Registered Dietitian’s Favorite Trader Joe’s Products
Trader Joe’s has become a go-to grocery store for many health-conscious shoppers looking for nutritious and affordable foods. With so many products lining the shelves, it can be tricky to navigate through to find the healthiest and most nutritious options.
We asked Registered Dietitians across the country about their top food finds at Trader Joe’s. From must-have dips to snacking staples and everything in between, these dietitians handpicked their must-have items to fill your cart with.
These are Registered Dietitians’ favorite Trader Joe’s products.
Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
“Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend is my go-to meal and snack garnish. The combination of black and white sesame seeds with poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt adds the perfect savory and crunchy bite to avocado or peanut butter toast, roasted vegetables, or rice dishes. Or try it as part of a rub with lemon juice and olive oil on baked salmon or chicken. It can really add a pop of flavor and elevate your current go-to eats.”
Maxine Yeung, dietitian and owner of The Wellness Whisk, LLC
Trader Joe’s High Protein Super Firm Tofu
“My favorite Trader Joe’s product is their high protein super firm tofu. Unlike firm and extra firm tofu, super firm tofu doesn’t need to be pressed before use because it has less water in it. This makes it a great option for those who don’t have a tofu press. Trader Joe’s high-protein tofu tends to be less expensive than super firm tofu at other grocery stores, so I always make sure to grab a block when I’m at Trader Joe’s. Each serving has 14 grams of protein, and at 5 servings per package, this is a very cost-effective protein option.”
Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD at Cozy Peach Kitchen
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Organic Rolled Oats with Ancient Grains and Seeds
“As a mother of a daughter with celiac, I’m a big fan of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Organic Rolled Oats with Ancient Grains and Seeds. These quick-cooking oats pack extra fiber, protein, and fat from amaranth, quinoa, chia seeds, and ground flaxseeds. In addition to oatmeal, these oats are great for making breakfast cookies, pancakes, energy balls, and blueberry crisp!”
Pediatric dietitian and nutrition writer, Dahlia Rimmon MS, RDN
Trader Joe’s Roasted Seaweed
“Trader Joe’s Roasted Seaweed – Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine which plays an important role in thyroid health. These provide a nice crunch, so can be a good option when you want something crunchy but looking for something healthier than a bag of chips. This is also a great option for an easy after-school snack.”
Brittany Crump, MPH, RD, LD, CDCES Owner, and Registered Dietitian at Savor Nutrition LLC
Trader Joe’s Omega Trek Mix
“Omega Trek Mix (dried cranberry and roasted nut mix) in individual bags – this trail mix contains a blend of nuts (walnuts, pistachios, pecans, and pistachios), and pumpkin seeds which are a good source of healthy fat. In addition, each bag has 2 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. The combination of healthy fat, fiber, and protein makes this a satisfying snack. They are mixed with dried cranberries for some added sweetness. I recommend the individual bags and keeping them in your purse, bag, or car for when you need a snack. They don’t contain chocolate so you don’t have to worry about them melting.”
Brittany Crump, MPH, RD, LD, CDCES Owner, and Registered Dietitian at Savor Nutrition LLC
Trader Joe’s Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley
“These flavorful chickpeas are the perfect protein addition to salads, toast, or snack boards. Chickpeas are a great plant-based protein source, and incorporating more legumes in the diet instead of meat is associated with reduced cholesterol levels and chronic disease risk Bonus: Use the herb oil as a dressing to make a flavorful, no-mess salad.”
Amy Brownstein, MS, RD, a plant-based dietitian and owner of Nutrition Digested
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Gyoza
“Trader Joe’s vegetable gyoza are flavorful and contain a variety of veggies, unlike some other plant-based gyozas. Microwave or steam the gyoza for a quick dinner, and pair it with some edamame for a more complete and filling meal.”
Amy Brownstein, MS, RD, a plant-based dietitian and owner of Nutrition Digested
Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry
“I adore TJ’s Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry to add veggies anywhere you would use rice. My favorite combo is one bag of Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry + one bag of TJ’s Seafood Paella + TJ’s frozen raw shrimp to create a one-pot full family meal that’s packed with veggies without effort.”
Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, founder of NutritionStarringYOU.com and author of The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook
Trader Joe’s Frozen Shelled Edamame
“I love buying their frozen shelled edamame as an easy plant-based option for stir-fries, soups, and poke bowls! “
Patricia Kolesa MS, RDN under thedietitiandish.com
Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles
“I also grab their Thai Wheat Noodles as a quick, unique pasta option! It contains 4 grams of fiber for those looking to up their fiber intake and can be used in stir-fries and noodle-based salads.”
