15 Delicious Finds Under $5 That Taste Expensive

Trader Joe’s is packed with gourmet-quality foods at budget-friendly prices. If you want to enjoy rich flavors without breaking the bank, this list is for you. Here are 15 delicious Trader Joe’s finds under $5 that taste like a splurge!

1. Everything and the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip $3.79/8 oz

This creamy dip blends Greek yogurt with smoky, cheesy elote seasoning for a flavorful punch.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 50
  • Total Fat: 3.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 3g

Ingredients:

Greek yogurt, corn, Parmesan cheese, chili powder, sea salt, lime juice.

How to Enjoy:

Pair with tortilla chips, spread on sandwiches, or use as a veggie dip.

2. Olive Fougasse $3.49/10 oz

This rustic French bread is packed with briny olives and has a perfectly chewy texture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients:

Wheat flour, olives, olive oil, salt, yeast.

How to Enjoy:

Toast and serve with olive oil or pair with cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.

3. Very Berry Granola $3.99/16 oz

A crunchy mix of oats and dried berries, perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Protein: 5g

Ingredients:

Rolled oats, dried strawberries, dried blueberries, honey, almonds.

How to Enjoy:

Eat as a cereal, mix into yogurt, or snack on it dry.

4. Papas Rellenas $4.99/10 oz

These crispy, stuffed potato balls are filled with a savory beef mixture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 6g

Ingredients:

Potatoes, ground beef, onions, spices, breadcrumbs.

Preparation Instructions:

Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or air fry until golden brown.

5. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit $3.99/9.75 oz

A refreshing mix of greens, feta, and a zesty lemon dressing.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 3g

Ingredients:

Arugula, basil, feta cheese, lemon vinaigrette.

How to Enjoy:

Toss and serve as a light meal or a side dish.

6. Sourdough Sandwich Bread $3.49/24 oz

A tangy, chewy loaf perfect for gourmet sandwiches.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients:

Wheat flour, sourdough starter, salt.

How to Enjoy:

Toast for breakfast or make a gourmet grilled cheese.

7. Burrata Filling $4.49/8 oz

A rich, creamy cheese filling perfect for stuffing pasta or spreading on bread.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 90
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 5g

Ingredients:

Mozzarella, cream, salt.

How to Enjoy:

Spread on crostini or use as a pasta filling.

8. Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips $2.99/6 oz

Thick-cut potato chips coated in creamy blue cheese seasoning.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 140
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

Ingredients:

Potatoes, blue cheese powder, sunflower oil, salt.

How to Enjoy:

Eat straight from the bag or pair with dips.

9. Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah $4.99/7 oz

A rich, nutty cheese infused with red wine flavors.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 7g

Ingredients:

Pasteurized milk, Syrah wine, salt, cheese cultures.

How to Enjoy:

Serve with crackers or melt over roasted vegetables.

10. Papas Rellenas $4.99/10 oz

These crispy, stuffed potato balls are filled with a savory beef mixture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 6g

Ingredients:

Potatoes, ground beef, onions, spices, breadcrumbs.

Preparation Instructions:

Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or air fry until golden brown.

11. Mandarin Orange Chicken $4.99/22 Oz

Trader Joe’s fan-favorite Mandarin Orange Chicken offers restaurant-quality flavor at a fraction of the price.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Sodium: 330mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Protein: 13g

Ingredients:

Chicken breast, orange sauce (sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, orange peel), cornstarch, egg whites.

Preparation Instructions:

  • Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Toss with heated sauce before serving.

12. Chicken Tikka Masala $4.49/8.5 Oz

A rich, creamy Indian dish featuring tender chicken in a spiced tomato-based sauce.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 360
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 21g

Ingredients:

Chicken, tomatoes, cream, butter, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder.

Preparation Instructions:

Heat in the microwave for 3-4 minutes or warm on the stovetop until heated through.

13. Mini Vegetable Samosas $3.99/8.5 Oz

Crispy, golden pastry pockets filled with a flavorful vegetable and spice mixture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 160
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients:

Potatoes, peas, carrots, onions, spices, wheat flour, vegetable oil.

Preparation Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or air fry until crispy.

14. Parmesan Pastry Pups $4.99/10.5 Oz

Flaky puff pastry wrapped around mini beef franks with a touch of Parmesan.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 270
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Sodium: 490mg
  • Dietary Fiber: Less than 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 8g

Ingredients:

Beef franks, puff pastry, Parmesan cheese, butter, flour, salt.

Preparation Instructions:

Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

15. Enchilada Sauce $4.49/24 Oz

A bold and tangy red sauce perfect for smothering enchiladas and other Mexican dishes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 30
  • Total Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Dietary Fiber: Less than 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: Less than 1g

Ingredients:

Tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, onions, cumin, oregano, vinegar.

Preparation Instructions:

Heat in a saucepan over medium heat and pour over enchiladas, tacos, or rice dishes.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s makes it easy to enjoy gourmet flavors without spending a fortune. These 15 delicious finds under $5 bring rich, satisfying tastes at budget-friendly prices. Whether you’re looking for savory snacks, indulgent cheeses, or convenient meals, these affordable gems are worth adding to your cart.

Have a favorite Trader Joe’s item under $5? Let us know in the comments! Happy shopping and happy eating!

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