It’s been a whopping 7 years since I posted the 20 Healthiest Foods to Buy at Trader Joe’s, and people still find that post every single day! So I figured it was time for an update to help you out if you’re curious about what to buy at Trader Joe’s for a healthier kitchen.

Trader Joe’s has long been one of my favorite spots for convenient, affordable, and (mostly!) healthy finds. Whether you’re new to TJ’s or a longtime fan, it’s easy to get distracted by all the fun new products on the shelves and wonder which ones actually deserve a place in your cart. So today, I’m sharing my updated list of 30 favorite Trader Joe’s products: the ones that pass The Lyons’ Share test for nutrition, taste, and simplicity. From nutrient-dense snacks to easy meal shortcuts, these are staples I love recommending to clients and buying for myself.

What to Buy at Trader Joe’s

1 .Fresh pre-cut veggies: I don’t think the selection of precut veggies at Trader Joe’s can be beat. They carry a range of organic and conventional options, as well as a range from your standard go-tos (broccoli, carrots, green beans, etc.) to some more unique combinations (the Cruciferous Crunch is always a favorite, and I love buying things like purple cauliflower and jicama sticks here as well).  Challenge yourself to buy at least 5 types!

   

2. Frozen single-ingredient veggies: Trader Joe’s has tons of single ingredient (think: only ingredients are broccoli … or peas … or whatever else) that make having veggies on hand convenient and easy. Frozen veggies are flash-frozen at peak freshness, so they retain nutrients as well as (and sometimes better than) fresh.  When new clients are struggling to add veggies to meals, especially when their families are in the routine of eating non-veggie meals, I always suggest they keep bagged frozen veggies on hand.  Heat up a serving or two, add a fun seasoning blend or healthy sauce, and add to any meal you’re having!

3. Frozen prepared veggies: If you need a bit more flavor and fun in your life than single-ingredient veggies, Trader Joe’s also offers some great tasting frozen prepared vegetable options. The Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry is an all-time Trader Joe’s favorite that is tasty and easy, the Root Vegetable Fries are a great way to get in extra healthy carbs and tons of immune supportive nutrients, and the Roasted Vegetables and Roasted Green Vegetables are among my top Trader Joe’s picks – I love that these specific products use olive oil and healthy spices and herbs for flavoring!

4. Frozen Chicken Burrito Bowl or Green Chile Chicken Bowl: Each has 22g protein, which barely squeaks by for most people, and the Burrito Bowl has an impressive 9g fiber. I would recommend keeping something like this on hand for “in a pinch” meals, or if you’re going to eat regularly, add some frozen veggies or a bagged salad kit!

5. Frozen Chicken Tikka Masala or Paneer Tikka Masala: If you prefer an Indian flavored frozen meal, these are also good options. I’d love a little more protein in the paneer, but it does have more fiber than the chicken dish, so it’s a trader off!

6. Wild Caught Alaskan Sockeye Salmon: You really can’t beat the price of this Trader Joe’s salmon! We do want to prioritize wild caught Alaskan when it comes to salmon, so check the label.

7. Trader Joe’s Egg White Bites: All three varieties pass the Lyons’ Share test for quick and easy breakfast options. Is it technically healthier to make them at home?  But for clients who just won’t or can’t, I appreciate the convenient protein and veggie option (and if we add a scoop of collagen to their coffee, we can get past that important 20g protein first meal threshold!).

8. In-Shell Pumpkin Seeds: I honestly can’t tell you how many pumpkin seeds I consume … it’s a They’re a great blend of protein, healthy fat, and fiber, with some supportive zinc, magnesium, and omega-3s.  When I’m feeling “munchy,” I grab these 90% of the time.

8. Hearts of Palm Pasta: For people looking for a low carb, veggie based pasta alternative who don’t mind a hint of tang (in a good way, like an artichoke), this is an awesome substitute.  It doesn’t disintegrate in water like many alternatives do and can be combined with meat sauce, pesto, or anything else you’d put on “normal” pasta.

10. Applesauce and applesauce pouches: Some of the kids’ pouches on the market are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, but these are great!  Easy to pop in the bag for an on-the-go kids’ snack.  (And side note: the second ingredient in the popular applesauce brand that I and many of us grew up on is high fructose corn syrup!  This is a great trade!)

11. Holiday Vegetable Hash: This is a seasonal find, but it was recommended by several of my followers on Instagram, so I had to include it! A great blend of butternut squash, sweet potato, red onion, celery, parsley, rosemary, and sage – would make a fun side dish, holiday or not.

12. Freeze Dried Berry Medley: It’s rare to find dried or freeze dried fruit that is both organic and no sugar added, but this fits the bill!  A fun car trip or movie snack when you want something munchable but a bit healthier.

