Best Trader Joe’s Finds For A Better Plate And A Better You

Oh, the land of Trader Joe’s. Where the grocers hand out kind smiles, the cashiers give back good conversation accompanied by those pesky pennies, beautiful people lurk in search of organic produce at every bend, and the reason we all lined up to enter the store in a pandemic in the dead of winter… the food.

If you haven’t heard of Trader Joe’s then let me be the one to introduce you. Trader Joe’s is a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores spanning from New York to California and all states in between. It opened in 1997 and provides people with quality products at prices everyone can afford. Having the option to eat a healthy and nourishing meal made from real ingredients is not a privilege, it’s a human right.

Aside from that, Trader Joe’s is not just like any other grocery store. Between you and me it’s a mashup of many grocery stores. Think of it as if Whole Foods met Krogers. The product of their meet and greet would be Trader Joe’s. The food sold there is healthy like Whole Foods but the store in itself holds an elevated Krogers vibe. That’s right. You CAN go into a healthy grocery store without the feeling of judgment if you’re not wearing a matching Lulu Lemmon set. Yet, with all these good attributes the food reigns top tier and is the reason I keep going back. Keep reading if you appreciate food and all the joy it brings. Here are some of my favorite Trader Joe’s finds for a better plate and a better you.

1. Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower

THIS. This is everything. I love it so much. I have eaten this meal too many times in one week than I care to share about. This meal fills you up, is pretty healthy, and is delicious. 10/10 recommend.

2. Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Ravioli

This healthy alternative to cheese ravioli will not make you miss spending an abundant amount on Postmates to pander your Italian cravings. It’s cheap, yummy and amazing on nights when you want to taste Italy.

3. Trader Joe’s Organic Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry

If you are starting to notice my insane relationship with carbs then welcome to the club. If you too are a problem for yourself in this sense then Trader Joe’s Organic Riced Cauliflower Stiry Fry is something you must throw in your shopping cart upon arival. It’s full of fiber so worrying about staying full is a thing of the past. Plus, it’s a premade meal for you to enjoy in only a couple of minutes so for those of you on the go have no reason not to try this surprisingly delectible stir fry.

4. Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Today, it is raining in Nashville, TN. and this is quite litterally the only thing I want to eat. It’s creamy, has intense flavors and is easy to make. Eat it by itself or pair it with crackers and cheese for a souped up rainy day meal.

5. Trader Joe’s Amy’s Pizza Margherita

This product is not exclusive to Trader Joe’s but can be found there along with many other Amy’s products. This pizza is made with organic ingrediants and is the perfect size for a solo pizza night in. Eat this pizza, feel zero guilt and allow yourself a pizza happiness.

6. Trader Joe’s Asian Style Spicy Peanut Vinaigrette

This vinaigrette can turn any meal you make from average to well above such. Lay it on your salad, taco, or even mix it in with noodles. Once you try it you won’t be able to go back.

7. Trader Joe’s Jackfruit Cakes

If you are a vegitarian but crave the substance that meat provides then you are not alone. Despite not neccessarily missing meat I do miss that it’s an automatic plate filler. Well, meet Trader Joe’s Jackfruit Cakes. These patties can be used in anything for more variety and taste great. They also are better for you than meat thanks to the nutritional and fibrous Jackfruit from which this cake is made from.

8. Trader Joe’s Everything but The Bagel Sesame Seasoning

Trader Joe’s kind of coined this speacial sesame seasoning. I had never had nor heard of it before my one of roommates started cooking with it one morning. Soon enough, all three of us cook with it and with good reason. Like the name indicates, it really does go with everything- including bagels.

9. Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi

Now, I have tried two versions of this meal. One version of this food was when I made it and was the day I tasted dissapointment in the form of food that looked like an undiscovered sea urchin. The other version of this food was when my roommate made it. When my roommate made it I was served a filling portion of satisfaction. From this I can conclude three things: 1. I need to follow recipes 2. my roommate is skilled in the kitchen and 3. maybe cauliflower gnocchi is’nt too bad if made with patience, persistance and preparation.

10. Trader Joe’s Vanilla Blueberry Goat Cheese

I am pretty sure that when people are told to say cheese when smiling for photos they are thinking of all the cheeses provided by Trader Joe’s. If I were to reccommend my favorite at the moment I would have to say Vanilla Blueberry Goat Cheese but you really can’t go wrong with any of their cheeses.

As you know, there are loads of more options available in every freezer, on every shelf and in every produce bin at this empirium of grocery stores. They will even provide you with a sample of one of their products if you ask for one. Their website also provides you with recipe ideas if you really want to put on your chef’s hat. Be warned, if you go in for one thing and leave with a full cart it’s not on me. If you do end up getting one of my reccomendations, leave a comment and share if you added your own cooking twist!