Patricia Kolesa MS, RDN under thedietitiandish.com
Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch Collection
“It contains Kale, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, and Green and Red Cabbage, which are known as cruciferous vegetables. I love that this veggie mix can be used as the base of a salad or in stir fry.
One of the most well-known health benefits of cruciferous vegetables is their cancer-preventing properties, made possible by the sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates. These compounds also help the liver eliminate toxins and estrogen waste, which is important for those trying to conceive and struggling with hormonal imbalances.
In addition, the sulforaphane found in cruciferous veggies has been shown to boost gut health by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of good bacteria in the gut.”
Celine Thompson MS, RDN at Fueling Fertility LLC
Trader Joe’s Slightly Coated Dark Chocolate Almonds
“The Trader Joe’s Slightly Coated Dark Chocolate Almonds are my favorite when I need a satisfying snack with a little fun! A one-ounce portion provides protein and fiber and only 3 grams of added sugar. Pair them with a piece of fruit for a well-balanced, nourishing, and tasty snack.”
Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES owner of Sheri The Plant Strong Dietitian LLC
Trader Joe’s Vegan Pasta Bolognese Bowl
“When you need a fast meal, the Trader Joe’s Vegan Pasta Bolognese Bowl is a great pick! This delicious bowl is made with lentil pasta and packed with carrots, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and mushrooms, which gives it an impressive amount of protein and fiber to leave your belly full and satisfied. “
Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES owner of Sheri The Plant Strong Dietitian LLC
Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus Snack Packs
“As a K-12 school dietitian, I love that so many TJ’s products can be packed into a quick yet nutritious school lunch. Some of my personal favorites are the Mediterranean Hummus Snack Packs, dried mangos, and fruit bars.”
Chelsea Newbrough, RDN, Nutrition Education Coordinator Food & Nutrition Services
Trader Joe’s 100% Red Tart Cherry Juice
“I like 100% Red Tart Cherry Juice from Trader Joe’s. Rich in beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants, I mix it with club soda or LaCroix’s Coconut sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.”
Judy Barbe, registered dietitian nutritionist, Author of Your 6-Week Guide to LiveBest, Simple Solutions for Fresh Food & Well-Being
Trader Joe’s Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert
“I love Trader Joe’s Chocolate Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert! It’s made with coconut milk so it’s a tasty treat option for my clients who are avoiding dairy. My favorite way to eat it is topped with Trader Joe’s Creamy Valencia Peanut Butter. I’ve had a lot of peanut butter in my life, and this is still my absolute favorite! I stock up on extra jars to make sure I never run out.”
Katelyn Wilson, RD, Functional Registered Dietitian IBS & Gut Health Specialist, at Healthy Gut Fx
Trader Joe’s Icelandic Style Skyr yogurt
If you’re looking to add more probiotic-rich foods to your diet, you can’t go wrong with Trader Joe’s Icelandic Style Skyr yogurt. Skyr yogurt is made by mixing milk with certain types of bacteria. This process, called fermentation, results in a thicker, creamier, and tangier yogurt that promotes healthy digestion with each spoonful.
Trader Joe’s Icelandic Style Skyr is one of my favorite skyr yogurt varieties on the market. I especially love the grocery store’s cherry skyr for its subtle tart flavor. A 5.3-ounce serving also contains 16 grams of satiating protein.
Catherine Karnatz, MPH, RD, anti-diet culture dietitian and owner of Nutrition Education RD.
Trader Joe’s Creamy Almond Butter
“I love Trader Joe’s Creamy Almond Butter because it has a delicious sweet taste, but no added salt or sugar. It’s also significantly more affordable than at other retailers!”
Colleen Wysocki-Woods, MS, RDN, CLC, Owner, ZEST Nutrition
Trader Joe’s Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl
“If you’re looking for a hint of sweet and savory this is the bowl for you. In just one serving you get 16g of protein and is certainly a satisfying option if you’re pinched for time at lunch!”
Christa Brown, MS, RDN, LD
Trader Joe’s Garlic Hummus
“My favorite Trader Joe’s item is the garlic hummus. It has the perfect creamy and smooth texture, unlike many other brands. It’s great for an easy addition of protein, especially for vegetarians.”
Shena Jaramillo, MS, RD, at Peace and Nutrition
Trader Joe’s ABC Bar
“These are a great snack bar for kids with 4 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber to help keep them fuller longer. They also only 4 grams of added sugar per bar.”
Alex Turnbull, RDN, LD – at My Family Nutritionist