46 favorite Trader Joe’s vegan products

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.

Going to Trader Joe’s is like a treasure hunt.

You never know what you may fall in love with at your next visit.

New and exciting products appear on store shelves in regular rotation.

But being a TJ’s fan is also a lesson in detachment. As soon as you’ve found a product you love, it may be discontinued.

Products are taken off the shelves because they’re seasonal, not selling well, or for quality control reasons.

So when you like something, you’ve got to buy it and enjoy it while you can.

Some products stick around for years, others for just weeks.

Today I’m sharing an updated list of 46 favorite Trader Joe’s vegan products.

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

Green jackfruit

Obviously, you can buy young green jackfruit other places. It’s available at Asian grocery stores, in addition to natural food stores.

But it’s very handy to buy at Trader Joe’s when I’m doing my regular shopping run.

And for people who are confused about which jackfruit to buy for savory dishes, it’s an easy place to point them.

This green jackfruit packed in brine works well for things like BBQ jackfruit.

And there are lots of vegan barbecue sauce options at Trader Joe’s that you can use for it. I’m especially fond of the Kansas City-style shown above.

Ways to use Trader Joe’s jackfruit:

• Jackfruit carnitas tacos with red wine (Pick up wine while you’re there!)
• Vegan French dip sandwich with au jus
• Vegan reuben jackfruit sandwich
• Vegan Philly cheesesteak
• Vegan taquitos with jackfruit
• Vegan crab dip

Sprouted wheat 7-grain bread

This grainy bread is great for sandwiches and toast.

It’s hearty enough to feel substantive. But the flavor & size doesn’t overwhelm.

It’s made with sprouted organic whole wheat berries, quinoa, millet, oat groats, barely, rye berries, and amaranth.

It is sweetened with agave syrup and molasses. Two slices are 140 calories.

Ways to use sprouted wheat bread:

• Vegan tuna salad sandwiches
• Vegan egg salad sandwiches
• Vegetable sandwich with jalapeño cashew cheese
• Toasted sandwich with eggy tofu & seitan bacon

Chickenless crispy tenders

Chickenless crispy tenders are a freezer staple.

They get beautifully crisp on the outside. And the inside has wonderful bite.

They’re one of those super easy dinners for when you come home famished.

Tear open a bag, and throw them 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!

Or put the air fried strips onto a warmed baguette sandwich, smeared with vegan mayo and mustard. Add pickle planks & onion slices.

Serve it with french fries (also cooked in the air fryer). You can find bagged french fries in the freezer section. Great for nights when you don’t feel like chopping potatoes.

Korean beefless bulgogi

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

They are AMAZING. Easily one of my favorite new 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.

• They’re great in fried rice
• They make an excellent centerpiece in vegan steak sandwiches
• Use them in a vegan bánh mì or kimchi reuben (instead of bulgogi tofu)
• Or put them in fajitas or steak tacos along with a drizzle of cilantro chimichurri

My favorite way to prepare them is in the air fryer. Pull them out of the packaging, and cook at 380 degrees.

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.

By the way, I asked if they are a seasonal item, and they are not.

So that’s a sigh of relief. Hopefully they will be around a while.

Vegan ice cream sandwiches

If you’re a fan of ice cream sandwiches, make it your business to get a box of these!

Officially called oat non-dairy frozen dessert sandwiches, this icy treat scratches that childhood nostalgia itch in every way.

The wonderfully creamy vanilla ice cream stands in delicious contrast to the dark chocolate flavor of the exterior.

The sandwiches are just the right size for an afternoon treat.

(Curiously, the serving size is TWO sandwiches. But one is perfect for me.)

A box of 6 is $3.49 at my Trader Joe’s location.

Vegan spinach & cashew ravioli

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.

Everything but the Bagel seasoning

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

Garlic chipotle salsa

I usually prefer fresh salsa, but this jarred salsa has become an obsession.

It’s the closest thing I’ve found to the salsa doled out at Chevy’s Mexican Restaurants, which is one of my favorites.

This smoky salsa is rich with the flavors of roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, and chipotle peppers. I would classify this as a fairly mild salsa.

One downside is that it’s a little on the watery side.

Ways to use it:

• Dip it with tortilla chips, breakfast quesadillas, or refried bean quesadillas
• Add a dollop to a vegan taco salad
• Pile it on a burrito bowl
• Add spoonfuls to vegan nachos

Nutritional yeast flakes

Buying a big canister of nutritional yeast flakes can get pricey. However, a bag of nutritional yeast at Trader Joe’s is only $2.99.

And unless you’re making massive amounts of vegan mac & cheese, it will probably last you a while.

(And if you are making massive amounts of vegan mac & cheese, 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

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.

Shakshuka starter kit

I know there are eggs on the package of this shakshuka starter kit, but everything inside is vegan.

You’re directed to add an egg to it in the instructions. However, it’s terrific with eggy tofu instead!

Just brown slabs of super firm tofu with kala namak and black pepper. Then add it to the warmed sauce.

Finish with vegan feta and a handful of spinach.

(You can make your own vegan feta or use TJ’s store-bought feta.)

It’s also nice with avocado, fried polenta, or hash brown patties.

Scoop it up with toast, pita, or flatbread.

(Prefer to make your own shakshuka from scratch? Check out this recipe for vegan shakshuka.)

Seasoning in a pickle seasoning blend

This tangy seasoning blend is made with dill, garlic, and powdered vinegar.

It adds zip to dill pickle hummus.

Sprinkle it on roasted or air fried chickpeas.

Or use it as a finishing salt on popcorn.

As with most of their pickle-flavored options, this one will likely be available in the summer only. So if you fall in love with it, stock up before it’s gone.

Vegan feta cheese

If you like Violife feta, give this feta from TJ’s a whirl. I’m pretty sure it’s just repackaged Violife in sturdier packaging.

This vegan feta is packaged in brine. It has a flavor with funk that is more similar to goat cheese than feta.

Use vegan feta in any of these recipes:

• Mediterranean pasta with tomatoes
• Fall salad with apples & candied pecans
• Tomato cucumber salad
• Fried olives stuffed with vegan feta
• Spinach salad with strawberries

If you’d prefer to make your own, check out my vegan feta cheese recipe made with blanched almonds.

Soy chorizo

This soy chorizo is a refrigerator staple.

I make it a few times a month for 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.

Vegan Caesar dressing

While it’s easy to make salad dressing, you can’t beat the convenience of a bottled sauce. Salad making is that much faster.

This vegan Caesar dressing is made with tofu, miso, mustard, and capers for brininess.

It is especially nice on romaine or spinach since it’s a lighter dressing.

Finish it with crumbled vegan feta and croutons.

Organic shredded cabbage

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
• Add it to a Southwest salad for extra crunch and interest with no added chopping

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
• The best marinated lentils (Obviously skip the “cooking” part of the recipe.)

Thai vegetable gyoza

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 tamari or Chinese hot mustard for dipping.

Vegetable spring rolls

Unlike uninspiring, cabbage-heavy spring rolls, these are stuffed with kale, edamame, tofu, and mushrooms.

The wrapper gets delightfully light & flaky in the air fryer.

Pineapple fried rice or Brussels sprouts vegan fried rice is instantly more exciting once there’s a vegetable spring roll on the side.

I serve them with Chinese hot mustard for dipping.

(By the way, I also buy the bagged baby spinach & tri-color peppers shown above almost every visit!)

Grilled artichoke halves

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

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 $5 or more. (It’s just cucumbers, people!)

Put them in a vegan banh mi sandwich, add them to vegan potato salad along with a splash of pickle juice, and use them as a topping on chili dog pizza.

Hashbrown patties

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!

Fruit jellies

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

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.)

Here’s how to air fry them: 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.

Or 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

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

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

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 30 tofu recipes.)

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.

Organic brown rice

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:

• Brown rice bowl with hummus
• