• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthyish Appetite

Healthyish Appetite

Approachable plant-forward recipes.

Show Search
Hide Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Work with Me
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • twitter

22 Must-Have Trader Joe’s Items for Busy Cooks

Filed Under: recipe Written By Leanne August 18, 2019

Short on time for cooking during the week? Here are 22 items that will make life easier so you can still get a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal without all of the unnecessary fuss.

Produce & Refrigerated

  • Tofu ($2.49) – High-quality plant protein doesn’t get much more affordable or versatile than extra-firm tofu. This particular one is low in added moisture so it doesn’t need to be pressed before cooking.
  • Peeled Garlic ($1.99) – garlic is a staple ingredient in most kitchens but can take time to peel, chop, clean up, etc. Save time with this pre-peeled version without missing the freshness like you do with the jarred stuff.
  • Chicken Poblano Ravioli ($3.69) – this is the only convenience entreé I included on the list because it’s relatively low in sodium (370 mg); there’s a nice dose of fiber (5 grams) and protein (12 grams). Add vegetables and your favorite sauce for a delicious 15-minute meal.
  • Riced Cauliflower ($2.49) – cauliflower is still hot you guys! This product is finely shredded into a “rice” shape for a really convenient way to include more cruciferous vegetables in a meal. I use it in fried rice!
  • Washed & Shredded Kale ($2.69) – kale is one of my favorite vegetables to sauté and add to scrambled eggs. This is a major time-saver.

Spices & Dry Goods

  • Canned Anchovies ($1.59) – I put anchovies on nearly every pizza I make at home, and also love adding it to pasta for a salty and savory twist (with some awesome nutritional benefits as a bonus). I also love how affordable this is.
  • Farro ($1.79) – farro cooks in 10 minutes and makes the perfect base for a grain bowl or side dish.
  • Israeli Couscous ($1.99) – quick-cooking with an awesome chewy texture. It cooks in just 12 minutes.
  • Seasoning Blends: Mushroom Umami ($2.99), Chile Lime ($1.99), Everything-But-the-Bagel ($1.99). – TJ’s is famous for their creative seasoning blends (here’s a bunch of ways to use EBTB). The cool thing about these is that they take an average meal or snack over the top. Perfect if you don’t have time to layer flavors.
  • Hemp Hearts ($5.99) – these are my secret weapon when I want to add some protein and staying power to breakfast (like in this smoothie!). The nutrition facts are impressive and they add a nice textural component too.

Frozen Foods

  • Brown Rice ($3.49) – brown rice is great, but it takes FOR-EV-ER to cook. The instant pot makes it quicker, but these frozen packets (there’s three in each box) cook in just 3 minutes in the microwave.
  • Mexican-Style Fire-Roasted Corn with Cotija Cheese ($3.29) – this corn is super delicious. I love that I can add a simple piece of fish and side of greens and call it a meal.
  • Shelled Edamame ($1.99) – it’s always nice when you can find shelled edamame for a quick and hearty protein – just heat and serve!
  • Mango Chunks ($2.49) & Blueberries ($1.99) – TJ’s has a nice assortment of frozen fruit and I find their prices to be really reasonable. Grab a couple of bags as a backup for when you run out of fresh, or for smoothies of course.

Snacks & Fun Extras

  • Fig & Olive Crisps ($3.99) – these fun crackers are so flavorful and have a great texture. They make a fun and unique snack when paired with a sharp cheese and some fruit.
  • Unsalted Dry Toasted Sliced Almonds ($3.49) – did you know that toasting nuts increases their flavor significantly? Buy them pre-toasted and you can skip that extra step once home. You’ll want to sprinkle them on everything!
  • Pepita Salsa ($2.99) – besides snacking, a unique salsa can take rice and beans from boring to interesting.
  • Balsamic Glaze ($2.99) – making balsamic glaze from scratch can be time-consuming and if you burn it, you’ll end up with a mess of a saucepan (not that I would know). Keep this bottle in your refrigerator and you’ll always be able to add a fancy finishing touch to a dish, like these proscuitto wrapped peaches.
  • Harissa ($2.69) – this is a recent favorite product that adds serious kick! Use it as a condiment for anything Mediterranean. My favorite is this Orzo Chickpea Bowl.

What are some of your favorite Trader Joe’s items? Share away in the comments!

trader joes products

Want More Plant-Forward Recipes?

Join my VIP list and I'll send you five reader favorites! Healthy, flavor-packed recipes. What's not to love about that?

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

I promise I won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome!

I’m Leanne and I created this space to share beautiful, wholesome, plant-forward recipes that are equal parts approachable and delicious.

Read More

Never miss a recipe.

Get new recipes straight to your inbox, every week.

Most Popular Recipes

  • Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
  • 4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
  • Basic Banana Overnight Oats (+ 3 Flavor Variations)

Quick & Easy

Salads & Bowls

Sweet Treats

Footer

Never miss a post

Get new recipes straight to your inbox, every week.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

© healthyish appetite · PRIVACY POLICY · design by lr creative

Copyright © 2023 · Leanne Ray ·

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT