• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Threads
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Book
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Book
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
  • ×
    Home » Reader favorites

    50 favorite Trader Joe’s vegan products (updated September 2025)

    Updated: Sep 27, 2025 · Published: Feb 8, 2025 by Cadry Nelson · This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 65 Comments

    Text overlay: Trader Joe's vegan favorites, 50+ delicious products. Collage with piquant popcorn, beefless bulgogi, teriyaki mushroom bao, and onion salt on store shelves.

    This updated list of my favorite Trader Joe's vegan products highlights some of the store's must haves.

    Items include pantry staples, refrigerated sauces and spreads, enticing frozen items, as well as tasty snacks and treats.

    Text overlay: Trader Joe's vegan favorites, 50+ delicious products. Collage with piquant popcorn, beefless bulgogi, teriyaki mushroom bao, and onion salt on store shelves.

    Trader Joe's is part grocery store, part foodie playground.

    Every visit feels like a treasure hunt, where the shelves might surprise you with a new must-have… or leave you lamenting that your old favorite has been discontinued.

    That's the thrill (and heartbreak) of being a TJ's fan: what you love today may be just a memory tomorrow.

    In this updated list, I’ve done the legwork for you with 50+ favorite vegan Trader Joe’s products – from staple ingredients to frozen food must-haves, sweet indulgences, and snacks that will keep you coming back for more.

    Whether you’re heading to Trader Joe’s for your first visit or you’re a longtime enthusiast, this guide will help you find the very best plant-based options Trader Joe’s has to offer right now.

    Wondering what I buy every week? Check out my Trader Joe’s grocery list!

    In this post:

    Jump to:
    • Mini bao buns
    • Soft pretzel twists
    • Korean beefless bulgogi
    • Jumeokbap rice balls
    • Vegetable soup dumplings
    • Impossible nuggets
    • Spanish style rice
    • Piquant popcorn
    • Crispy potato & poblano pepper tacos
    • Olive fougasse
    • Pink Lady apple chips
    • Squiggly knife cut noodles
    • Taiwanese green onion pancakes
    • Vegan spinach & cashew ravioli
    • Chicken-less Orange Morsels
    • Everything but the Bagel seasoning
    • Nutritional yeast flakes
    • Peanut butter caramel popcorn
    • Onion salt
    • Soy chorizo
    • Sweet ripe plantains
    • Balsamic vinegar glaze
    • Organic shredded cabbage
    • Steamed lentils
    • Thai vegetable gyoza
    • Grilled artichoke halves
    • Organic kosher sandwich pickles
    • Hashbrown patties
    • Green ripe pitted olives
    • Grilled green olives
    • Fruit jellies
    • Greek chickpeas
    • Marcona almonds
    • Dolmas
    • Extra firm tofu & baked tofu
    • Organic brown rice
    • Organic tomato basil marinara
    • Ridge cut potato chips
    • Vegan tzatziki
    • Non-dairy shreds, slices, and tubs
    • Mini vegetable samosas
    • Frozen fully cooked falafel
    • Riced cauliflower stir-fry
    • Meatless breakfast sausage patties
    • Maple leaf cookies
    • Thai wheat noodles
    • Baguette
    • Tubed polenta
    • Sugar snap peas
    • Vegetable fried rice

    Mini bao buns

    Hand holding package of Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns package at Trader Joe's.

    I was over the moon when I heard about these vegan bao buns joining the frozen foods line-up at Trader Joe’s.

    These light and fluffy buns are filled with veggies and mushrooms seasoned with miso. They have a pronounced flavor of ginger.

    Four steamed bao buns on parchment paper covered plate.

    When steaming, I recommend laying down a liner made of parchment paper or silicone to avoid sticking.

    If you’re looking for a serving sauce, spicy chili crisp dipping sauce is amazing with them.

    (Trader Joe’s also introduced dim sum-style vegetable dumplings earlier this year. They were fine to try once, but I likely won’t buy them again. You can see them on my Facebook post.)

    Soft pretzel twists

    Soft pretzel twists with sea salt on display at Trader Joe's for $3.49.

    These soft pretzel twists with sea salt are sold in the bakery area of the store near other specialty breads. They have a wonderful sweet, mild flavor.

    After moistening them lightly with water, and sprinkling on sea salt, I like to cook them in the air fryer. I air fry them at 390 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes, so they have time to get a little crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside.

    There are also conventional oven instructions on the package. They say to cook them at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes or until heated through.

    Serve them with any of these dipping sauces:

    • Onion & garlic vegetable dip (Using Trader Joe’s onion salt)
    • Vegan honey mustard (Using TJ’s mustard & agave syrup)
    • Vegan sriracha mayo (Using TJ’s sriracha)
    • Cashew queso (Using TJ’s raw cashews & nutritional yeast)

    Korean beefless bulgogi

    Hand holding package of Trader Joe's beefless bulgogi.

    Do not pass go. Go directly to these bulgogi beefless strips.

    They are AMAZING. Easily one of my favorite TJ’s products in years.

    These soy protein strips are tossed in a sweet soy marinade. But the flavors of the marinade are subtle. What really stands out is the flavor of steak.

    My favorite way to prepare them is in the air fryer. Pull them out of the packaging, and cook at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. (The air fryer directions on the package aren’t for nearly long enough.)

    Since it starts as a solid block, you’ll need to use a spatula to break up the strips as they cook, and pull them apart. Let them get a little overdone and crispy around the edges. SO GOOD.

    Serve them in any of these dishes:

    • They’re great in fried rice (See how I use them in this Facebook post.)
    • Use them in vegan steak gyros (Watch my reel to see how it’s done.)
    • They make an excellent centerpiece in vegan steak sandwiches
    • Use them in a vegan bánh mì or kimchi reuben (instead of bulgogi tofu)
    • Put them in fajitas or steak tacos along with a drizzle of cilantro chimichurri

    Jumeokbap rice balls

    Jumeokbap rice balls in frozen section at Trader Joe's.

    If you like the beefless bulgogi, be sure to try the jumeokbap in the frozen section at Trader Joe’s. These Korean rice balls are dotted with beefless bulgogi and vegetables.

    These spongey little balls come three to a pack. They can be heated in the microwave. (To see what they look like out of the packaging, check out this post on my Facebook page.)

    The directions on the package say to cook them in their plastic pouches, but I don’t like heating in plastic. They heat equally fine on a plate in the microwave and still kept their shape.

    At $4.99 for three rice balls, the price is a little higher than I would expect. However, they’re really tasty and worth an occasional splurge.

    They go well with a drizzle of sriracha mayo. Serve them with sugar snap peas stir-fry on the side.

    (By the way, the kimbap shown in the freezer case above next to the jumeokbap has also gotten a lot of hype. I don’t like seaweed, so I’ve never bought it. But if you like it, give that one a whirl too!)

    Vegetable soup dumplings

    Steamed vegetable soup dumplings box with 6-pack container of dumplings on table.

    I could hardly wait for these new steamed vegetable soup dumplings to start appearing in the frozen section of my Trader Joe’s location. I’m a fierce lover of soup-filled dumplings, but vegan ones are a rarity.

    TJ’s to the rescue!

    These ginger-heavy dumplings are filled with jackfruit, carrots, cabbage, spinach, and broth. (Although the box says that they include jackfruit, it’s not prevalent or noticeable when eating the dumplings.)

    Non-vegan soup dumplings use gelatin, which turns to liquid when the dumplings are warmed. However, this vegan version uses agar agar instead.

    For best results, I recommend steaming, not microwaving. (It usually takes 8 minutes for me.)

    People who use the microwave to warm them have complained that the broth gets sucked into the dumpling dough, and you don’t get a true brothy soup dumpling experience.

    Be warned: These dumplings are prone to sticking. So when you use a metal steamer basket, lay down a square of parchment paper first.

    I like to serve soup dumplings with a simple dipping sauce made with white miso paste, tamari, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Then add just enough water to thin it.

    Impossible nuggets

    Impossible chicken nuggets in red packaging in freezer case.

    Impossible nuggets are a freezer staple.

    They get beautifully crisp on the outside. And the inside has wonderful bite. Great for dipping in onion & garlic salad dressing!

    They're one of those super easy dinners for when you come home famished. Tear open a bag, and throw a few into the air fryer. They’re ready by the time you’re in pajamas & have poured a glass of wine.

    Pop them into veggie wraps with bell pepper, romaine, and a lemon tahini sauce drizzle. Not too shabby for something that took next to no effort at all!

    (In the mood for burgers instead? Trader Joe’s also has Impossible beef for sale in the refrigerated section.)

    Spanish style rice

    Spanish style rice in Trader Joe's freezer.

    Spanish style rice is admittedly a weird obsession. However, it is so darned good! It really tastes like the kind of rice you’d get at your favorite taqueria.

    Simply warm it in the microwave.

    It’s good to go with:

    • Chickpea tacos
    • The base of a burrito bowl
    • A Tex-Mex-style fried rice with onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and black beans

    Piquant popcorn

    Piquant popcorn on display by peanut butter and caramel coated popcorn.

    Need a good, savory afternoon snack? Grab a bag of this Piquant Popcorn!

    It’s seasoned with the cheesy flavor of nutritional yeast, onion, garlic, and salt.

    The flavors don’t overwhelm. So it’s easy to eat handful after handful. Perfect for a movie night or road-trip!

    Plus, a serving size is a generous 2 ½ cups for 140 calories. That’s enough to really feel satiated.

    Crispy potato & poblano pepper tacos

    Boxes of crispy potato & poblano pepper tacos in open freezer at Trader Joe's.

    Here’s a quick & easy dinner idea – crispy potato & poblano pepper tacos. They are $4.99 for a box of 6 tacos.

    Sold in the frozen section, these satisfying (but mild) tacos heat up beautifully in the air fryer. They get crunchy on the outside, while the inside is filled with a soft, mashed potatoes-style filling.

    You can fill them out by adding soy chorizo taco meat after warming them, or serving them alongside guacamole, salsa verde, or roasted tomato salsa.

    By the way, if you were a fan of Jack in the Box tacos before going vegan, these are really going to scratch that nostalgia itch! After air frying, slip in a slice of Trader Joe’s cashew cheddar cheese style slices to complete the fast food experience.

    Olive fougasse

    Olive fougasse on display at Trader Joe's.

    Calling all olive lovers! You’ve got to try olive fougasse. This light and chewy bread is stuffed with Kalamata olives.

    I like to pop it in the air fryer to make it warm & crusty on the outside. (If you don’t want to cook it all at once, just pull apart one or two sections.)

    Serve it with olive oil bread dip.

    Tip: Olive fougasse also makes an amazing base for air fryer croutons.

    Pink Lady apple chips

    Pink Lady apple chips on display at Trader Joe's.

    Pink Lady apples are my favorite, go-to apple. So it’s no wonder that these Pink lady apple chips really hit the mark for me.

    These crispy dried apple chips taste like a cross between apple pie & potato chips. They have a spectacular crunch and a dusting of cinnamon & sugar.

    Enjoy them as a road-trip snack or serve them alongside a sandwich at lunch.

    Squiggly knife cut noodles

    Squiggly cut noodles on display at Trader Joe's.

    Squiggly knife cut noodles have quickly become a pantry favorite at my house! They’re very similar to Momofuko noodles, sold online and at Target.

    As directed on the package, you’re supposed to boil the noodles, drain them, and then toss with the soy & sesame sauce packet. That’s not my favorite way to use them, though.

    I like to marinate cubed tofu using the sauce pack, boil the noodles, and steam broccoli over the pot in a steamer basket. Then I put them all together for a noodle bowl. I finish with a generous drizzling of peanut sauce. (For more complete directions, see my Instagram post.)

    The noodles are also good in homemade ramen with tahini miso broth. (Add Better Than Bouillon no chicken base in place of the usual ramen seasoning packet.)

    Taiwanese green onion pancakes

    Hand holding package of green onion pancakes at Trader Joe's.

    I am obsessed with these green onion pancakes! They are amazing fried in a little oil in a skillet, and served alongside fried rice (with or without pineapple).

    Cook them straight from the freezer in a non-stick skillet. They get wonderfully crispy around the edges, while the rest of the pancake is tender & dippable with gyoza dipping sauce.

    I also love using them to scoop up mung bean coconut curry. Yum!

    (Be aware that Trader Joe’s also has a second type of scallion pancakes that are NOT vegan. Look for the word “vegan” on the label!)

    Vegan spinach & cashew ravioli

    Vegan cashew ravioli in refrigerated case.

    Vegan spinach and cashew ravioli is made with egg-free semolina pasta. It's stuffed with cashew cheese and stuffed spinach.

    You can find it in the refrigerated section with the other fresh pasta options.

    Follow the package directions. And enjoy this ravioli with your favorite pasta sauce and a sprinkling of vegan parmesan.

    Or use it to make vegan fried ravioli. Bread the ravioli right out of the package. Then cook it in the air fryer!

    Fried ravioli is wonderful with marinara or cilantro basil pesto for dunking.

    Chicken-less Orange Morsels

    Bags of mandarin orange vegan chicken.

    When you’re craving Chinese takeout, make a batch of this vegan orange chicken.

    I like to cook the chicken-less bites in the air fryer until crispy. Then reduce the sauce in a separate pan. Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy bites until just coated.

    Serve with brown rice & steamed broccoli. It’s a full meal that’s ready in almost no time. (The frozen brown rice pouches & chopped florets work great here as timesavers!)

    Everything but the Bagel seasoning

    Everything But the Bagel seasoning displayed on store shelf.

    If you've ever had an everything bagel, you know what to expect with this seasoning mix.

    It's a combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt flakes, dried garlic, and dried onion.

    I use it several mornings a week on my avocado toast, along with a generous sprinkling of nutritional yeast flakes (also on this list.)

