Welcome to your go-to guide for spicing up your grill game this year! Trader Joe’s has always been a treasure trove for marinated meats that promise convenience without compromising on flavor.
In 2025, their lineup is particularly exciting, catering to a wide range of tastes from the classic to the adventurous. Whether you’re planning a family barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner, here’s the scoop on the top 8 marinated meats you’ll want to fire up your grill for.
1. Santa Maria Tri Tip Roast $11.99/Lb
This premium cut of beef is seasoned with a robust blend of garlic, pepper, and herbs reminiscent of its Californian origins. Perfect for those who appreciate a hearty, flavorful roast.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 13g
Ingredients:
- Beef Tri Tip
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Grill over medium heat and slice against the grain. Serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
2. Bool Kogi $12.99/Lb
A Korean classic, this marinated beef is sweet, savory, and has a hint of sesame. It’s thinly sliced for quick cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 190 per serving
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 14g
Ingredients:
- Beef
- Soy Sauce
- Sugar
- Sesame Oil
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Best cooked on a hot grill for a few minutes per side. Enjoy wrapped in lettuce with a dollop of gochujang for an authentic Korean experience.
3. Shawarma Chicken Thighs $6.99/1 Lb
Marinated in a traditional Middle Eastern spice mix, these chicken thighs are juicy and aromatic, perfect for pita wraps or salads.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 160
- Total Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Vitamin D: 0 mcg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 1.2 mg
- Potassium: 290 mg
Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Garlic Powder
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Grill until charred and tender. Slice and serve in a warm pita with tzatziki, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
4. Balsamic Rosemary Beef Steak Tips $11.99/1 Lb
These beef tips are marinated in balsamic vinegar and rosemary, offering a tangy twist that tenderizes the beef to perfection.
Nutrition Facts:
- Beef
- Balsamic Rosemary Marinade:
- Balsamic Vinegar (Red Wine Vinegar, Grape Juice Concentrate, Caramel Color)
- Brown Sugar, Sugar
- Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt)
- Rosemary
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt
- Parsley
- Porcini Mushroom
- Garlic
- Cornstarch
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Black Pepper
- Vinegar Powder
- Natural Rosemary Flavor
- Contains Soy, Wheat.
Ingredients:
- Beef
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Rosemary
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Skewer with onions and bell peppers for a delicious kabob, or grill as is for a succulent main dish.
5. Savory Herbed Chicken Thighs $6.99/1 Lb
Infused with a medley of herbs, these chicken thighs are moist, flavorful, and versatile for any grilling occasion.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 140
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.0 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
- Dietary Fiber: Less than 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Iron: 1.4 mg
- Potassium: 310 mg
Ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Perfect for grilling and serving with a side of grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes.
6. Pesto Chicken Breast $8.99/1 Lb
Tender chicken breasts marinated in a rich basil pesto sauce, this option is ideal for those who prefer a lighter, herbaceous flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 130 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 3g
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast
- Basil
- Parmesan Cheese
- Product ingredients, nutrition and allergen values may vary by region, please review packaging in-store for current details.
- Contains Walnuts, milk
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Grill until fully cooked and serve over a bed of fresh pasta or sliced in a Caesar salad.
7. Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Chicken Tenders $7.49/1 Lb
These chicken tenders are marinated with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per Serving: 150
- Total Fat: 2.0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
Ingredients:
- Chicken Tenders
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Basil
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Serve these tenders with a side of couscous and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a quick and tasty meal.
8. Pollo Asado Autentico $8.49/1 Lb
A traditional Mexican-style marinated chicken with vibrant citrus and garlic notes, perfect for tacos or burritos.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 140 per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 6g
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Orange Juice
- Lime Juice
- Garlic
Prep/Serving Suggestion:
Grill and slice for authentic Pollo Asado tacos, topped with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Final Say
These marinated meats from Trader Joe’s are not only convenient but packed with flavors that will elevate your grilling game. Pick your favorites and get ready for a flavorful summer!
