When it comes to quality and variety, Trader Joe’s meat selection is nothing short of impressive. From marinated cuts ready to toss on the grill to versatile proteins for weeknight dinners, there’s something for every meat lover. But not all meats are created equal, so we’ve done the taste-testing for you. Here’s our roundup of the 5 must-have meats, the 4 you can skip, and our top pick for your next grill session!
5 Must-Have Meats
1. Trader Joe’s Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken $6.99/16 oz
This pre-cooked lemon pepper chicken is a quick and easy protein option, perfect for salads, wraps, or a quick dinner.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 130
Total Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sodium: 480mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 24g
Ingredients: Chicken breast, water, lemon juice concentrate, vinegar, lemon peel, garlic, onion, spices.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Simply heat in the microwave or skillet until warm. Serve over a bed of greens or with your favorite side dish.
2. Trader Joe’s Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken $5.99/1 lb
This whole chicken is marinated and flattened for even cooking, making it a fantastic choice for grilling or roasting.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 230 per serving (4 oz)
Total Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sodium: 380mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: less than 1g
Protein: 17g
Ingredients: Chicken, Citrus Brine (Fruit Juice Solution [Water, Orange Juice, Sea Salt, Lime Juice], Vinegar Powder, Natural Rosemary Flavor [Maltodextrin, Rosemary Extract]), Marinade (Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic [Water, Garlic], Parsley, Rosemary), Lemon.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F or grill on medium heat. Cook for 45-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest before carving.
3. Trader Joe’s Sweet Italian Pork Sausage $6.49/1 lb
These sweet Italian sausages are perfect for adding a flavorful twist to pasta dishes, sandwiches, or grilling.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 190 (1 link)
Total Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sodium: 440mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 15g
Ingredients: Pork, Italian Seasoning (Sea Salt, Dextrose, Spices [Anise, Fennel], Potassium Chloride, Natural Flavors, Paprika Oleoresin [For Color], Lactic Acid), Water, Packed in a Natural Pork Casing.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Grill on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through. Serve with sautéed peppers and onions or in a bun.
4. Trader Joe’s Marinated Carne Asada $11.99/1 lb
A fan favorite, this carne asada is marinated to perfection and ideal for tacos, fajitas, or simply grilled and served with a squeeze of lime.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 160 per serving (4 oz)
Total Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 24g
Ingredients: *Product may vary by region, please review packaging in-store for current details.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Grill on high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Let rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
5. Trader Joe’s Hardwood Smoked Pulled Pork $8.99/16 oz
This ready-to-eat Hardwood Smoked Pulled Pork is smoky, tender, and perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 200 per serving (3 oz)
Total Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Sodium: 115mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 20g
Ingredients: Pork, Water, Sea Salt (Sea Salt, Magnesium Carbonate [Anti-Caking]), Light Brown Sugar, Sugar, Molasses, Maple Syrup, Coffee, Seasoning Blend (White Pepper, Onion Powder, Dehydrated Garlic), Dried Vinegar, Yeast Extract, and Citrus Extract.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm. Serve on a toasted bun with coleslaw.
4 Meats to Skip
1. Trader Joe’s Ground Turkey $4.49/1 lb
While it’s a healthier option, this ground turkey tends to be on the dry side and lacks the rich flavor of other meats.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 160 per serving (4 oz)
Total Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sodium: 75mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 22g
Ingredients: *Product may vary by region, please review packaging in-store for current details.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Best used in recipes where it can absorb additional flavors, like chili or casseroles.
2. Trader Joe’s Pork Belly $6.99/12 oz
Although it sounds indulgent, this pork belly can be too fatty for some, and it requires extra effort to achieve the perfect texture.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 240 per serving (3 oz)
Total Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sodium: 45mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 13g
Ingredients: Pork Belly, Water, Sea Salt.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy. Best served in small portions due to its richness.
3. Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs $6.99/1 lb
While flavorful, the marinated chicken thighs can be inconsistent in texture, with some pieces being overly fatty.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 160 per serving (4 oz)
Total Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Sodium: 440mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 21g
Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh, Shawarma Spice Marinade (Shawarma Seasoning [Dehydrated Onion, Dehydrated Garlic, Sea Salt, Spices, Paprika, Turmeric, Parsley], Annatto Oil for Color [Soybean Oil, Annatto Seed], Lemon Juice, Vinegar Powder, Natural Rosemary Flavor).
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Grill or pan-fry over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Slice and serve with pita bread and veggies.
4. Trader Joe’s BBQ Teriyaki Chicken $5.99/21 oz
This pre-cooked chicken often lacks the depth of flavor expected from a good teriyaki, and the texture can be a bit rubbery.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 240 per serving (1 cup frozen)
Total Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Sodium: 710mg
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 31g
Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Leg Meat, Water, Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt), Dark Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Salt, Sugar, Wheat Flour, Mushroom Extract), Modified Cornstarch, Salt, Lime Juice Concentrate, Ginger, Garlic, Green Onion.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Heat in the microwave or skillet until warm. Best served over rice with steamed vegetables.
Our Top Grill-Worthy Pick
Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Autentica $11.99/1 lb
This carne asada tops our list for its robust flavor, versatility, and ease of cooking. Whether you’re making tacos, fajitas, or just enjoying it on its own, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your summer grill.
Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Calories: 160 per serving (4 oz)
Total Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 24g
Ingredients: *Product may vary by region, please review packaging in-store for current details.
Preparation/Cooking Instructions:
Grill on high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Let rest before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve with your favorite salsa and sides for an unbeatable meal.
Trader Joe’s offers a wide range of meats to suit any palate and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a weekend BBQ, this guide helps you pick the best and skip the rest. And for those grilling this summer, don’t forget to grab that carne asada – it’s the star of the show!