    You can also add it to non-dairy cream cheese or as a topping on hummus. Use it as a finishing salt on vegan pigs in a blanket.

    A lot of people like to add it to their popcorn or an air fryer baked potato.

    Nutritional yeast flakes

    Nutritional yeast hanging on display at Trader Joe's.

    Buying a big canister of nutritional yeast flakes can get pricey. However, a bag of nutritional yeast at Trader Joe's is very affordable.

    And unless you're making massive amounts of vegan scalloped potatoes, it will probably last you a while. (If you are making massive amounts of vegan scalloped potatoes, invite me over, okay?)

    What is nutritional yeast? <— Find out here

    Use Trader Joe's nutritional yeast flakes in:

    • Crustless mini vegan quiche
    • Vegan cheese dip
    • Vegan breakfast tacos with tofu & black beans
    • Vegan chili cheese tater tots (with Trader Joe's potato tots)
    • Vegan turkey gravy

    Peanut butter caramel popcorn

    Peanut butter caramel popcorn on store shelf.

    This peanut butter caramel coated popcorn is almost too good. It's dangerously easy to polish off a whole bag in one sitting.

    The popcorn is double coated in peanut butter and caramel. It's surprisingly not sticky.

    Each kernel holds its form, making it easy to enjoy handful after delicious handful.

    Onion salt

    Onion salt on store shelf at Trader Joe's.

    Trader Joe's onion salt is a pantry staple.

    It's made with granulated onion, granulated garlic, minced onion, green onion, chives, and salt.

    It has a delicious layered flair that adds yum to everything it touches. It's similar to Fox Point seasoning from Penzey's, but for a tiny fraction of the price. 

    I like to use it in creamy onion and garlic salad dressing. It’s great on salads, of course, or used as a dipping sauce.

    Onion salt is also delicious on garlic bread. Grab a baguette, and cut it in half. Then butter it with non-dairy butter, and add several shakes of onion salt. Terrific with salad or pasta! (Get detailed instructions on this Facebook post.)

    Of course, it can also be used anywhere you use salt like baked fries, a baked potato, air fryer spaghetti squash, or to season your Impossible burger meat before grilling.

    Soy chorizo

    Soy chorizo in refrigerated case at Trader Joe's.

    This soy chorizo is a refrigerator staple, and a big fan favorite.

    (It’s won the customer choice awards so many times that in 2023 they put it in the Trader Joe’s Product Hall of Fame to take it out of the running.)

    I make it weekly for soyrizo tacos, burritos, bowls, and taco salads.

    It's highly seasoned. So you don't have to add much to it in the way of spices, unless you just want to.

    I also like to add black or pinto beans to it to fill it out.

    Sweet ripe plantains

    Sweet ripe plantains in bag in freezer section of Trader Joe's.

    When you add sweet fried plantains to a meal of beans & rice, it’s suddenly a party.

    While I usually make maduros from scratch, it can sometimes take a while for plantains to ripen. So if you’re hoping for sweet plantains, they may or may not be ready when you want to eat them.

    That’s what makes these frozen sweet fried plantains so convenient! Simply pull a few from the bag, pop them in the air fryer, and cook until they are crispy & caramelized.

    Don’t be afraid to air fry longer than it says on the package. Some blackened/burned spots provide extra crunch and texture, which really adds to the experience.

    They’re magical as a side dish or stuffed inside a bean & rice burrito. You can also serve sweet fried plantains with:

    • Jackfruit carnitas tacos
    • Tempeh tacos
    • Black bean tacos
    • Refried black beans

    Balsamic vinegar glaze

    Bottles of balsamic vinegar glaze at Trader Joe's on display.

    Balsamic glaze is wonderful in olive oil bread dip alongside warmed olive fougasse or baguette.

    This balsamic vinegar reduction is syrupy and slightly sweet. Drizzle it on salads, roasted vegetables, or as a finishing sauce on tomato bruschetta.

    Organic shredded cabbage

    Package of organic shredded green and red cabbage mix from Trader Joe's.

    Sure, you could easily shred a head of cabbage yourself. But this shredded cabbage mix is a terrific shortcut.

    And since cabbage and carrots are relatively dry vegetables, this mix keeps well in the refrigerator for a while without going bad.

    Ways to use shredded cabbage mix:

    • Use it as a topping on vegan fish tacos
    • It's a great base for vegan coleslaw
    • Use it as a topping on a vegan BBQ sandwich
    • Sprinkle it on vegan tostadas
    • Add it to a Southwest salad for extra crunch and interest with no added chopping

    Steamed lentils

    Hand holding package of Trader Joe's steamed lentils.

    Lentils aren't hard to make from scratch. And they only take about 30 minutes to cook.

    But you know what's even easier & faster? Opening a package of fully cooked brown lentils that are ready to go.

    A lot of lentils are packed into a pouch. It contains five ½ cup servings. These steamed lentils are a refrigerator staple for me.

    Use steamed lentils in:

    • Lentil taco meat
    • Vegan burrito bowl
    • Lentil chili with pinto & black beans
    • Lentil balls with zesty lemon rice
    • Marinated lentils (Skip the “cooking” part of the recipe.)

    Thai vegetable gyoza

    Bags of Thai vegetable gyoza in freezer case.

    These veggie-packed envelopes of deliciousness have won over everyone I’ve served them to – from grandparents to grandkids.

    There's rarely a time when I don't have a bag in the freezer ready to go for a quick snack, or to use as a side dish to a stir fry.

    Of course, they also have a starring role in vegan potsticker soup.

    Filled with cabbage, carrots, chives, white radishes, onions, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, they have a great taste that isn't too overpowering.

    These days I usually fry them in the air fryer (400 degrees for 10 minutes with a spritz of oil, stopping once to shake.) However, they're also great fried or steamed in a skillet.

    I like to serve them with gyoza dipping sauce or Chinese hot mustard.

    Grilled artichoke halves

    Jars of grilled artichoke halves on shelf.

    I may be a little bit obsessed with these grilled artichoke halves.

    I've been an artichoke lover for decades, but these grilled ones add a certain something that makes them totally craveable.

    The artichokes take on a smokiness from the grill and have those beautiful, dark grill marks that I adore.

    Put them on a vegan cheeseboard, throw them into artichoke pesto, use them as a topping on pizza style sun-dried tomato hummus or a crostini appetizer, or slice them into an Israeli couscous salad.

    Prefer water-packed artichoke hearts? (I usually have both kinds on hand.) Trader Joe's has those as well, and they are delicious as an appetizer of fried artichoke hearts.

    Organic kosher sandwich pickles

    Jars of sandwich pickles on shelf.

    It may seem strange to put sliced pickles on the list, but when Trader Joe's wasn't in my area, I'd stock up with 5 or 6 jars when I happened to be near one.

    They have a good dill flavor, crunch, and work perfectly for those of us who want our sandwich to include a taste of pickle with every bite.

    Plus, they're organic and only $2.99. That's a really good deal when organic pickles can sometimes cost $7 or more. (It's just cucumbers, people!)

    Put them in a vegan banh mi sandwich, spoon them into vegan chickpea salad, use them in vegan dill pickle dip, or add them to vegan potato salad along with a splash of pickle juice.

    Hashbrown patties

    Hashbrown patties in freezer case.

    While I often make hashbrowns from scratch on the weekends, sometimes I want the delicious crispy crunch of hashbrowns without having to clean the food processor afterwards.

    These hashbrown patties remind me of a certain non-vegan fast food establishment I used to visit as a kid.

    They are great with a tofu scramble. Don't forget the seitan bacon & avocado!

    Did you know you can even cook them on the grill? My usual method for cooking them is in the air fryer. However, if you’re already making a cast iron breakfast skillet, add some hashbrowns to a grill basket!

    Green ripe pitted olives

    Shelf with canned medium green ripe pitted olives at Trader Joe's.

    Get the taste of black ripe olives but with the bright, Kermit-y color of green with these canned pitted olives.

    They have a buttery, briny flavor that makes them easy to pop in your mouth – one right after the other.

    They are also a terrific addition to a veggie platter. Or once sliced, they make a delightful topping on a flatbread pizza (using TJ’s flatbread)!

    Grilled green olives

    Jars of grilled pitted green olives on display.

    Keep the olive love going with these grilled pitted green olives.

    Each olive has actual grill marks, which amps up the fun. And they taste wonderfully meaty and smoky.

    They are terrific on a vegan cheeseboard, charcuterie, or hummus bowl. They’re also great sliced & added to Cuban or Spanish-style rice dishes.

    Fruit jellies

    Stack of fruit jellies at Trader Joe's.

    I’m not usually a big candy person. But I can’t resist these fruit jellies.

    They’re in the same wheelhouse as a gummy product, except that they’re softer with a gel-like interior.

    They come packed in multiple flavors – orange, grape, lemon, raspberry, blueberry, and mandarin.

    And they’re finished with granulated sugar, which adds great texture.

    Greek chickpeas

    Cans of Greek chickpeas on shelf.

    Right out of the can at room temperature, these chickpeas are fine. But roasted or air fried, they are wonderful!

    The oil they're packaged in makes them extra brown and crispy on the outside. And the seasonings of cumin, parsley, and lemon intensify as they cook.

    (See a picture of how they look roasted on Instagram.)

    How to air fry: Drain them. Then air fry at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Stop occasionally to shake the air fryer basket.

    How to roast in the oven: Cook them on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Stop occasionally to shake the baking sheet.

    Add them to a charcuterie board. Use them as a salad topping. Or put them in a warmed pita with vegan tzatziki, cucumbers, red onion, and lettuce.

    Marcona almonds

    Marcona almonds on display in rosemary and truffle flavors.

    Trader Joe's is my go-to stop for nuts. I always have a wide variety in my lazy susan - peanuts, raw & roasted cashews, shelled pistachios, salt & pepper pistachios…

    Two of my favorites are these Marcona almonds in truffle & rosemary.

    Marcona almonds are the best, because they aren't as dry as your typical almond. I love their thin crunch.

    These are seasoned and go beautifully on a vegan cheeseboard, with salad, or as a snack.

    Plus, since they have a very specific flavor, it's easy to be satisfied with a few. (That sounds like a back-handed compliment, but it's true!)

    Dolmas

    Store shelf at Trader Joe's with dolmas, chilies, and hot sauce.

    Canned dolmas are another thing I would buy in groups of five whenever I went to a Trader Joe's location out of town.

    Obviously they keep well in the cupboard. So there's no worry about them going bad before I can use them.

    I know that canned food often doesn’t inspire confidence, but these stuffed grape leaves are really good!

    They are tightly packed and firm, not mushy like some underwhelming dolmas you buy in cans.

    Serve them on a vegan cheeseboard, with kalamata olive hummus, warmed Castelvetrano olives, alongside a kale salad, or as a snack on their own.

    Extra firm tofu & baked tofu

    Blocks of super firm tofu in refrigerated case.

    Trader Joe's is my go-to stop for alllllll of the tofu.

    First, my main, all-purpose tofu is extra firm in vacuum packaging. I like that it doesn't require pressing before using.

    It is a little drier than the water-packed kind. However, now I've been using vacuum-packed tofu for so long, I really don't even notice.

    Use super firm tofu for:

    • Vegan egg & toast
    • Breakfast tacos
    • Baked tofu recipe with lemon & rosemary
    • Bulgogi tofu bowls
    • Curried tofu salad
    • Vegan blue cheese dressing

    (Need more ideas? Check out these 29 tofu recipes.)

    Hand holding teriyaki flavor baked tofu.

    Trader Joe's teriyaki flavor baked tofu is a good snack on its own straight out of the fridge. I also like to put it on avocado toast.

    It is an easy to transport lunch with a salad or bowl. It also works well in a cooler if you're heading on a road trip or taking food on a plane.

    When I need a quick stir-fry in a flash, I like to cut the baked tofu into cubes and pop it into the air fryer until crisp around the edges.

    For another baked tofu option, they also have a sriracha flavor, which I like a lot too.

    Trader Joe's organic silken tofu on the store shelf.

    Finally, Trader Joe’s also recently introduced silken tofu to their soy line-up. It’s a light, delicate tofu that’s good in sauces and desserts.

    It’s also tasty in a silken tofu scramble. It’s softer and creamier than my usual scramble.

    Organic brown rice

    Boxes of rice in freezer case.

    Frozen brown rice is so darned convenient. No more waiting for rice to cook.

    And you can use it straight from frozen when making pineapple fried rice.

    Just get your vegetables softened. Then add the rice straight from the bag into the skillet.

    Ways to use organic brown rice:

    • Hummus bowl with roasted cauliflower
    • Saucy black bean bowl with plantains
    • Black bean burritos
    • Pesto rice
    • Air fryer stuffed peppers

    Organic tomato basil marinara

    Bottles of tomato basil marinara.

    I love the full-bodied flavor of this sauce. It's not too sweet like some spaghetti sauces. And the ingredient list is really wholesome.

    Plus, it has a V for "vegan" right on the label. That's super handy when you're scanning the list of options at the store.

    Ways to use it:

    • A dipping sauce with fried ravioli or vegan arancini
    • A sauce in air fryer stuffed peppers or zucchini lasagna
    • A topping for vegan eggplant parmesan
    • A spread on bagel pizzas

    Ridge cut potato chips

    Potato chip display with ridge cut chips, horseradish & chives chips, and salt & pepper chips.

    These salt & pepper ridge cut potato chips are my obsession.

    I hardly ever buy them, because once the bag is open, I can't stop thinking about them.

    I love the balance of salt and pepper, and the crunch from the ridges.

    Dunk them in pickle potato chip dip, or serve them with a vegan chicken salad sandwich.

    If it’s mid-November or early December, don’t miss my very favorite potato chips with horseradish & chives! They’re pictured here in the green package.

    Vegan tzatziki

    Containers of vegan tzatziki on the shelf.

