Trader Joe’s is known for its unbeatable combination of affordability, convenience, and mouthwatering flavors, especially in the frozen and prepared foods aisle. If you’ve ever wandered through Trader Joe’s, you know it’s a goldmine for quick meals and delicious snacks. This year, we’ve carefully ranked 13 of their most popular frozen and prepared foods, considering taste, versatility, and overall value. Let’s dig in!
13. Lemon Herb Macaroni Salad
Why We Love This
This vibrant macaroni salad delivers a refreshing twist with its zesty lemon herb dressing. It’s perfect as a picnic side dish or a quick lunch, with flavors that brighten any meal.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni, lemon herb dressing, parsley, chives, and a touch of garlic.
Versatility of Use
Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal, or serve it alongside your favorite sandwiches for a satisfying lunch.
12. Chicken & Green Chile Tamales
Why We Love This
These tamales are packed with tender chicken and mild green chile, wrapped in a soft corn masa shell. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in minutes.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
Ingredients
Shredded chicken, green chile, corn masa, and spices.
Versatility of Use
Serve with a side of black beans and rice or top with sour cream and salsa for an elevated meal.
11. Old Fashioned Potato Salad
Why We Love This
This classic take on potato salad is creamy, comforting, and always reliable. It’s perfect for barbecues or as a nostalgic side dish.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, mustard, and spices.
Versatility of Use
Use it as a side for burgers and hot dogs, or add diced ham and hard-boiled eggs for a heartier dish.
10. Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad
Why We Love This
Loaded with Mediterranean flavors like feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives, this pasta salad is light yet satisfying.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Orzo pasta, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Versatility of Use
Serve as a main dish with a side of pita bread or as a side for grilled lamb or chicken.
9. Carnitas with Salsa Verde Burrito
Why We Love This
Packed with tender, flavorful carnitas and a zesty salsa verde, this burrito offers a quick, satisfying meal that feels like it came from a taqueria.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Slow-cooked pork carnitas, salsa verde, rice, black beans, and seasonings wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Versatility of Use
Perfect for a grab-and-go lunch, or cut it in half and serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
8. Spring Rolls with Shrimp
Why We Love This
These light and refreshing spring rolls are stuffed with shrimp, crunchy veggies, and vermicelli noodles, making them a guilt-free snack or appetizer.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Shrimp, carrots, lettuce, rice paper, vermicelli noodles, and a tangy dipping sauce.
Versatility of Use
Serve as an appetizer or pair with a light soup or salad for a satisfying lunch.
7. Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains
Why We Love This
This hearty soup is loaded with nutritious lentils, quinoa, and barley, making it a wholesome choice for chilly evenings or a light lunch.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients
Lentils, quinoa, barley, tomatoes, onions, and spices.
Versatility of Use
Enjoy it on its own, or pair with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
6. Chicken Sausage Breakfast Burrito
Why We Love This
This protein-packed breakfast option combines savory chicken sausage, fluffy eggs, and cheese for a morning meal that’s as filling as it is delicious.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and a soft tortilla.
Versatility of Use
Microwave it for a quick breakfast or slice it into rounds for a brunch charcuterie board.
5. Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich
Why We Love This
This sandwich strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet, with juicy turkey, crisp apple slices, and creamy cheddar cheese.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 18g
Ingredients
Turkey breast, sliced apples, cheddar cheese, multigrain bread, and a touch of honey mustard.
Versatility of Use
Great for lunchboxes or as a quick dinner paired with soup or salad.
4. Tarragon Chicken Salad Wrap
Why We Love This
The herbal notes of tarragon perfectly complement the creamy chicken salad, wrapped in a soft tortilla for ultimate convenience.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Shredded chicken, mayonnaise, tarragon, lettuce, and a tortilla wrap.
Versatility of Use
Slice into pinwheels for party appetizers or enjoy as a light main dish.
3. Egg Bites Cheddar Cheese & Uncured Bacon
Why We Love This
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, these egg bites are a fantastic high-protein breakfast or snack. The cheddar and bacon combo is a crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Ingredients
Eggs, cheddar cheese, uncured bacon, and seasonings.
Versatility of Use
Enjoy hot out of the oven or microwave, or pair with toast and avocado for a hearty breakfast.
2. Buffalo Style Chicken Wrap
Why We Love This
Bold and spicy, this wrap combines tender chicken, Buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing for a flavor-packed experience.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Ingredients
Chicken breast, Buffalo sauce, lettuce, ranch dressing, and a tortilla.
Versatility of Use
Pair it with carrot sticks and blue cheese dressing for a Buffalo-themed meal.
1. Waldorf Salad
Why We Love This
This classic dish gets a Trader Joe’s makeover with a delightful mix of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, juicy grapes, and creamy dressing. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients
Apples, walnuts, grapes, celery, and creamy dressing.
Versatility of Use
Serve as a side dish, a light snack, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or salmon.
Final Say
Trader Joe’s frozen and prepared foods are a delicious solution for busy schedules and curious taste buds. This curated list of the top 13 products showcases the variety and quality that Trader Joe’s fans have come to expect. Whether you’re indulging in the creamy Waldorf Salad or spicing things up with the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, these items are sure to keep your meals exciting all year long.
What are your favorite Trader Joe’s frozen or prepared foods? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for more delicious finds in 2024!
