sightings have occurred, if you keep your eyes peeled in stores and online when summer begins (or later in August and September during peak season), you'll be able to get your hands on some cotton candy grapes. In a Reddit thread discussing whether anyone had spotted them yet, one user said, "Seasons are generally pretty short and they're not nearly as good earlier on when they first start showing up." Try the grapes whenever they're available, and see for yourself if you notice taste differences across the fruit's harvest months.
But, you might be spoiled but the sweetness of these grapes. In another Reddit thread about the fruit at Trader Joe's, one user commented, "After eating these consistently, I can't ever eat just regular plain ol grapes again." Indeed, adding these grapes to chicken salad sandwiches, fruit salad, or a variety of refreshing summer medleys of greens will add an extra bust of sweet, candied intrigue. Pair them with arugula, feta, and balsamic for the ultimate balance of sweetness, salt, and tang.
To savor the grapes long after they're seasonal and ripe, buy some extra and toss them in the freezer to pop into mixed drinks or to purée in smoothies. Some people even like to preserve grapes by pickling them . If you'd like to give it a try with these extra-sweet fruits, we definitely won't judge.