    This creamy cucumber dip has the flavors of lemon, dill, and garlic. It is terrific on a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and falafel.

    Or instead of falafel, use crispy chickenless strips, homemade seitan chicken, or a can of Greek chickpeas.

    (To see how to turn the roasted Greek chickpeas into a pita pocket with tzatziki, check out this Instagram post.)

    Non-dairy shreds, slices, and tubs

    Vegan cheddar & American slices hanging on shelf.

    Trader Joe's has stepped up its non-dairy cheese game with vegan cheddar slices, mozzarella shreds, Mexican style shreds, dairy free Boursin, and vegan parmesan.

    The cheddar slices and mozzarella are cashew-based. The American slices are potato starch & coconut oil-based.

    Add the slices to a vegan deli meat sandwich, vegan egg mcmuffin, chef salad, seitan reuben, or toasted sandwich.

    Bags of vegan mozzarella in refrigerated case.

    Use the mozzarella shreds on flatbread pizza, eggplant parmesan sandwich, or Rachel sandwich.

    Packets of cheese on display - including Mexican style shreds.

    Of all of the Trader Joe’s vegan cheeses, the spicy Mexican style blend is my favorite. (Look for the red packaging.)

    It’s great with tacos, BBQ jackfruit nachos, vegan cauliflower cheese soup, and vegan quesadillas.

    Mini vegetable samosas

    Vegetable samosas in freezer case at Trader Joe's.

    When I'm making curry lentil soup or mixed vegetable ginger & turmeric rice, it's fun to have a crispy, filled appetizer to serve alongside it.

    Enter mini vegetable samosas.

    These flaky samosas are made with a phyllo-type dough and loaded with peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, onions, and spices.

    I cook them in the air fryer. They get beautifully crisp on the outside.

    Cook them in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes. Stop once to flip half way through.

    I like to serve them with homemade apple chutney.

    Frozen fully cooked falafel

    Fully cooked falafel in freezer case.

    Sometimes you just need a falafel bowl with rice, hummus, salad, and lemon tahini dressing.

    When you don’t feel like making your own air fryer falafel, this frozen variety is the next best option!

    They are very filling, and usually two are plenty with a bowl. That means that I can really stretch one bag out for a while.

    They’re also tasty in a falafel sandwich!

    Riced cauliflower stir-fry

    Bags of riced cauliflower stir-fry in freezer case.

    The first time I had cauliflower rice, I wasn't totally sold on it.

    I tend to be a chewy grain person, and cauliflower rice kind of reminded me of couscous, which I'm not really keen on.

    I'm really loving this cauliflower rice stir-fry, though.

    It already has added vegetables packed into it and is seasoned with sesame oil. So it's ready to go for a quick lunch.

    I especially like to add it to brown rice. The brown rice bulks up the texture, while the cauliflower rice provides more vegetables.

    Serve it with TJ’s vegan orange chicken, potstickers, or cubed baked tofu.

    Meatless breakfast sausage patties

    Meatless sausage patties on display in the freezer.

    Trader Joe’s reformulated their meatless breakfast sausage patties, and now they’re vegan! (They used to contain eggs.)

    That makes for a very handy, quick, and easy breakfast. I like to cook them in the air fryer.

    I wouldn’t say these are as delicious as Beyond or Impossible breakfast sausages. However, they’re still pretty good.

    Enjoy them on a bagel breakfast sandwich.

    Maple leaf cookies

    Stacked boxes of maple leaf cookies on display.

    I know Joe-Joe’s cookies have a lot of super fans, but these maple leaf cookies are where it’s at!

    The cream inside has a delicate maple flavor, and it’s so dense, thick, and creamy. It’s surrounded by two crunchy, leaf-shaped cookies.

    While most maple-flavored items at Trader Joe’s are seasonal, this is one of the few exceptions! It’s around all year ’round.

    Thai wheat noodles

    Thai wheat noodles in boxes on shelf.

    Thai wheat noodles are so handy! These shelf-stable noodles are ready to eat right out of the package. No boiling necessary!

    You get three packets of noodles in each package.

    I like to make a vegetable stir-fry, and then add the noodles to the skillet once the veggies are soft. I add a few splashes of tamari, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to coat the noodles, and incorporate them with the vegetables. Then I finish it with pickled jalapeños and chili crisp for a spicy kick.

    Baguette

    Baguette cut into slices by bowl of tomato mixture.

    I get a baguette from Trader Joe’s almost every time I go.

    They make wonderful garlic bread, cheesy bread, baguette pizza, or crostini. (Perfect for tomato bruschetta!)

    You can also slice them in half & warm them for a hearty sandwich (like my vegan French dip).

    Tubed polenta

    Chub of prepared polenta with oil spray, and spices on table.

    Tubed polenta is a super convenient pantry staple.

    Similar to grits, it’s a cornmeal porridge that solidified as it cooled.

    These fully cooked tubes of polenta can be cut into rings & shallow fried. Top with marinara and vegetables.

    Or you can cut it into fry shapes. Cook in the air fryer until crispy. Great for dipping!

    Sugar snap peas

    Sugar snap peas on the shelf at Trader Joe's.

    Sweet and crunchy sugar snap peas are an excellent snack. They’re ready to go right out of the package.

    Chomp on them raw. Or turn them into a quick and easy sugar snap peas stir-fry.

    They’re also a nice addition to a veggie platter.

    Vegetable fried rice

    Vegetable fried rice in freezer at Trader Joe's.

    Frozen vegetable fried rice is so handy to have on hand for easy stir-fries. It’s one of my favorite dinner shortcuts.

    Just saute whatever veggies you have on hand. Then add some of this fried rice. It’s already dotted with edamame, corn, bell pepper, and peas for double the vegetable action.

    It can be enjoyed on its own. Or top it with fried tofu, beefless bulgogi strips, or Mandarin orange vegan chicken.

    Content updated September 27, 2025. Originally posted March 16, 2018.

    More Reader favorites

    • Vegan pistachio milk being poured from bottle into glass.
      Homemade pistachio milk recipe (Easy, creamy & dairy-free )
    • Text overlay: Denver Airport vegan options. 4-panel collage with oatmeal, tofu bento, tacos, and Voodoo Donuts.
      Vegan options at the Denver Airport (Updated 2025)
    • Hands holding vegan chicken sandwich.
      Ultimate Milwaukee vegan restaurant guide
    • Arancini balls on plate with marinara dipping sauce.
      Vegan arancini (air fryer or oven baked)
    • Facebook
    • Threads

    About Cadry Nelson

    Cadry Nelson is the writer, recipe creator, and photographer behind Cadry’s Kitchen, and the author of Living Vegan For Dummies, 2nd Edition. Since launching her blog in 2009, Cadry has been making plant-based cooking approachable, and reimagining classic comfort foods. Her work has been featured in NBC News, Buzzfeed, Yahoo, Parade, VegNews, and more. She regularly appears on local TV shows, demonstrating to a broad audience how easy vegan cooking can be.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Sunny Linkfield

      July 13, 2025 at 11:28 pm

      I Googled vegan products at Trader Joe’s and found your article which was thorough and. exciting! I clicked on a link to take me to a video and you were on a news program showing polenta fries. I thought you did an amazing job with your demo and the interview! I love the fact you have a book Vegan for dummies I can’t wait to purchase this for most of my friends LOL i’m looking forward to checking out more of your recipes and I hope my journey food demos at the Philly Vegan Center is as successful as yours 💖

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        July 20, 2025 at 12:20 pm

        Your comment touched my heart so much! Thank you, Sunny! I happened to check my phone in the middle of the night and saw your kind words there. So lovely to see!

