Trader Joe’s is not just a grocery store. It’s our go-to for affordable wine (that will still impress guests), a favorite food sample destination (pre-pandemic, of course), America’s sweetheart of food stores, and my favorite place to score healthy products on a budget. Don’t get me wrong: I’ve had my fair share of emergency Cookie Butter runs, but I became a health coach because of my passion for nourishing myself with plants that make my body feel its best in a delicious and satisfying way (because food is meant to be enjoyed). Trader Joe’s is full of hidden treasures that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Here are 20 items that I keep in my kitchen to make healthy eating easy.
1. Jicama Wraps
Maybe you’ve heard of jicama as a salad bar staple to add some crunch without the calories, but Trader Joe’s did the impossible (again!) And made a tortilla from the root vegetable. The best part? It is actually just one ingredient: jicama. You can think of it as a mixture of hard and flexible corn tortillas with a little crunch, but easy to bend or mold. The best part? You won’t have to think twice about having seconds or thirds on Taco Tuesday.
2. Dressing for Green Goddess Salad
I’m not usually a big fan of bottled salad dressings and much prefer to DIY with some olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Sometimes I just need a little bit of inspiration. Having a delicious and easy way to dress up your greens for lunch can make a difference in a stressful day. Many salad dressings are made with added sugars and processed ingredients. I love this list of clean ingredients (avocado fresh herbs, apple cider vinegars, garlic, etc.). Bonus: You can also use it as a dip or pasta sauce to sneak in the extra clean ingredients for little picky eaters (and no shame if “little picky eaters” means you and not your kids).
3. Dark Chocolate Drizzled Chocolate Plantain Chips
If you have a major sweet tooth or crave dark chocolate on the regular, I’m about to change your life. This TJ’s item has become one of my favorite go-to’s for both healthy snacking and desserts. This bag contains only 4 grams sugar and has a clean list of ingredients that includes chocolate chips (made with bananas), and chips (made with chocolate). It is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings in a healthier way, while still satisfying your snacking cravings for all things crispy and salty. Do you want to satisfy two different cravings at once? That’s the Trader Joe’s genius.
4. Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce
If you’re a soy sauce lover, it’s about time you hop on the coconut aminos bandwagon. This healthier version is free of gluten and soy, meaning it’s the perfect (more natural) option for people with any gluten and soy sensitivities or allergies. It also contains one-third of the sodium content as traditional soy sauce, making this a great choice for topping your sushi rolls and stir fries with. On top of the health benefits, it’s cheaper than other coconut aminos sauces on the market and also happens to be certified organic (what can’t Trader Joe’s do?). You can order it online.
5. Chickpea & Red Lentil Risoni
Is veggie-based rice a fad? I love brown or wild rice as much as the next girl, but sometimes it’s nice to pack in even more legumes for extra protein and nutrients. This is my personal favorite out of all the legume- and veggie-based options. It’s one of the cheapest options, happens to be certified organic (many aren’t!It is made from chickpeas And red lentils instead of just one, so you’re getting in a wider variety of nutrients. Make as any rice or orzo replacement, and you’ll never want to go back.
6. Shaved Brussels sprouts
I always tell clients who don’t have the time or energy to cook to find ways to streamline the cooking process, like purchasing the prepared veggies at TJ’s. The Shaved Brussels Sprouts are a favorite of mine because Brussels sprouts can be difficult to prepare. This package makes it easy to add to salads, stir-fries, and sheet meals. I’m also a fan of the Cruciferous Crunch collection, which is delicious in pasta or a creamy salad (see: the Green Goddess dressing above).
7. Dill Pickle Hummus
Be sure to scroll past this one before you do. Sounds I know, it’s gross. If I had the immense privilege of being the person who names Trader Joe’s items, I probably would have gone in a different direction. This hummus is not as much a combination of chickpeas, pickles, as the name implies. It’s more of a creamy, satisfying dip that tastes like vinegar and sea salt with savory spices. It’s basically salt-and-vinegar dip (which sounds much better, right?). You will love this dip with veggies or crackers or spread onto a sandwich.
8. Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Mix
It’s so popular it’s basic at this point, but this EBTB Seasoning is one of the can’t-live-without products I always have stocked in my kitchen. Bagel sandwiches are one of my favourite foods. I love making sourdough toast with vegan cream, red onion and lettuce and topping it with the seasoning. The blend is also great on eggs, avocado toast, and popcorn. for a flavor that I truly cannot get enough of (plus, I’m a sucker for a chic black-and-white label). You can order it online.
9. Cauliflower Thins
I could not be more thankful for the powers that be (AKA whichever TJ’s employee had the idea to turn cauliflower into bread). Made of cauliflower (over 60%), eggs, Parmesan cheese, and deactivated yeast, they’re a delicious alternative to bread, tortillas, etc. for anyone who’s gluten-free or trying to sneak in more veggies. Full disclosure: I sometimes eat them plain because they’re just that delicious.
10. Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers are one of my favorite foods to eat when ordering takeout, but they’re difficult to find when trying to cook them myself. Of course, Trader Joe’s makes trying out new produce very convenient, thanks to their inventive products and perfect packaging. These tasty peppers can be roasted with a little lemon juice, olive oil, miso paste and coconut aminos (see below). They will quickly become your favorite vegetable. Forget boring carrot sticks and steamed broccoli–shishito peppers are my must-have side dish.
11. Frozen Wild Blueberries
Whenever I go to Trader Joe’s, I stock up on packs of these berries (like, there’s currently seven in my freezer). I eat blueberries every day because they’re so nutritious, and I swear they’re my #1 secret to glowy skin. These blueberries can be frozen so I can add them to oatmeal, smoothies, and baked goods for many months. Why do I love Trader Joe’s specifically? You guessed it: They’re cheaper than other certified-organic varieties.
12. Coconut oil cold-pressed
Coconut oil is a staple in my kitchen. I use it to cook, blend in my coffee, and slather all over my skin for hydration (don’t worry, I have separate coconut oils for cooking and for beauty purposes). I love this one from Trader Joe’s specifically because it’s certified organic (I know, I’m predictable, right?) It is cold-pressed, which means it may retain more nutrients than oils that have been heated. Another bonus tip: The Coconut Oil Spray is not one of my ride-or-die products like the Cold-Pressed Oil, but when you just want a spray, it’s Way It’s better than your average Pam
13. Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower
Come one, come all: The best new TJ’s meal is here, and we’re not talking about it enough. The Spicy Mexican-Style Cauliflower has everything you need for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s packed with nutrients and plenty of flavor. This clever new invention combines riced cauliflower with other vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers and flavorful toppings like cumin and cayenne. Oh, and don’t let me forget about the pickled jalapeños (isn’t the best part of any meal jalapeños?). Simply heat it up on the stove for a vegan side dish, turn it into a burrito bowl, or add to a tortilla for a tasty meal you won’t believe is as healthy as it is.
14. Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta
Yes, I’m a health coach, and nutrition is ~my life,~ but I also Love food—extra emphasis on love. It’s not that any food is “off limits” (we’re not meant to eat from a place of deprivation!However, I know that I can find healthier and more plant-based alternatives to the foods I love. The perfect example: Trader Joe’s Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta. I have gluten sensitivity so I avoid white flour versions. However, we can all afford whole grains such as quinoa and brown rice, which are rich in nutrients.
15. Moroccan Mint Tea
If you can’t already tell, the #1 theme here is organic. I love knowing that this tea is not only full of superfood ingredients but also that TJ’s took the extra step of ensuring the superfood ingredients are organic too. I enjoy this tea after meals, or whenever I feel bloated. The mint can soothe stomach discomforts and digestive problems. Pro tip: Buy it in bulk because you’re going to want to drink it every day. You can order it online.
16. Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto
Pesto is one of my favorite sauces to DIY, but we can’t all be Martha Stewart 24/7. This vegan-friendly version is great for the week when I have little time to cook or prepare my meals. Not only is this option dairy-free, but it’s also more plant-based than the traditional version, thanks to kale and cashews (no, you cannot taste the kale). The sauce can be used as a topping for bruschetta, as well as with your favorite pasta or as a dip to vegetables.
17. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Perhaps one of the most beloved Trader Joe’s products of all time, the cauliflower pizza crust revolutionizes fast food (and drunk food) by replacing greasy crusts with nutrient-dense cauliflower and gluten-free cornflour. I keep a plain crust in my freezer in case I need to be creative (I make great Mexican pizzas with smashed black bean, cheese, and vegan ranch), but I also have one of the Cheese Cauliflower pizza crusts in my freezer in case I don’t have the time to bake.
18. Chocolate Hummus
I know what you’re thinking: chocolate hummus? Before you think I’ve officially lost it, hear me out. I don’t like to think of it as a hummus because the only similarity is that it’s made with chickpeas. It tastes more like a chocolate frosting than any other hummus. With a base of cooked chickpeas and tahini (a sesame seed paste), it’s a genius way to sneak in some extra nutrients like fiber, protein, potassium, and iron.
Just a warning, I do not eat gallons of this stuff thinking I’m eating my veggies. It still contains some cane sugar, so use it as you would any other dessert, but know you’re giving your body an added dose of nutrients while satisfying your sweet tooth. I like to use it as frosting for baked goods or as a dip with apple slices when I’m craving something sweet.
19. Coconut Chips Unsweetened
Coconut chips are another great option for snack cravings. They can be used as a tasty topping on any yogurt, açai bowl, or cereal or eaten on their own for a tasty snack. You guessed it! My favorite part! is that they’re organic and unsweetened, so you know you’re only getting the good stuff. You can also make your own trail mix using nuts, cacao nibs and these delicious coconut chips. You’ll never feel bored with your afternoon snack ever again. Place your order online
20. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a wonderful choice for many reasons. Manuka honey is great for healing minor wounds and improving common cold symptoms. It also helps to balance the immune and digestive systems. Oh, and I’ve been known to even use it to wash my face (now that’sIt’s a superfood. I love purchasing this honey from Trader Joe’s because it’s usually super expensive anywhere else. It comes with an ingredients list that I trust and a price tag that I don’t have to think twice about.
Source: The Every Girl
