29/04/2024

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The 17 Best Trader Joe’s Snacks That Are Vegan and Dietitian-Approved

The 17 Best Trader Joe’s Snacks That Are Vegan and Dietitian-Approved

Looking for the best Trader Joe’s snacks or light meal options that happen to be vegan, time-saving, and delicious? Check out this list of The 17 Best Trader Joe’s Snacks That Are Vegan and Dietitian-Approved.

If you’ve never been to Trader Joe’s, let this be your sign to jump in the car and head to the nearest hibiscus flower-studded haven right now. Trader Joe’s is no ordinary grocery store. The company has several core values that help them stand apart from the rest, while also helping their customers, community, and the environment. The majority of the products stocked on the shelves are Trader Joe’s store brand products, which makes it an affordable store to stock up on plant-based groceries.  Those products are free from synthetic colors, artificial flavors, GMOs, and 23% of them are organic! The company also has nearly 1,400 non-profit partners, which allows it to donate 100% of the products that are not purchased but remain fit to be enjoyed to people in need as part of the Trader Joe’s Neighborhood Shares Program. Trader Joe’s is also committed to making changes in their stores and supply chain to become more sustainable

You may have been inspired to buy your plant-based ingredients by our previous blog post “Top 13 Plant-Based Trader Joe’s Products”, but have you tried their time-saving vegan snack and light meal products? In addition to their staple plant-based ingredients, Trader Joe’s has tons of frozen and grab-n-go options, as well as snacks, vegan dips, and plant-based treats that will make even your quick meals on the go exciting and delicious. We’ve gathered 17 of the best time-saving vegan Trader Joe’s staple products, so you’ll know exactly what to look for next time you go shopping. Some can be paired with some of my favorite plant-based recipes for a healthy easy snack or light meal, while others are indulgent as special treats. 

The 17 Best Trader Joe’s Snacks That Are Vegan and Dietitian-Approved

1. Frooze Balls 

Funny name, seriously plant powered.  These little plant powered energy ball packs are a convenient and delicious way to start your day or keep it going. They come in both Peanut Butter & Jelly and Chocolate Hazelnut flavors which offer a touch of natural sweetness.

2. ABC Bars

If you’re looking for something quick to keep in your pantry for those days when you’re running out the door, try these ABC vegan and gluten free bars. They come in the Almond Butter Cocoa flavor shown here, as well as Peanut Butter Cocoa, and Peanut Butter & Jelly flavors. 

3. Spicy Lentil Wrap

This wrap is great, but the true star is the spicy tahini dipping sauce that goes with it. It’s creamy, spicy and nutty, and makes the perfect wrap to bring to work for a snack or light lunch or to the park for a quick picnic.

4. Vegan Super Spinach Salad

This salad is simply delicious! It makes a perfect on-the-go snack or light lunch and it’s filled with plant protein and topped with a flavorful, bright carrot ginger miso dressing.

5. Vegan Poke

Trader Joe’s Vegan Poke is delicious and can easily be paired with rice or another grain for a snack or light quick meal. Try using some as an additional topping on this recipe for Vegan Poke Bowl with Tofu, Watermelon, and Quinoa. 

6. Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes

These Green Onion Pancakes make a great addition to any light meal or snack. Serve them as an appetizer, or add to the table to eat with soups, stir fries, or as a side. 

7. Vegetable Bird Nests

These little nests are a great appetizer to keep on hand for when you get invited over at the last minute or end up hosting an impromptu get together. Just pop them in the oven for 20 minutes and they come out crispy and delicious!

8. Trader Joe’s Falafel

Nothing’s better than homemade falafel, but when you don’t have time, Trader Joe’s Falafel is a great choice. Use them to make gyros or pair it with one of their many hummus options, veggies, and pita for a quick Mediterranean snack! You can also add them to this recipe for Double Chickpea Vegetable Pitas or serve with this classic hummus. 

9. Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower

This cauliflower is perfectly crispy and packs a punch. When you need a quick snack or light meal, try adding this Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower to a grain bowl with vegetables, or serve it as an appetizer.

10. Sriracha Flavored Baked Tofu

For the times when you’re not sure what seasonings to use, or you don’t have enough time to marinate your tofu, try Trader Joe’s Sriracha Baked Tofu. You can easily add it to grain bowls, roll into a wrap, toss into stir fry, stir into soup, or try it in my Sriracha Sesame Breakfast Tofu Sandwich

11. Vegan Spinach & Cashew Ravioli

If you need a quick heat-and-eat snack or light meal, Trader Joe’s offers two varieties of vegan ravioli that cook in just 4 minutes!  In addition to the Spinach & Cashew Ravioli, you may also want to give the Vegan Italian Bolognese Ravioli a try.  Just pick up a tub of vegan pesto or a jar of spaghetti sauce, any toppings you like, and there you have it, dinner in under 5 minutes!  You can also substitute these for the pasta in recipes like Vegan Pasta with Roasted Vegetables.

12. Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

Try this pesto with Trader Joe’s vegan ravioli options, add to your own pasta recipe, or use in my Black Lentil Pesto Salad with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts recipe as a snack or light meal.  

13. Vegan Buffalo Style Dip

Trader Joe’s has several delicious plant based dips, including this Vegan Buffalo Style Dip.  This dip works great as a spread in wraps with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas and lettuce, or as a flavorful dip for fresh vegetables, pita and pretzels.  

14. Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip

Here’s another great dip to pick up for game nights, dinner parties, or camping trips to have with chips, vegetables or crackers. 

15. Crunchy Chili Onion Hummus

Trader Joe’s offers several tasty hummus varieties, but this one has made the top 17 list because it is just that good! The vibrant flavors and subtle crunchy textures are irresistible, and will have you coming back for “one last scoop” again and again! Try it in these Spicy Hummus Veggie Tacos.

16. Oat Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Sandwiches

Sharing these vegan ice cream sandwiches with your family and friends is the perfect way to beat the heat or enjoy a sweet treat. They’re great for passing out at cookouts, bonfires, and pool parties when your focus should be on having fun with the people around you and not scooping ice cream or finding enough spoons. 

17. Hold The Dairy! Mini Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Cones

If you’ve been to the frozen aisle in Trader Joe’s before, you’ve probably seen their famous mini cones, but did you know they have a vegan option too? These cones are the perfect size to satisfy your sweet tooth or chocolate cravings without making yourself feel like you over-indulged.  

Try some of my favorite healthy vegan snack recipes here: 

Written by Anna Tobin, dietetic intern, with Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN