Welcome to the ultimate guide for food lovers looking to indulge without breaking the bank. Trader Joe’s, a haven for gourmet yet affordable eats, offers an array of delightful treats and meals—all priced under $5. Here, we explore a curated selection of Trader Joe’s must-tries that promise flavor and value in every bite.
1. Trader Joe’s Very Berry Granola $3.99/12 Oz
Start your day with a burst of berry flavor with Trader Joe’s Very Berry Granola. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack, this granola pairs beautifully with yogurt or milk.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 210
- Fats: 3g
- Carbs: 39g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients:
Whole grain oats, honey, dried blueberries, dried strawberries, sunflower seeds.
Preparation Instructions:
Enjoy straight from the bag or serve over yogurt for a nutritious breakfast.
2. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit $3.99/9.75 Oz
This salad kit is a symphony of flavors, featuring zesty lemony arugula and fresh basil with crunchy almonds and shaved parmesan.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 13g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients:
Arugula, romaine lettuce, basil, carrots, almonds, parmesan cheese, lemon dressing.
Preparation Instructions:
Toss all ingredients with the dressing included in the kit for a quick, gourmet side dish.
3. Trader Joe’s French Onion Popcorn $2.69/5 oz
If you love the savory taste of French onion soup, this popcorn is a must-try. Each kernel is coated in a delicious, cheesy onion seasoning.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Popcorn, sunflower oil, French onion seasoning/onion powder, garlic powder, cheese flavor, yeast extract.
Preparation Instructions:
Open and enjoy straight from the bag for a delicious snack.
4. Olive Fougasse $3.49/12 Oz
Reminiscent of artisan bakery bread, Olive Fougasse boasts a perfect blend of olives embedded within a soft, chewy loaf with a crispy exterior.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 130
- Fats: 2.5g
- Carbs: 23g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Wheat flour, water, black olives, green olives, yeast, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Best served warm; heat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until crispy.
5. Trader Joe’s Smoked Trout in Canola Oil $3.99/3.9 oz
This smoked trout offers a savory, smoky flavor, perfect for an appetizer or a hearty snack. Enjoy the rich, flaky fish straight from the tin or as part of a more elaborate dish.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 100
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients:
Smoked trout, canola oil, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Serve on crackers or stir into a fresh salad for a protein-rich addition.
6. Trader Joe’s Enchilada Sauce $4.49/24 Oz
With a newly perfected recipe, this enchilada sauce is bold and spicy, making it an ideal base for creating authentic enchiladas or as a flavorful simmering sauce.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 30
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Tomato puree, water, chili pepper, salt, spices, garlic powder.
Preparation Instructions:
Use as a sauce for homemade enchiladas or as a zesty dip.
7. Chicken Tikka Masala $4.49/8.5 Oz
This frozen entree serves up the authentic flavors of India with tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tikka masala sauce.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 300
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients:
Chicken breast, yogurt, tomato, cream, spices, lemon juice.
Preparation Instructions:
Microwave per package instructions and serve over rice for a complete meal.
8. Mandarin Orange Chicken $4.99/22 oz
A fan-favorite, this dish combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy mandarin orange sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 320
- Fats: 16g
- Carbs: 29g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 13g
Ingredients:
Chicken, wheat flour, water, orange sauce/sugar, water, mandarin oranges, vinegar, soy sauce.
Preparation Instructions:
Bake the chicken pieces according to package directions, then toss with the sauce provided.
9. Parmesan Pastry Pups $4.99/10.5 Oz
A party favorite, these Parmesan Pastry Pups wrap juicy hot dogs in a flaky pastry infused with parmesan, making for a decadent treat.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 270
- Fats: 18g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 9g
Ingredients:
Pastry dough, hot dogs, parmesan cheese, mustard.
Preparation Instructions:
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
10. Mini Vegetable Samosas $3.99/8.5 Oz
These bite-sized samosas are stuffed with a flavorful mix of vegetables and traditional Indian spices, encased in a crispy pastry.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 140
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients:
Potatoes, peas, carrots, onions, spices, wheat flour, water, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Bake in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
11. Trader Joe’s Papas Rellenas $4.99/14 Oz
These tantalizing mashed potato balls are filled with seasoned beef and vegetables, offering a perfect blend of texture and taste.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients:
Mashed potatoes, ground beef, bell peppers, onions, seasoning.
Preparation Instructions:
Fry in oil over medium heat until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
12. Everything and the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip $3.79/8 Oz
This Greek yogurt dip combines the flavors of Mexican street corn with a creamy, tangy base, perfect for dipping or spreading.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 50
- Fats: 2.5g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Greek yogurt, corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice.
Preparation Instructions:
Serve chilled with chips or veggies, or use as a topping for tacos.
13. Trader Joe’s Burrata Filling $4.49/8 Oz
Experience the creamy delight of Trader Joe’s Burrata Filling, ideal for enhancing any Italian dish or enjoyed on its own.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 130
- Fats: 12g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Mozzarella cheese, cream.
Preparation Intructions:
Spread on crusty bread or spoon over fresh tomatoes and basil for a classic caprese salad.
14. Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah $4.99/7 oz
This rich, creamy cheese has been soaked in Syrah wine, adding a unique, tart flavor that pairs beautifully with fruit or wine.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 110
- Fats: 9g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Ingredients:
Toscano cheese, Syrah wine.
Preparation Instructions:
Serve sliced with crackers or melted in gourmet sandwiches.
15. Shredded Parmesan Cheese Alternative $3.99/8 Oz
A dairy-free delight, this shredded parmesan alternative offers the nutty, salty taste of traditional parmesan without the dairy.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 100
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 9g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Nutritional yeast, coconut oil, potato starch, sea salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Sprinkle over pasta, salads, or any dish where you desire a cheesy flavor.
16. Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Dipped French Butter Cookies $2.99/4.76 Oz
These exquisite butter cookies dipped in dark chocolate offer a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 130
- Fats: 7g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Wheat flour, butter, dark chocolate, sugar, vanilla extract.
Preparation Instructions:
Enjoy as is for a delicious dessert or afternoon treat.
17. Trader Joe’s Everything but the Kitchen Sink Cookie Mix $4.49/15 Oz
This all-inclusive cookie mix features a medley of ingredients for a cookie that’s salty, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 160
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 21g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Flour, sugar, chocolate chunks, oats, walnuts, coconut flakes, caramel bits, pretzels.
Preparation Instructions:
Mix with one stick of butter and an egg, scoop onto a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
18. Trader Joe’s Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips $2.99/5.5 Oz
A unique twist on traditional snacks, these potato chips blend the tangy, robust flavor of blue cheese with the satisfying crunch of a classic chip.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 160
- Fats: 10g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Potatoes, sunflower oil, Cashel blue cheese flavor seasoning/blue cheese powder, salt, milk solids.
Preparation Instructions:
Open and enjoy directly from the bag.
19. Sourdough Sandwich Bread $3.49/24 Oz
Perfect for those who appreciate the tangy flavor of classic sourdough, this bread is ideal for sandwiches or simply toasted with butter.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 130
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 27g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Ingredients:
Wheat flour, water, sourdough culture, salt, yeast.
Preparation Instructions:
Slice and toast for a crunchy texture or use fresh for sandwiches.
20. Trader Joe’s Ode to the Classic Potato Chip $1.99/10 oz
A homage to simplicity and quality, these potato chips are thinly sliced and perfectly salted to highlight the natural flavors of the potato.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 160
- Fats: 10g
- Carbs: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Potatoes, vegetable oil, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Enjoy as a snack on their own or pair with your favorite dip for a treat.
Final Say
This completes our round-up of 20 fantastic finds at Trader Joe’s that won’t stretch your budget. Trader Joe’s continues to offer quality, variety, and value. Whether you’re stocking up for a party or just filling your pantry, these under $5 picks ensure you don’t have to compromise on taste or price. Happy shopping!
