Since its beginnings in the late 1960s, Trader Joe’s has blossomed into a nationwide grocery sensation. With more than 500 stores, this marketplace offers everything from tasty frozen meals and fresh produce to name-brand items you can’t find anywhere else. The food at Trader Joe’s is so popular that it’s earned the chain a cult following among not only hungry shoppers but also dietitians, who swear by certain items for their nutritional value. If you’re a Trader Joe’s shopper looking to eat healthier, here are 13 products nutritionists love.
Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
This popular spice mix combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onions, and sea salt at only five calories per serving. It’s perfect for seasoning chicken breast, sprinkling over avocado toast, and more.
Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto
You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this pesto‘s incredible depth of flavor. For skeptics, this product is just as delicious as any pesto you’d find in the finest Italian restaurants. Spread it on a sandwich, mix it into pasta, or use it as a dip for vegetables.
Organic Riced Cauliflower
Trader Joe’s frozen organic riced cauliflower is an alternative to any dish that typically incorporates rice. Use it as a burrito filling, fry it up with vegetables and seafood, or use it to help thicken your favorite stew.
Gluten Free Cheese Pizza With a Cauliflower Crust
This cheesy pizza with a cauliflower crust is a burst of flavor. The pizza is low in carbs and nearly indistinguishable from traditional pizza dough, so you can eat healthily without sacrificing taste.
Gluten Free Organic Rolled Oats With Ancient Grains and Seeds
TJ’s organic rolled oats with ancient grains and seeds are the perfect topping for yogurt or a midday snack. This healthy mix combines amaranth, quinoa, chia seeds, and more to create a gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and crunchy treat with no added sugar.
Green Goddess Salad Dressing
Many salad dressings contain fat-heavy and calorie-dense ingredients, but not Trader Joe’s Green Goddess dressing. At only 20 calories per serving, this tasty topping mixes avocados, basil, onions, and other healthy ingredients into a fresh and tangy salad dressing for salads, wraps, and even dipping.
Jicama Wraps
Jicama is a tuber with a slightly nutty flavor and a crunchy texture similar to apples. These jicama wraps are a healthier alternative to more calorie-heavy corn or flour tortillas. Each serving has only 15 calories with 0 grams of fat, making it ideal for a healthier taco night.
Organic Firm Tofu
Each serving of Trader Joe’s organic firm tofu contains 10% of your daily calcium intake, 7% of your daily dietary fiber, and 8 grams of protein. This versatile food soaks up flavors easily and is perfect in stir fry or as an alternative to meat and seafood.
Organic Red Lentil Sedanini
This red lentil-based pasta is an excellent option for those with gluten intolerance or who want to add a little extra fiber to their diet. Each serving contains 13 grams of protein and 21% of your daily fiber. Pair it with the pasta sauce of your choice for a delicious and healthy dinner.
Organic Roasted Seaweed With Sea Salt
If you’re looking for a healthy snack, there are few better foods than Trader Joe’s organic roasted seaweed with sea salt. This crunchy treat has a deep umami flavor and only 30 calories per package. Seaweed is also loaded with iodine, which helps support the healthy function of the thyroid gland.
Organic Shredded Kale
Kale is loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. Best of all, this shredded version from Trader Joe’s is triple-washed, so you can eat it straight out of the bag.
Organic Açaí Purée Packets
Açaí is a Brazilian superfruit that is high in antioxidants. Smoothie shops charge an arm and a leg for açaí smoothies and bowls, but Trader Joe’s only charges $3.99 for four packs of açaí puree, making this an extremely affordable option. Make your own smoothie bowls at home, topped with granola and fresh fruit.
Organic Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea
Turmeric is an immune-boosting spice rich in curcumin, an anti-inflammatory that decreases soreness and strengthens the immune system. This delicious tea blend mixes turmeric with other natural immune boosters like ginger to create a refreshing beverage that’s 100% organic.
Featured Image Credit: krblokhin/ iStock
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