Being a vegan can be difficult. There is a stigma attached to vegans for being "picky" or "difficult," and it can be hard to source food options without meat or dairy. However, the vegan Trader Joe's items make eating plant-based easier to manage. With plenty of healthy options to choose from, vegans can make creative and delicious meals in the kitchen.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
The Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi has been a staple for me ever since it was released in 2018. The cauliflower flavor is very mild, so you can barely tell you are getting in some extra vegetables! You can cook it in the microwave for a couple of minutes for a softer consistency, or air-fry them to get some nice, crispy edges.
Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips: Chili and Lime Flavored
If you can only buy one thing from Trader Joe's, do yourself a favor and get these Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. They taste like a better version of Takis, and since they are not as coated in spicy dust as the original Takis, you can still taste a hint of the corn chip underneath. Be careful–these are spicy yet addictive!
Chicken-Less Mandarin Orange Chicken
As someone who is not the biggest fan of soy meat, these vegan chicken morsels are one of my favorite hidden gems at Trader Joe's. They have a great consistency that isn't too chewy, and the sauce is tangy and sweet. Defrost the morsels in a pan over medium heat, toss the "chicken" in some sauce, and pair with some rice and veggies for a quick, easy, and well-balanced dinner.
Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains
This hearty soup is one of my favorite pre-packaged soups to buy at the grocery store. It's packed with fiber and plant-based protein from the lentils and other grains, and the vegetables are delightfully seasoned with garlic powder and salt. I love heating this up on the stove or the microwave for a quick, 5-minute meal! I 100% would recommend this for any soup lover.
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
These peanut butter pretzels make a great road trip snack. The creamy peanut butter filling pairs nicely with the salty pretzel coating. Definitely give this snack a try if you are trying to switch it up from the usual potato chip or popcorn!
Vegan Kale, Cashew, & Basil Pesto
The Trader Joe's Pesto is made without cheese so that all plant-based eaters can enjoy it! Like regular pesto, it's very versatile—try it on a sandwich, as a dip, or as the base for your pizza. I personally love serving it with pasta with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to give it a cheesy, savory kick.
Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups
Situated right by the checkout line, these delectable treats always end up in my basket. As someone who loved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups before going vegan, these sunflower seed butter cups to satisfy my sweet tooth.
#SpoonTip: Store these in the freezer so that you can enjoy your chilled chocolate with tea at the end of a long day
Now you know which vegan Trader Joe's items to pick up on your next trip to the grocery store. Trader Joe's is the place to go for anyone who is vegan or just wants to try out some plant-based alternatives! They are always putting out new items, so always be on the look out for the new vegan Trader Joe's products.