Welcome to the definitive ranking of the tastiest frozen meals one can find at Trader Joe’s. For college students especially, easy-to-make dinners are preferred for those nights when you can’t gather the energy to cook. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s offers a selection of tasty, healthy, and diverse frozen meal options.
10. Chicken Fried Rice
Trader Joe’s Fried Rice comes in the vegetable and chicken varieties. This version made the top ten list due to the flavorful chicken and abundance of veggies. It is decent alone but has endless mouth-watering combinations as a base. Fry an egg sunny-side-up, and place on top of a bowl of steaming fried rice. Drizzle a little Sriracha, and you have an easy, flavorful upgrade. Or, you can use the rice as a bed for Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken. It’s a healthier, less greasy alternative to take out, but tastes just as good.
9. Pork Gyoza Potstickers
These potstickers can be easily microwaved for a chewier snack or pan-fried on the stove for a crispy outside. Either way, you can’t just eat one potsticker. They’re delicious dipped in soy sauce, and make for great on-the-go dinners for when you have a long night ahead of you in the library. The filling is hearty and delectable.
8. Mini Chicken Tacos
Another great on-the-go food is these fun Mini Chicken Tacos. They’re addictive on their own or dipped in Trader Joe’s Chunky Salsa. Think of these as the ultimate dipping chip; absolutely stuffed with savory vegetables and chicken. They’re a bite-sized twist on the traditional Taco Tuesday and can be eaten with rice and beans for a filling, easy-to-prepare dinner. The box came with a considerable amount of tacos, and my friends were pleased to share them.
7. Wild Mushroom and Black Truffle Flatbread
This handheld masterpiece is very distinct in its truffle and cheese taste; rich, savory, and creamy. It’ll taste like you’re dining in style, even if you’re munching at your dorm room’s desk. The flatbread can be upgraded with some arugula or basil placed on top. The serving size reads that it serves two, but it is aptly sized for one person plus a small number of leftovers. Slice it up into bite-sized pieces for study snacks, or just dig in. We understand.
6. Yellow Jackfruit Curry with Jasmine Rice
This flavorful, bold jackfruit curry meal made the top-ten ranking due to its spicy kick and robust sauce. This rice and vegetable dish is vegan and cuts no corners when it comes to curry. It’s a cure-all if you’re tired of bland college meals. The amount of vegetables is generous, and this dish is best topped with cilantro.
5. BBQ Terriyaki Chicken
The taste of a home cooked meal comes in the form of juicy bites of dark chicken meat coated in a tangy teriyaki sauce. Serve over cauliflower or brown rice for a healthy dinner. The sauce absorbs well into the rice and makes for an overall delicious meal. Another alternative is to toss with assorted vegetables after microwaving. I was able to sufficiently serve a group of three with this chicken over bowls of rice.
4. Burrata, Prosciutto, and Arugula Flatbread
The Burrata, Prosciutto, and Arugula Flatbread will send your taste buds on a trip to Northern Italy. The flatbread and prosciutto are packaged separately within the box, so you can distribute it as you wish after baking. The piquant taste of the prosciutto in contrast to the mild blend of cheeses made this meal satisfying, but the overall flatbread was on the smaller side for the serving size of two people. I suggest some seasonal fruit on the side for a sweet and salty balance.
3. Chicken Tikka Masala
Another incredible flavorful meal is the chicken tikka masala. The savory, creamy curry and baked chicken comes with a side of cumin-infused basmati rice, which makes the meal that much more flavorful. The meal is satisfying, and a favorite among my friends. I recommend purchasing this with Trader Joe’s Garlic Naan, which is incredible for dipping in the curry. This will be a staple in your freezer for a quick meal that is anything but boring.
2. Pizza Margherita
When I originally tried this meal, I had low expectations for frozen pizza in general. I was soon proved wrong after eating this cheesy, right out of the wood-fired oven tasting pie. After all, Trader Joe’s claims it is imported straight from Italy. An easy upgrade is putting basil leaves on top for an even tastier option. The crust is best cooked to a crispy golden brown and makes for a filling dinner option.
1. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Our number one meal, Mandarin Orange Chicken. The tangy glaze is applied after the chicken is baked, so you can have as little or as much as you want. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and is lightly breaded. It’s best served so that the sweet and sour sauce can seep into a bowl of rice. I recommend Trader Joe’s Organic Riced Cauliflower, for a healthy alternative, that absorbs the flavor of the sauce. It’s notably healthier and less greasy than traditional take out. My only complaint? The orange chicken cravings thereafter.
Honorable mentions: Mushroom Risotto, Southwest Chicken Quesadillas, Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice, and Organic Pesto Tortellini