Trader Joe’s is not just a supermarket. It’s where we go for reasonably priced wine that still impresses guests and a top spot for food sampling. It’s America’s favorite food store and my preferred place to find healthy products on a budget. While I do enjoy the occasional emergency cookie butter run, my passion for nourishing myself and others with plant-based foods that make my body feel great led me to become a health coach. Food is meant to be enjoyed, and Trader Joe’s offers a range of hidden treasures that are both delicious and nutritious. Here are the 20 items I always keep stocked in my kitchen to make healthy eating effortless:
1. Jicama Wraps
Trader Joe’s turned jicama, a root vegetable known for adding crunch to salads, into a tortilla. These wraps, made with just jicama, offer a unique texture that blends the characteristics of hard and soft corn tortillas. Perfect for Taco Tuesday, as they are easy to bend and mold.
2. Green Goddess Salad Dressing
This bottled salad dressing, made of avocado, fresh herbs, apple cider vinegar, and garlic, is a clean option that adds flavor to greens without hidden processed ingredients or added sugars. It can also double as a dip or pasta sauce to sneak in nutritious elements for finicky eaters.
3. Dark Chocolate Drizzled Plantain Chips
These chips, combining bananas, and chocolate, contain only 4 grams of sugar and provide a satisfyingly sweet and salty snack option. Great for curbing sweet cravings in a healthier way, these chips offer a crunchy and indulgent treat.
4. Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce
This soy sauce alternative is gluten and soy-free, making it ideal for those with specific dietary needs. With lower sodium content compared to traditional soy sauce and being certified organic, this sauce is a guilt-free addition to stir-fries and sushi rolls.
5. Chickpea and Red Lentil Risoni
This chickpea and red lentil-based option offers a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional rice. Certified organic and budget-friendly, it provides a wider array of nutrients compared to single-legume options. Perfect as a rice or orzo substitute for enhanced protein and nutrients.
6. Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Prepared veggies like shaved Brussels sprouts offer a convenient way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into meals without the hassle of preparation. Versatile and easy to use, these brussels sprouts can be added to salads, stir-fries, or pasta dishes for a healthy boost.
7. Dill Pickle Hummus
This hummus offers a unique twist with vinegary, salty, and savory flavors. A versatile dip that pairs well with veggies, crackers, or sandwiches. A tasty option for those looking for a different hummus experience.
8. Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
A popular product for its versatile use, this seasoning blend is a go-to for adding flavor to various dishes like toast, eggs, or avocado. A flavorful mix that elevates any meal with a touch of crunch and taste, making it a kitchen essential.
9. Cauliflower Thins
These cauliflower-based thins offer a gluten-free and veggie-packed alternative to traditional bread or tortillas. Made primarily from cauliflower, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and yeast, they provide a flavorful and nutritious option for those seeking a lighter alternative to traditional bread.
10. Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers offer a flavorful and versatile veggie option that can be prepared with various seasonings. Perfect for roasting or sautéing, they add a unique touch to meals and make a great side dish for those looking to try something new.
11. Frozen Wild Blueberries
Rich in nutrients, frozen wild blueberries are a convenient and healthy option for adding to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. Affordable and certified organic, they offer the benefits of blueberries without compromising on quality.
12. Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
Certified organic and cold-pressed, this coconut oil is a versatile and nutrient-rich addition to various recipes. Suitable for cooking, beauty routines, and more, this coconut oil is a staple that offers a range of benefits.
13. Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower
This flavorful cauliflower option provides a nutrient-dense and tasty meal solution that can be used in various ways. A blend of riced cauliflower and flavorful spices, it offers a convenient and delicious base for quick meals or side dishes.
14. Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta
This organic pasta blend of brown rice and quinoa fusilli offers a nutritious twist to traditional pasta dishes. Packed with nutrients and whole grains, it provides a healthier alternative for pasta lovers seeking a more nourishing option.
15. Moroccan Mint Tea
Organic and filled with superfood ingredients, this mint tea offers a refreshing and soothing drink option. Ideal for aiding digestion or simply enjoying a flavorful cup of tea, it’s a must-have for tea lovers looking for a natural and delicious blend.
16. Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto
This vegan-friendly pesto sauce made with kale, cashews, and basil offers a plant-based twist to traditional pesto. Versatile and flavorful, it can be used in various dishes to add a delicious and nutritious touch.
17. Cauliflower Pizza Crust
The cauliflower pizza crust is a popular alternative to traditional pizza crusts, offering a gluten-free and veggie-packed option. Available in plain or cheese varieties, it’s a convenient and nutrient-rich base for creating delicious homemade pizzas.
18. Chocolate Hummus
This chocolate hummus, made with chickpeas and tahini, offers a sweet and nutritious dessert alternative. With added fiber, protein, potassium, and iron, it provides a healthier way to satisfy sweet cravings while incorporating extra nutrients into your diet.
19. Unsweetened Coconut Chips
Organic and unsweetened coconut chips offer a delicious and versatile snack option. Ideal as a topping or standalone snack, these chips provide a nutritious and satisfying option for curbing snack cravings in a healthy way.
20. Manuka Honey
A versatile product with various benefits, manuka honey is known for its healing properties and immune-boosting effects. Suitable for consumption, skincare, and more, this honey provides a natural and cost-effective option for those seeking a quality honey product.