13. Organic Peanut Butter: Watch out to not buy the peanut butter “spread,” which contains sugar and added oil (this applies not just at Trader Joe’s but in all cases!).  But if you choose these options (personally, I choose salted), the price is incredible and flavor is spot on!  A great healthy fat addition.

14. Organic hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed meal: The price of these staples is unbeatable – stock up (then store your flax in the freezer so it doesn’t oxidize!).  I love adding 1 Tbsp. of flax and 1 Tbsp. of chia to my smoothies, or making a chia pudding like this.

15. Asian style cooking flavoring options: Great prices and great quality ingredients for these organic coconut aminos (a gluten-free soy sauce substitute with some natural sweetness), organic toasted sesame oil (a flavorful addition to stir fries), rice vinegar, and furikake seasoning blend (I toss this on almost anything for a great umami flavor!).

16. Cauliflower gnocchi:  This was in the 2019 version so I almost didn’t include it, but it’s such a fun alternative to pasta that I had to bring it back. It is still a high carb option, but paired with some protein and veggies, it makes a super fun meal addition that is easy to prepare.

17. Egg Wraps:  These are very thin, so if you’re looking for a hearty wrap, take a pass. But if you just love wrapping food up (like me!) and want to keep it light and gluten-free, these are a fun option.

18. Kalamata olives or on the go olive packets:  I love olives for salt cravings, healthy fats, and even some longevity and cardiovascular benefits! Pop them on salads, include in chicken dishes, or snack straight from the jar. The packets are great for travel snacks!

19. Organic Popcorn:  It’s a bit tough to find popcorn not cooked in sunflower, safflower, or canola oil, but this one fits the bill! Popcorn, organic extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt are the only ingredients, making it a fun snack (but add some veggies or protein for bonus!).

20. Organic free range chicken breasts: Great pricing on free range chicken breasts – a phenomenal source of protein.

21. Avocado oil spray:  The only ingredients here are avocado oil – yay!  Aside from Chosen Foods, I haven’t seen another brand without soy lecithin, an expellant, or other ingredients that I’d rather stay out of my avocado oil spray. And this one is more affordable than my go-to Chosen Foods!

22. Numerous healthy Trader Joe’s Spice blends:  It’s a bit hard to find spice blends without added sugar, low quality oils, or preservatives, but here are a few of my favorites from Trader Joe’s!  Use them to add flavor to veggies, and don’t worry about following a recipe perfectly – just start experimenting to see what you like!  Here I’ve highlighted Italian Style Soffritto blend, Chile Lime seasoning blend, Everything But the Bagel Sesame seasoning blend, pink salt grinder, pumpkin pie spice, Umami Seasoning blend, and Onion Salt – all of which I use regularly.

23. Liquid and Powdered Stevia:  Have you ever bought “stevia” (on the front of the label) and then turned it over to find out it was mostly erythritol, or dextrose, or something else that was not actual stevia? This is extremely common, and extremely frustrating.  But if you’re looking for a healthier sugar substitute made of actual stevia, these two are great.

24. Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup: This is a great option if you’re feeling under the weather (or want to bring dinner to someone else who is). Made of real food ingredients and packing a whopping 37g protein per container, it’s going to be a go to for me when I don’t make my own soup!

25. Bone Broth:  Speaking of soup, if you do want to make your own, and want to up the nutrient and protein content with actual bone broth (or you just want to sip on it like you’d sip on tea for extra gut-healing and immune benefits!), this is an easy and healthy option.

26. Organic Fair Trade Cacao Powder:  If you’re a baker (or just like adding chocolate to as many things as possible, like me!), a good quality cacao powder is a must, and this one does the trick at a low price.

27. Slivered Toasted Almonds: I add slivered almonds to many things (chicken salad, regular salads, oatmeal, smoothie toppings, and more), and it’s rare to find dry toasted without low-quality oils. I tossed these into my cart!

28. Chicken Meatballs: Unfortunately, I missed a photo of the front, but as you can see from the ingredients and nutrition facts, these are a solid option to add some protein to a meal in a tasty, convenient way.

29. Guacamole to Go:  Want to eat veggies on the run or pack some for your kids at lunch?  Some healthy fat from avocados is an awesome option (and helps nutrient absorption!), and these cups have great ingredients.

30. Slightly Coated Dark Chocolate Almonds: Of course, I’m going to end with something chocolate (like I do most meals!). Yes, these have added sugar, but at only 3g with some healthy fat, fiber, and protein to slow down blood sugar spikes, I feel fine about it.  They’re tasty and offer just enough sweetness to satisfy a craving!

Now it’s your turn: What’s your favorite healthy Trader Joe’s find?  Tag me on Instagram @thelyonsshare or comment below so I can add them to my list for the next round-up!