Trader Joe's Haul with a Dietitian | Rebecca Housh, MS, RDN

food | 5 min read

Trader Joe’s needs no introduction but if you never have been, Trader Joe's is a grocery store chain known for its unique offerings at unbeatable prices. Even though Trader Joe’s holds just a fraction of the number of items that a typical supermarket carries, its products rarely fall short in taste and quality.

Trader Joe's also has a unique loyal following, if you have been there before, you just know. Offering everything from cookie butter to kale gnocchi to artisanal cheeses, Trader Joe’s is a one-stop-shop for all the latest and greatest food finds.

Let's find some goodies!

dietitian approved TJ's haul

We asked Rebecca Housh, a registered dietitian from Chicago, to give us a run-down of her favorite dietitian-approved Trader Joe’s picks. Here’s what she gave us:

1. frozen mango chunks

Rebecca:
“Mango is one of my favorite fruits but can be expensive and difficult to find (especially in the winter months). TJ’s frozen mango chunks satisfy my mango cravings all year round. I add them to smoothies, yogurt parfaits, and even use them to make mango salsa!”

2. crunchy salted peanut butter

Rebecca:
"I have at least two jars of TJ’s peanut butter on hand at all times. I love TJ’s peanut butter because the ingredients are simple (just peanuts and salt) with no unnecessary oils or added sugars. Peanut butter is such a versatile ingredient; it’s great mixed with oatmeal for breakfast, spread on celery for a snack, or even incorporated with soy sauce, lime juice, and chili sauce for a Thai-inspired sauce.”

3. vegetable & soba noodle stir fry kit

trader joes vegetable & soba noodle stir fry kit

Rebecca:
“This is one of my favorite options for a quick and easy dinner. With this stir fry kit you can have a delicious and nutritious meal in less than 10 minutes. I like to add carrots and chopped peanuts for an extra crunch!”

4. mashed sweet potatoes (in the frozen aisle)

Rebecca:
“Mashed sweet potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes; but making them from scratch can take hours. I love TJ’s frozen mashed sweet potatoes because they are quick and easy to make and contain just one ingredient: sweet potatoes. I like pairing them with baked chicken and green beans!”

5. sesame honey almonds

Rebecca:
“TJ’s has one of the best selections of nuts, seed, and trail mixes at unbeatable prices. One of my favorites is their sesame honey almonds. With just the right amount of sweetness and the perfect crunch, these almonds make the perfect mid-day snack. I also like to use them as salad toppers!”

6. oven-baked cheese bites

Rebecca:
“Simple and delicious; that’s how I would describe these oven-baked cheese bites. Cheese bites are an excellent option for an on-the-go snack because they are high in protein to help keep you satiated. I like to pair mine with apple slices for added fiber!”

7. turkey burgers (in the frozen aisle)

Rebecca:
“Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein. These frozen patties are a great option to have on hand for easy lunches or quick dinners. I like to eat them on a bun or chop them into an arugula salad.”

8. baked tofu

Rebecca:
“Cooking tofu can be difficult to perfect. TJ’s marinated baked tofu is a game-changer (with no cooking required!). I like to serve baked tofu over brown rice and roasted vegetables for a light and easy lunch. Tofu also contains all nine essential amino acids - making it a complete protein source!”

9. vegan kale, cashew, & basil pesto

trader joes vegan kale cashew basil pesto

Rebecca:
“I could talk this pesto up for hours. The flavor and versatility that comes with this simple spread is unbeatable. I like to use it on sandwiches, as a dip, or mix it with pasta.”

10. dark chocolate crisps

Rebecca:
“I can’t go to TJ’s without perusing their chocolate section. These dark chocolate crisps are my favorite because they are light and airy yet still rich and delicious. And one single crisp has less than 2g of sugar! Dark chocolate is also an excellent source of antioxidants.”