Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and delicious food offerings, but not everything on the shelves is as healthy as it seems. While many products boast gourmet flavors and convenient preparation, some come packed with high levels of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
We’ve rounded up 15 Trader Joe’s foods that might not be the best for your everyday diet. Read on!
Uncooked Ground Buffalo Burgers $10.99/16 oz
Buffalo meat is often marketed as a leaner alternative to beef, but Trader Joe’s Ground Buffalo Burgers still come with a significant amount of saturated fat. While they offer a good amount of protein, they should be eaten in moderation, especially if you’re watching your fat intake.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 370
- Total Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 25g
Ingredients
- Buffalo Meat
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pumpkin Spread $2.99/10 oz
This fall-inspired spread is packed with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices. However, it is also loaded with sugar, making it more of a dessert topping than a healthy snack.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 50
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 0g
Ingredients
- Pumpkin
- Sugar
- Lemon Juice Concentrate
- Fruit Pectin
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
Preparation Instructions
- Spread on toast, crackers, or pancakes.
- Mix into yogurt or oatmeal for extra flavor.
- Use as a topping for desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
Perfectly Pickled Pups $4.99/10 oz
These mini corn dogs have a unique twist with a hint of tangy pickle flavor. However, they are deep-fried and contain processed meats, making them a less-than-ideal snack option.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients
- Beef Hot Dogs
- Pickle Relish
- Cornmeal Batter
- Vegetable Oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Spices
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place pups on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving with mustard or dipping sauce.
Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions $5.49/8.5 oz
These bite-sized pastries are packed with creamy feta cheese and sweet caramelized onions, making them an irresistible snack. However, they are high in calories, fats, and sodium due to the buttery pastry and cheese filling.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry (Flour, Butter, Water, Salt)
- Feta Cheese
- Caramelized Onions
- Eggs
- Cream
- Seasonings
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place frozen pastry bites on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
French Onion Macaroni & Cheese $4.99/12 oz
This creamy and flavorful dish combines classic mac and cheese with the rich taste of French onion soup. While undeniably delicious, it is loaded with fats, sodium, and carbohydrates, making it a heavy indulgence.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 370
- Total Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 16g
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Cheese Blend (Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan)
- Caramelized Onions
- Heavy Cream
- Butter
- Seasonings
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Remove plastic film from the tray.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches $4.99/20 fl oz
These ice cream sandwiches combine creamy vanilla ice cream with soft chocolate chip cookies. While they are a delightful treat, they are also high in sugar and saturated fats, making them best enjoyed occasionally.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 370
- Total Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 34g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sugar
- Butter
- Chocolate Chips
- Eggs
- Flour
- Baking Soda
- Salt
Preparation Instructions
- Enjoy straight from the freezer.
- Let sit for a minute or two for a softer bite.
Lemon Pesto Sauce $3.49/6.7 oz
Trader Joe’s Lemon Pesto Sauce offers a bright and zesty twist on traditional pesto. However, it is high in fat due to the olive oil and cheese content, so portion control is key.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Basil
- Parmesan Cheese
- Lemon Juice
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pine Nuts
Preparation Instructions
- Stir well before use.
- Toss with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or drizzle over grilled vegetables.
Pretzel Bread Pudding $4.49/7.6 oz
This dessert combines the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweet richness of traditional bread pudding. However, it is loaded with sugar and fats, making it a heavy treat.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 23g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- Pretzel Pieces
- Cream
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Butter
- Cinnamon
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Serve with whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Cheeseburger Burrito $4.49/8 oz
This burrito combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a handheld meal. However, it is high in calories, fats, and sodium, making it a less-than-healthy choice.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 610
- Total Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Sodium: 1,190mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 27g
Ingredients
- Ground Beef
- Cheese Blend
- Flour Tortilla
- Pickles
- Onions
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Spices
Preparation Instructions
- Remove from packaging.
- Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Let rest for 1 minute before eating.
Korean Style Beef Short Ribs $13.99/20 oz
These marinated short ribs offer a savory and slightly sweet flavor, making them a popular choice. However, they contain high levels of sodium and sugar, making them an occasional indulgence rather than a regular meal.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 16g
Ingredients
- Beef Short Ribs
- Soy Sauce
- Sugar
- Garlic
- Sesame Oil
- Green Onion
- Ginger
- Black Pepper
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat grill or pan to medium-high heat.
- Cook ribs for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds $4.99/16 oz
These crispy and gooey cheddar cheese curds are a satisfying snack or appetizer, but their deep-fried coating makes them high in fat and calories. While they’re a crowd-pleaser, they are best enjoyed in small portions.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
- Cheddar Cheese
- Wheat Flour
- Vegetable Oil
- Salt
- Spices
- Cornstarch
- Baking Powder
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place curds on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tteok Bok Ki $3.99/16 oz
This Korean street food favorite features chewy rice cakes smothered in a spicy, savory sauce. While flavorful, it is high in sodium and carbohydrates, making it a meal best balanced with lean protein and vegetables.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- Rice Cakes
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
- Sugar
- Soy Sauce
- Garlic
- Sesame Oil
- Green Onion
Preparation Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Add rice cakes and sauce with ½ cup of water.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Southwest Style Chicken Quesadillas $4.49/12 oz
These quesadillas pack a punch with seasoned chicken, cheese, and spicy flavors, but their high sodium and calorie content make them more of a treat than an everyday meal.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 23g
Ingredients
- Flour Tortilla
- Chicken
- Cheese Blend
- Peppers
- Onions
- Spices
Preparation Instructions
- Remove from packaging.
- Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole.
Brie en Croûte $7.49/12 oz
This elegant appetizer features creamy brie wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. While a great option for entertaining, it is high in fats and calories, making it an indulgence rather than an everyday snack.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
- Brie Cheese
- Puff Pastry
- Butter
- Egg Wash
- Flour
- Salt
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place brie on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Vanilla Almond Spiced Chai Protein Smoothie $3.49/16 oz
This protein smoothie blends almond milk with chai spices for a flavorful drink, but its added sugars make it a less-than-ideal choice for a daily beverage.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
- Almond Milk
- Protein Blend
- Cane Sugar
- Chai Spices
- Vanilla Extract
- Xanthan Gum
Preparation Instructions
- Shake well before drinking.
- Serve chilled.
- Can be blended with ice for a thicker texture.
Conclusion
While these Trader Joe’s favorites may be tasty, they aren’t the best choices for a balanced diet due to their high fat, sugar, or sodium content. That doesn’t mean you have to give them up entirely—but being mindful of portion sizes and enjoying them as an occasional treat rather than a staple can help you make healthier choices.
Next time you shop, be sure to check the labels and balance indulgences with nutrient-dense options to keep your meals both satisfying and nutritious!