        I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job on your food demos. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you!

        Reply
    2. Stacey Galitsky

      May 29, 2025 at 10:34 pm

      THANK YOU!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        May 30, 2025 at 9:36 am

        You’re welcome! I hope you find some great stuff during your next outing!

        Reply
    3. Kelley Quigley

      May 29, 2025 at 12:23 pm

      Ooh, there are definitely several items on your list that I haven’t tried!! My go-to’s right now are the baked Sriracha tofu, the Soyaki sauce, Peanut dressing, Thai Curry frozen dinner, and the Spicy Lentil Wrap! So many fun things to try.

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        May 30, 2025 at 9:37 am

        Yum, good suggestions! My husband gets the spicy lentil wrap every now and again & toasts it in an indoor grill pan. A good easy lunch!

        Reply
    4. Debbie

      July 22, 2024 at 3:48 pm

      I had the bulgogi last night! I’m still mourning the ravioli and my husband really, really misses the bonbons. Thanks for keeping us up to date!

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        July 23, 2024 at 9:52 pm

        You’re very welcome!

        Yum, that bulgogi is so good! I agree that it’s really a pity about the ravioli. For a while they were saying that it was a stocking issue, but now it appears to be gone for good. Womp, womp.

        Reply
    5. Johanna Zalneraitis

      February 01, 2024 at 2:09 am

      I would also add the Japanese Fried Rice

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        February 01, 2024 at 3:24 pm

        Thanks for the tip, Johanna!

        Reply
    6. Lee Knox

      January 24, 2024 at 9:17 am

      Thank you for the great list of Trader Joe items. I never knew, but I know when I go there I get overwhelmed easily lol.

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        January 25, 2024 at 10:02 am

        You’re welcome, Lee! I’m glad the list is useful for you!

        Reply
    7. Chris

      March 18, 2022 at 10:58 am

      VEGAN CARAMELIZED ONION DIP

      I wanted this to be creamy and ready to eat but found it way too thick and unedible! I wanted it to so good but it was a dissapointment. Stiff, hard, pasty. Same with the vegan cream cheese! Other than these 2, your other suggestions are great!!!

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        March 18, 2022 at 11:14 am

        Interesting! I’ve heard other similar complaints about the vegan caramelized onion dip. I wonder if it varies by batch? It is definitely thicker than a sour cream-style chip dip. I usually eat it with really sturdy potato chips, like their salt & pepper chips with ridges.

        I don’t think TJ’s cream cheese is as good as Miyoko’s or Kite Hill, but for half the price, it does the job for me. Still, when I feel like splashing out, Miyoko’s all the way.

        Thanks for chiming in, Chris!

        Reply
    8. Marilyn Ramey

      December 07, 2019 at 1:18 pm

      Thanks for the very useful list. I am a fan of TJ’s but don’t get to go often enough to become familiar with it. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack to try and find vegan items when you aren’t familiar with the store. I am disabled and don’t get to shop a lot. I am also a new vegan (3 months) so I have been frustrated trying to find the products I need. Even more common items such as miso and tahini are not carried by Walmart. Thank you for putting together such a useful list so I will know what to look for next time I go to TJ’s.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        December 10, 2019 at 10:49 am

        I’m so glad that the list is helpful for you, Marilyn. That really makes my day. Thank you for letting me know!

        Reply
    9. Wendy

      August 16, 2019 at 9:54 am

      Thank you for such an honest review on the mango sauce. I have never bought it due to thinking it would be sweet. I bought some yesterday and you are so right, it’s amazing! Never knew I needed this in my life, thx!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        August 23, 2019 at 8:08 am

        Oh, great! I’m glad you are enjoying it too, Wendy. Thanks for letting me know!

        Reply
    10. Lori

      March 28, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      What an awesome and thorough list, Cadry! Thank you so much for this. There are several things on here I haven’t tried yet, like the samosas, falafel, mango sauce and zhoug. Yum. Ready for my next TJ’s trip!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 29, 2019 at 8:58 am

        Excellent! I hope you score some delicious finds, Lori!

        Reply
    11. Carol

      March 26, 2019 at 7:11 pm

      Cadry- what a motherlide of Information! Thank you! I’ve made a list of so many new taste treats based on your suggestions. I’ll often go to TJ’s , eyeball a new item, wonder if it’s worth a try, and more often than not decide to pass it up because I don’t quite know how I’d use it. I love trying new foods and you’ve helped me create a food shopping adventure for my next trip to TJ’s! You’re the best!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 27, 2019 at 2:07 pm

        I’m so glad to hear that, Carol! I’m happy this list is useful for you, and I can’t wait to hear what you try.

        Did you know that TJ’s has a policy that if you don’t like a product, you can return it no questions asked for a full refund? It makes it a lot easier to give something a whirl when you know that you can get your money back if it’s a flop. If you didn’t care for something, just bring the open package with you the next time you go to Trader Joe’s, and give it to your clerk.

        Reply
    12. Sharon

      September 07, 2018 at 2:27 pm

      Thank you Cadry for the TJ list and followers for their comments. I am going to TJ’s tonight! In general, I love their produce and their non-dairy ice cream. BTW, Hancher is having Trumpet Blossom prepare a culinary experience again on April 24, 5-8 pm! For those vegans in the Iowa City area, it was fabulous the last time and I am looking forward to it!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        September 07, 2018 at 2:33 pm

        I always forget about their non-dairy ice cream, but I know lots of people love their soy creamy cherry chocolate chip. I’ve never tried it, though. Thanks for the heads up on the Hancher culinary experience with Trumpet Blossom in 2019! I went last time too, and it was a great event.

        Reply
    13. Marissa

      March 31, 2018 at 9:13 pm

      Thanks for this post! Your favorites are some of my favorites too. My daughter and I are vegan too and here are her favorites that we get (doubles of) each time we go:
      *Kung pao tempura cauliflower (soo good!)
      *Vegetable bird’s nests ( more tempura…a kale/onion/carrot blend with a yummy dipping sauce)
      *the maple leaf cookies that someone else mentioned in the comments
      *the nondairy chocolate ice cream
      *the soft baked snickerdoodles
      *the blueberry and vanilla coconut milk yogurt
      *brownie crisps

      Reply
      • Cadry

        April 03, 2018 at 2:02 pm

        Oh, you have so many good things on your list that I need to try, Marissa! I finally tried the vegetable bird’s nests, because they were sampling them last week at the store. Very tasty! I need to get to the rest of the items on your list, though. Thanks for the tips!

