At the unlikely possibility that you don’t visit Trader Joe’s multiple times a week (like I proudly/shamefully/compulsively do), I’ll fill you in with some news: the popular retailer isn’t just a grocery store—nor is it simply a crucial part of your seasonal entertainment. It’s a treasure trove for all the best health and wellness products, too. Across all of our favorite food categories—snacks, bevvies, dairy and gluten alternatives, and immunity-boosting shots—Trader Joe’s delivers. And bonus: when you’re shopping on a budget, TJ’s should be your go-to.
It comes as a surprise to exactly no one that eating healthy and finding inflation-proof deals can be challenging. While you don’t always have to splurge on organic and there are other strategies for cutting healthy corners, I personally find that Trader Joe’s comes in clutch when I’m in need of groceries that support my wellness goals, come in under budget, and indulge my cravings for a snack or meal that’s consistently delicious without fail. (So, always.)
The Best Healthy Trader Joe’s Products
In the spirit of streamlining your Sunday shopping trip and helping you sift through Trader Joe’s many amazing products, I took it upon myself to do the good (and fun) work of sampling all of the best wellness-supporting picks. Below, you’ll find the result of my research—and all of my favorite healthy Trader Joe’s finds.
But before you get to it, I’ll admit… there’s a lot of cauliflower going on with the products below. Instead of writing off the gluten alternative as passé, take heart: we can always trust Trader Joe’s to be on top of food trends—and to make those that may seem out of date interesting again. I’ll get into the details below, but trust: each of the following products check my all-important boxes of being 1. tasty (re: addictive); 2. budget-friendly; and 3. supportive of all your 2024 wellness goals.
So get your shopping lists ready, these are my top healthy Trader Joe’s picks.
Note: All prices reflect pricing at my local Trader Joe’s in Chicago and may vary depending on location.
Cauliflower Slims: $3.99
*Previously Cauliflower Thins* When it came to selecting a gluten-free wrap alternative, these won out against the also-popular Jicama Wraps. Nothing against jicama, of course, (we love it in our tacos, sliced thinly into matchsticks), but I was definitely swayed by the clearly-visible fluffiness of these “delicious and versatile” bread alternatives. Compared to other cauliflower/bread hybrids, these actually contain a significant amount of cauliflower—comprising over 60% of the ingredients.
Add to that only eggs, parm, cheese, salt, and yeast, and you have a clean option that’ll happily hold all of your favorite sandwich ingredients. And if you’re tempted to eat these on their own, you’re not alone—I’ve been known to tear into them between the hours of 3 and 4 p.m.
Peppermint Herbal Tea: $2.99
Spend a few minutes in the depths of wellness content on Instagram or TikTok and you’re bound to see any number of creators indulging in a warm mug of peppermint tea. Known to support digestion, relieve cold and flu symptoms, and provide a healthy dose of antioxidants, the soothing bevvy makes for a functional routine as well. I love a bag steeped for a few minutes on its own, but you’re welcome to drizzle in a little honey or add any sweetener of your choice. It’s my favorite post-dinner ritual.
Pineapple Probiotic Juice Shot: $1.99
Would it be a roundup of the best healthy Trader Joe’s products if I didn’t include a juice shot? While $1.99 can seem pricey for a two-ounce bottle, this shot is proof that good things come in small packages. 2024 is all about quality over quantity, y’all—and this TJ’s fave packs plenty of wellness-boosting goodness. Each bottle contains the juice of 1/5 coconut, a wedge of pineapple, some lemon, and a slice of ginger. What’s more, the shot provides 1 billion CFU (colony forming units) of the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans, which is known to aid in digestion.
Beyond technicalities, this juice shot tastes good. While others boast a flavor profile that’s turmeric- or ginger-dominant, the pineapple helps make this probiotic supplement a healthy habit you’ll look forward to.
Sparkling Elderberry + Pomegranate Apple Cider Vinegar Beverage: $1.69
Admittedly, this is one of the few products of my healthy haul that I hadn’t tried before, but when I saw it sitting among the kombucha and juices, I knew I needed to pick it up. We’ve written before about apple cider vinegar being one of the best immunity boosters. And because I’m among (the many) who can’t handle a straight shot of ACV in the morning—or even enjoy it diluted with water—this incredible elderberry-pomegranate concoction comes as a delicious alternative. It’s one that I’ll happily sip on every day.
Creamy Cashew Cultured Yogurt Alternative: $4.99
Tell me if this resonates: I swap between smoothies and oatmeal for breakfast on a whim… after eating each for weeks straight. I’m not sure if it’s neurotic, but I can—and will—eat my oats for breakfast 15 days in a row. (Creatures of habit, raise your hands.) All that being said, I will happily swap in a yogurt bowl here and there. Because a fruit plus a grain plus a protein equals early-morning happiness. But because all hot girls deal with digestive issues from time to time, I also opt for dairy-free alternatives when I want to satiate a yogurt craving.
Trader Joe’s—once again—delivers. The ingredients list boasts plenty of gut-supporting live cultures and this yogurt manages to clock in four grams of protein. For the dairy-free among us, this is a solid choice.
Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups: $3.49
IYKYK—Trader Joe’s is my happy place when the inevitable sweets craving strikes. And while the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are a go-to, this peanut-free pick is a must. Because I’m down to try anything (for *research*), these sunflower seed butter cups made their way into my cart. Spoiler: I’m grateful they did. They retain all the sweet-and-salty creaminess of their PB counterparts, and thanks to their snack-size packaging, just a few make the perfect anytime snack.
Chomps Sticks: $1.99
The majority of what you’ll find at TJ’s is branded by the store itself. However, some third-party products have made their way through Trader Joe’s rigorous vetting process and been awarded with a spot on the shelves. Enter: Chomps. Everyone’s obsessed with this brand for making meat sticks cool again—and what’s more, we love that each non-GMO, sugar-free stick is all about the low-processed protein without any of the ick. (Otherwise said: fillers, gums, and harmful ingredients.) I love that I can reach for one of these whenever my energy dips or hunger strikes. Slip back the seal and you’re met with 10 grams of protein. I keep them in my car, purse, and next to my desk. Basically, anywhere and everywhere within reach.
Date Syrup: $3.49
Speaking of products that are exactly and only what they say they are… dates might be my ultimate fave. And while I always pick up a box of Trader Joe’s delish Medjool dates for snacking, I also love this date syrup for topping just about everything. Pancakes, yogurt bowls, oatmeal—yes, everything. Other syrups can be packed with fillers and oils, but every tablespoon of this easy-to-squeeze vessel is pure, unadulterated organic date syrup. There’s not much more to be said.
Aloe Vera Juice: $10.99
Don’t be turned off by the price—this is a whole gallon of organic, whole-leaf aloe vera juice for just over $10. And while you might wonder why you need to add aloe to your already abundant hydration routine, the benefits will have you convinced. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help boost digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and even improve oral health. This jug will last you a while too, as you want to be mindful to consume in moderation—studies have linked excess consumption to diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Freeze-Dried Blueberries: $3.99
As someone who loves her yogurt bowls and oatmeal (see my diatribe above), I’m always looking for ways to work a mix of textures into my go-to breakfasts. I’ve added flaxseed, chia seeds, bananas, and sliced almonds (all from Trader Joe’s, mind you). But now, with the addition of these freeze-dried blueberries, my perfect morning meal is complete. These are crunchy, fruity (of course), and taste exactly like blueberries. The reason being, they’re the only ingredient. No added sugars, no added anything. The five grams of fiber and six grams of protein per serving simply seal the deal.
Riced Cauliflower Bowl: $2.99
I couldn’t skip over Trader Joe’s well-known and much-talked-about prepared meals section. This (vegan) Riced Cauliflower Bowl comes with everything you need for a well-balanced and colorful lunch or dinner. Of course, cauliflower serves as the bowl’s base, but marinated chickpeas, sweet potatoes, baked tofu, and roasted onions join in to make it a complete and flavorful meal. But the real kicker? The tahini sauce. As I write this, I’m mentally confirming that this will be today’s lunch. The countdown to deliciousness starts now.
Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Dip: $3.79
I won’t lie—I’m not much of a dip girl. I can get down with hummus and I love a salsa-soaked summer. Dips, however, often just seem too gloppy and frankly—a bit gross. But because I consider myself an adventurous person (and I didn’t want my dip prejudice to compromise this article’s journalistic integrity), I went for the Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeño Dip. And friends, I was pleasantly shocked.
I’ll get a few disclaimers out of the way. You’ll taste the jalapeño, but this dip doesn’t deliver the pepper’s expected kick. And while I did miss that bit of heat, its lack made it easier to scoop up this dip with reckless abandon. What else helped? The fact that the cauliflower makes this dip both creamy and incredibly light. Whereas other dips might fill you up immediately (I’m looking at you, artichoke), this one satiates and satisfies without any bloat or discomfort. So for all you dip fans out there—myself now included—this is a must-buy.
73% Cacao Dark Chocolate Bar: $1.99
I will NEVER understand those people who say they can have “just a square” of dark chocolate post-meal and be satisfied. I’m a dessert girl, and as such, I need no less than a bowl of ice cream or a cookie in each hand to leave the table. But this dark chocolate bar? I can hang with it. Meaning: a fiber- and protein-packed dark chocolate is my jam, and I’ll reach for this whenever my mind drifts to the land of sweets but I’d rather not deal with the sugar crash. The taste is earthy, a little bit fruity, and deliciously bold. Keep it nearby at all times.
Honorable Mentions
I’d be remiss not to say that, among Trader Joe’s exclusive-to-the-store wellness products, there are a few additional healthy staples that I include in my cart on a weekly basis. While you can certainly find these elsewhere, if you’re already hitting up TJ’s, why not drop them in your cart as well? See below for my favorite healthy staples.
- Frozen fruit. From blueberries to strawberries to mango and pineapple chunks—Trader Joe’s frozen foods section has everything you could ever want to blend up your dream smoothie. If you’re looking to get that additional hit of antioxidants from your brekkie, don’t skip this section.
- Coconut oil. I surprise even myself with how quickly I can go through a jar of coconut oil. If you’re looking for an affordable cold-pressed option, Trader Joe’s has you covered.
- Alternative pastas. Brown rice, lentil, and quinoa pasta—oh my! At Trader Joe’s, you’re welcome to dream beyond the expected gluten-laden pasta options.
- Vitamins. While the packaging might not be as cute as some of the more expensive supplement brands, I’ve been taking Trader Joe’s Vitamin C Complex, Vitamin D, and their Omega-3 Fatty Acids supplements for years and my habits have been met with promising results. Of course, consult a medical professional before beginning any supplement program.
- Nuts. Last but not least, the nuts. Almonds, cashews, walnuts, and more. The prices are unbeatable, and whether you like your nuts raw, roasted, or salted, there’s an option for you. Pro Tip: I store my nuts in the freezer to keep them from going rancid.
