Go to the main content

15 Best Vegan Items at Trader Joe’s

Ahhh, Trader Joe’s. Everyone’s favorite spot to grab a quickie lunchtime bite, fill up the fridge relatively inexpensively, or “accidentally” run into that cute gym trainer. Whether you’re there to cut down on your UberEats bill or just to chat it up with the friendly cashiers (it’s okay we all get lonely), we can all agree that TJ’s has some groovylicious vegan options. Read on for our faves!

Food & Drink

Ahhh, Trader Joe’s. Everyone’s favorite spot to grab a quickie lunchtime bite, fill up the fridge relatively inexpensively, or “accidentally” run into that cute gym trainer. Whether you’re there to cut down on your UberEats bill or just to chat it up with the friendly cashiers (it’s okay we all get lonely), we can all agree that TJ’s has some groovylicious vegan options. Read on for our faves!

Cauliflower Gnocchi

Hotter than Beyonce’s latest album! A product so hot in fact, that when it came out, TJ’s limited purchases to two bags per person. Forgo the bag directions, because you is a profesh and know the pro-tips. Heat up some EVOO on medium-high in a pan with some garlic and mushrooms, then throw in your cauli-gnocchi. Let it get nice and brown on one side, then flip it once onto the other side. Sprinkle generously with vegan parm or nooch, salt and pepper, and you’ll get all the carb-y satisfaction without all the extra guilt.

Cashew Fiesta Dip

A dip so delightfully delicious, you’ll spread it on veggies, you’ll spread it on corn chips, dump it on your salad, or hey just rub it all over your body! Because that’s how DECADENT it is. Made up of potatoes, carrots, and onions, we are convinced it is basically a salad, so go nuts!

Trader Joe’s Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls

Accidentally vegan but purposefully so freakin’ delicious! Perfectly moist and the right amount of sweet, they come with the icing in a separate pouch so you can control your icing level. Pro-tip: Buy two tins, gift one to someone you dislike. Take the icing packet from theirs and use it on yours. Extra frosting for you. No frosting for them. Continue to take over the world.

Chicken-less Mandarin Orange Morsels

Panda Express, who? We on that TJ’s Express, boiiiiii! Frozen in a bag, pop ‘em in the oven, then mix them up with the tangy orange-y sauce, and serve it over jasmine rice alongside stir-fried veggies. The only thing missing is the fortune cookie and self-hate!

Buono Mochi-Ice Dessert

Comes in strawberry, mango, green tea, it’s the 2019 breakup food you didn’t know you needed. Glutinous and chewy on the outside with a decadent ice cream interior. Sing the latest T-Swizzle while happily chewing your way to independence!

Trader Joe’s Dolmas

What the heck is a grape leaf, anyway? Have you ever seen leaves on a grape? Regardless, these little rice-stuffed babies are delicious slightly warmed up or cold as is. Use them to fancy up a vegan cheese plate, or eat them right out of the tin while you stand one legged at your kitchen counter watching the Bachelor (our preferred method).

Trader Joe’s Vegan, Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto

This. Stuff. Is. Crack. In. A. Cup. Take it from us, this stuff is good on EVERYTHING. Crackers, pasta, bread, salad, potatoes, pita, your boyfriend’s arm. EVERYTHING! In a time crunch on your way to a party? Didn’t your mama teach you never to show up empty-handed. Roll up to TJ’s, grab this pesto and some crackers, show up the party and be the most popular person there. You’re welcome.

Miyoko’s Cultured Vegan Butter

Palm-oil free and made with cultured cashew milk (yes, it’s been around the world), and organic coconut oil, this butter is good on toast and for your tummy! Smear it on your favorite bagel or use it to cook up your favorite meal. Replaces anything you would use normal butter in beautifully!

Trader Joe’s Super Burrito!

Because who has time to cook when you’re off work anyway? Some days you just can’t be bothered to cut, chop, and saute. This big daddy burrito’s got all the good stuff filled with sweet potato, quinoa, and kale and peruvian style boss. Chuck it in the microwave so your hands are free to stalk your latest Insta-crush. Easy-peazy!

Trader Joe’s Beefless Ground Beef

A super dope alternative to other meat crumble alternatives, TJ’s ground beef sautes beautifully on it’s own, is super flavorful and has all that good meaty texture. Throw it in a pan with some veggies and serve it side by side with some rice, and plop it in some tomato sauce with some spaghetti noodles. Variety is the spice of life!

Trader Joe’s Hi-Protein Veggie Burger

But like, how do you get your protein? Next time someone asks you this, throw this veggie patty in their face! Because with 26g of protein PER SERVING, this patty has its own muscles and will most likely punch them in the face with all this plant protein! Not to mention, it’s delicious, and we love it on a brioche bun!

Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Aminos

Trying to lower your sodium intake? Hey we ain’t getting any younger and neither are you. It’s called health, people! This soy sauce alternative is less sodium than tamari and gluten-free! Use it to marinate tofu, stir-fry veggies, or whip up some bomb diggity fried rice.

Trader Joe’s Vegan Jackfruit Cakes

Ah, jackfruit. The vegan’s secret arsenal to delectable pulled pork sandwiches, sloppy joes, and BBQ tacos. Formed into little crab cakes, we love these guys as an entree topped with horseradish, dill, and a squeeze of lemon alongside asparagus or atop a salad with some vegan caesar dressing. You could even sandwich them between two potato buns along some radicchio and vegan Thousand Island. The flavor profile in these is endless and so are the recipe possibilities!

Trader Joe’s Cold Brew Coconut Creme Lattes

The lazy sleepy person’s answer! Made up of 100% Brazilian Arabica beans, this cold brew’s got coconut cream from Sumatra for that velvety smooth texture and pure cane sugar for just the right amount of sweet. With only 110 calories and 9g of sugar per serving, you can totally justify going HAM on that vegan molten lava cake at dinner!

Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

Gluten-free crispy crunchy goodness with a satisfying bite! You’ll find yourself mindlessly munching these zesty perfectly spicy little dudes, while watching hours of Friends reruns. They also make an ideal dip chip for all your good vegan dip needs. Dunk ‘em in ranch, guacamole, or—try something weird—peanut butter. We don’t judge, we just encourage, then stand by to witness the potential trainwreck.

BONUS: The ENTIRE produce aisle

Where everything is—wait for it—VEGAN!!! The ENTIRE produce section—VEGAN. The zucchini, the lettuce, the apples, the avocados. All of it! So next time you see your carnivore friends in the produce section, tell them they’re buying vegan food. They’ll be freaked out.

Cat Limket

Cat is a vegan actress, model, and activist. She is passionate about healthy and holistic living, cruelty-free beauty, and the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. When she’s not on set or hugging puppies, you can find her on the hunt for vegan ice cream.

More Articles by Cat

More From Vegout