        Reply
    14. Sarah De la Cruz

      March 26, 2018 at 5:37 pm

      Ok, we have all of the same favorites! I get about half of this stuff each time I go. I’m not sure I’ve seen the pickles yet (haven’t looked) and I MUST! I LOVE pickles in my sandwiches, and the sandwich slices make it so much easier to hold together. Recently I found the Matcha Joe Joe’s and they were really good! And yeah, what’s up with the parking lot? We just got a brand new TJ’s this fall and the parking lot is already awful. Definitely not designed for my Toyota Highlander!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 28, 2018 at 11:33 am

        Yay! I’m glad we’re on the same page with Trader Joe’s favorites. I didn’t realize that there are matcha Joe Joe’s cookies. David tends to be the big Joe Joe’s fan in our house, and he’s also the one who likes matcha. I bet he’d enjoy them!

        Trader Joe’s parking lots tend to be almost universally bad! Although, one exception, the new Coralville, Iowa location is pretty good as long as it isn’t a weekend.

        Reply
    15. Katie Koteen

      March 20, 2018 at 1:03 pm

      Trader Joe’s is just the best! I love how many vegan friendly products they keep on the shelves.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 21, 2018 at 8:26 am

        Agreed! And they’re always adding something new.

        Reply
    16. Taylor Filaroski

      March 20, 2018 at 8:08 am

      Those gyoza are SO good!! They really add an extra oomph to a lot of dishes but I also enjoy them as an after-work snack! My new favorite vegan item at TJ’s has been the green tea mochi. I’d never had mochi before since they’re not vegan but now TJ’s carries two vegan flavors, and the green tea one is amazing! My other favorite vegan items include the vegan cream cheese (best vegan cream cheese around, imo), the popcorn with herbs and spices, and the dried mango! They also used to carry a vegan frozen pizza that was DELICIOUS but I haven’t seen it in months 🙁

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 20, 2018 at 12:03 pm

        You’re the second person to mention the green tea mochi recently. I’m usually not into green tea, but I’m really intrigued!

        I am a big fan of their cream cheese too. I like the Kite Hill cream cheese a little better, but it’s over twice the price! Plus, the Kite Hill cream cheese goes bad really fast. I can never finish it before it’s moldy. So that makes the Trader Joe’s one an even better deal. I’m not wasting it.

        I haven’t tried the popcorn or dried mango. So I’ll keep an eye out for those.

        That’s too bad about the frozen pizza! It’s always disappointing when they discontinue a favorite.

        Reply
        • Taylor Filaroski

          March 23, 2018 at 7:23 am

          I love Kite Hill cream cheese but you’re right, it’s just way too expensive for every day bagel eating! Plus I enjoy mixing the TJ’s cream cheese into marinara for a pasta sauce with an extra something and don’t like the Kite Hill brand as much for this purpose 🙂 you should post about the mochi if/when you try them because I’m not a huge green tea fan either but they have a certain je ne sais quoi!

          Reply
          • Cadry

            March 23, 2018 at 8:59 am

            I would never have thought about mixing cream cheese into my marinara, but I bet that’s really tasty! I’m going to try that. I’m glad to hear that you’re not a huge green tea fan either. Now I’m even more excited to try the mochi – especially if they have a certain je ne sais quoi! 😉

            Reply
    17. Susan

      March 19, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      So fun! I have mostly been a Wholefoods person when I have been in the US, because I found the layout of some Trader Joe’s a little confusing and I often wasn’t able to find much. I think because I just didn’t know where to look. But it has so much awesome stuff! Next time I’m in the US, I’ll have to get someone in the know to give me a tour. 😉

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 20, 2018 at 11:53 am

        Whole Foods is lots of fun too and has so many vegan specialty products (like different types of seitan & vegan cheeses) that are not always available elsewhere. Maybe I should start a side gig, offering grocery store tours to tourists. 😉

        Reply
    18. Dianne

      March 19, 2018 at 6:52 pm

      I see some of my favorites on your list, too! There are a few things here that I need to look for the next time I’m there!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 20, 2018 at 11:44 am

        There’s always something new to check out! Even since I finished this list a few days ago, I’ve thought about more that I could add. Happy shopping, Dianne!

        Reply
    19. Mandy

      March 19, 2018 at 5:02 pm

      Yay!! I finally got a moment to sit and read this post!! Obviously we looooooove Trader Joe’s and I think it’s always so much fun to see what products people find there. It’s also fun because not every TJ’s carries the same products. Those gyoza were my favorite during my pre gluten free days! I bet they’re so good in the air fryer. Those marcona almonds are dangerously good!! Yum!!! That organic baked tofu was my go-to before I had to go soy-free! Not sure if you have it at your TJ’s, but the kale cashew pesto in the refrigerated section is amazing – we add it to pasta, salads, potatoes and pizza. I can’t eat them, but Josh buys the high protein veggie burgers (in the frozen section) on a weekly basis. We also buy the organic riced cauliflower all the time! I could seriously talk about Trader Joe’s products all day!! I’m lucky that Josh still works for TJ’s so he keeps me in the loop about new products 😊 I couldn’t imagine living without a TJ’s nearby!! Haha!!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 20, 2018 at 11:41 am

        Oh, yes, I’ve been buying the kale cashew pesto lately too. It’s handy for when you just want a few dollops of pesto on something or to use as a spread in a vegan quesadilla or sandwich. I’ve never tried those veggie burgers! How lucky for you to have a Trader Joe’s insider in the family. 😀

        Reply
    20. Bianca Phillips

      March 19, 2018 at 3:59 pm

      YESSSSSS! My faves are Bagel Seasoning, Onion Salt, Garlic Spread, the peanut puffs that I’ve forgotten the name of, and Speculoos Spread! Oh, and Two Buck Chuck Shiraz.

      We don’t have TJ’s here YET! But I always stock up when I’m in Nashville or Atlanta. We’re supposed to be getting one, but they’re taking a LONG time with building permits and plans and such.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 20, 2018 at 11:39 am

        I don’t use the bagel seasoning nearly often enough! I kind of forgot about it in my cupboard. I forgot about that garlic spread too! I was really into it for a while. I can’t believe that we got a Trader Joe’s before you did! I never would have guessed that would happen. I hope the permits & plans go through soon.

        Reply
    21. Shell

      March 19, 2018 at 8:13 am

      I just added a lot of these items to my Trader Joe’s list. I need to try the cauliflower rice, and I’ve been looking for a new marinara sauce. I’ll try the one you suggested. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 20, 2018 at 11:37 am

        I could see you really liking the cauliflower rice! Let me know how it goes with your new list additions. 😀

        Reply
    22. Kathleen Gancayco

      March 18, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Awesome list! Thank you for sharing 🙂 I’ll look for these in my next visit to TJ’s.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 20, 2018 at 11:34 am

        Great, Kathleen! Happy shopping!

        Reply
    23. Elise

      March 18, 2018 at 11:09 am

      I could go on forever, but here are a few of my favorites you didn’t mention:
      -Maple leaf cookies
      -Sriacha baked tofu (amazing with…)
      -Japanese fried rice (in the freezer section; this was a recent purchase and I cooked it with the sriacha tofu and it was AMAZING)
      -Bagged salad mixes (the baby kale mix is amazing)
      -Frozen falafel
      -Hummus…any flavor!
      -Bruschetta sauce
      I could go on, but that’s all I can think of for now.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 18, 2018 at 11:19 am

        Thanks for the suggestions, Elise!

        I’ve never tried the maple leaf cookies or baby kale salad mix. (I’ve gotten baby kale there, but I’m assuming this is a different thing?) I love the sriracha tofu too, and I came very close to adding the falafel to this list. It was getting a little long, and so I stopped short of it. But maybe I should go back and add it!

        I’ve been a little wary of the Japanese fried rice, because it includes seaweed. Nori makes me gag, and so I was afraid it would have some of that seaweed flavor I don’t like. What do you think? Is the seaweed flavor prominent?

        Reply
        • Elizabeth

          May 16, 2018 at 7:01 am

          Nooooo it’s not at all! I’m not a fan of seaweed flavor either (at all!) but I absolutely love this rice & so does everyone I’ve served it to! It’s great with the vegan Mandarin orange chicken morsels! Try it! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

          Reply
          • Cadry

            May 16, 2018 at 7:23 am

            Awesome! I will check it out. Thanks, Elizabeth!

            Reply
    24. Autumn

      March 18, 2018 at 9:38 am

      I LOVE that cauliflower stir fried rice. I have always loved those veggie pot stickers…. I cannot believe I didn’t think tk our them in my air fryer!! What would I do without you darling!! We miss you here in LA. 😉

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 18, 2018 at 11:20 am

        Yes! Isn’t it so good? I love that all of the work is done with the cauliflower stir fried rice. Just heat & eat. We miss you two too!! Hugs to you and Sharon!

        Reply
    25. Janis Ware

      March 17, 2018 at 6:21 pm

      Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes!!! I realized I probably first learned about all of the TJ’s favorites from your blog! I would add VEGAN TIKKA MASALA!!! This is one of my most very favorite things from Trader Joe’s. I’d also add portabella fries but sadly, super sadly, they do not offer those anymore. Sorry, zucchini fries are not even close to being the same but good try, TJ’s employee. I will have to try the marcona almonds, the balela salad and the dolmas. Thanks for all of your awesome recs!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 18, 2018 at 11:22 am

        I haven’t tried the vegan tikka masala yet. We bought it once, but I sent David to work with it for lunch. I need to try it!

        Ah, it’s so sad when Trader Joe’s discontinues something that you loved. You never know when it’s going to happen! I’m glad the suggestions are helpful!

        Reply
    26. Jill

      March 17, 2018 at 5:38 pm

      Thanks for this great list! The potstickers are amazing! I really like their Island Salsa….I try to buy salsas low in sodium and so many are just loaded but the island salsa is low. The Spicy Smoky Peach Salsa is also good with under 100 mg sodium.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 18, 2018 at 11:23 am

        Oh, thanks for the salsa suggestions! Those both sound like salsas I would really like.

        Reply
    27. Don

      March 17, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      Oh my, I’m so glad you posted on this topic. I’ll be stopping there after work this week.
      Thank you…thank you.

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 18, 2018 at 11:24 am

        That’s great, Don! I’m glad it’s helpful and that the timing worked out. I hope you find lots of good stuff!

        Reply
    28. Laura vanZandt

      March 17, 2018 at 11:01 am

      This post reminds me that I don’t go to TJs nearly enough! The basil pesto is my new favorite, and I’m also a fan of the gyoza. I make my own dipping sauce for them with vegan mayo and chili garlic paste (which is good with anything, let’s be honest). Thanks for this post – I’m bookmarking it!

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 17, 2018 at 11:22 am

        I’ve been buying that kale basil pesto on occasion lately too. I like to jazz it up with nutritional yeast flakes. I’m loving your mayo/chili garlic paste idea for the gyoza! I have to try that next time!

        Reply
        • Cheyl A Ashley

          August 28, 2021 at 2:29 pm

          I’m buying the pesto today after work. I love a good pesto and this one sounds amazing

          Reply
        • Cheryl Ashley

          August 28, 2021 at 2:51 pm

          I love the gyoza they’re SOOO good I make my own sauce with hoisin sauce, lite soy sauce,fresh garlic, agave nectar &a little sweet mirin wine. The veggie gyozas are my favorite

          Reply
          • Cadry Nelson

            August 29, 2021 at 10:21 am

            Yes, the gyoza are a freezer staple! So good! Your dipping sauce sounds delicious.

            Reply
    29. Elena Christian

      March 17, 2018 at 9:47 am

      Alllllll the hummus.white bean, beet, jalapeno…….

      Reply
      • Cadry

        March 17, 2018 at 11:25 am

        Good call, Elena!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Cadry Nelson standing in kitchen with hand on hip.

    Hi, I'm Cadry!

    I’m the creator behind Cadry's Kitchen and author of Living Vegan For Dummies.

    I'm a longtime vegan, but I grew up eating a standard American diet. I know that all of us crave foods that are familiar, comforting, and delicious.

    That’s why it’s my passion to share mouthwatering plant-based recipes that taste like home.

    More about me →

    In stores now

    Air fryer recipes

    • Hand holding vegan sandwich with breaded eggplant, marinara, fresh basil, and onion.
      Vegan eggplant parmesan sandwich in the air fryer
    • Vegan breaded eggplant on plate with marinara and non-dairy cheese.
      Air fryer eggplant parmesan (vegan & crispy)
    • Crispy wontons on bowls with shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and vegan chicken.
      Vegan egg roll in a bowl (Easy Chinese cabbage stir-fry recipe)
    • Hand dunking crunchy pita chip into bowl of air fryer roasted beet hummus on veggie board.
      Beet hummus recipe (with air fryer roasted beets + oven option)

    Vegan travel guides

    • Text overlay: Denver Airport vegan options. 4-panel collage with oatmeal, tofu bento, tacos, and Voodoo Donuts.
      Vegan options at the Denver Airport (Updated 2025)
    • Hands holding vegan chicken sandwich.
      Ultimate Milwaukee vegan restaurant guide
    • Text overlay: Des Moines vegan restaurant guide. 4-panel collage with taco pizza, pad Thai, cinnamon roll, and birria tacos.
      Ultimate Des Moines vegan restaurant guide 2025
    • Text overlay: Vegan options at Noodles & Company. Exterior fast food restaurant.
      Noodles and Company vegan options (Updated 2025)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Meet Cadry
    • Work with me

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

    As seen in

    Logos of sites where Cadry Nelson and Cadry's Kitchen have been featured: Buzzfeed, Taste of Home, Hello Iowa, Prevention, NBC News, Delish, and VegNews.

    Copyright © 2025 Cadry's Kitchen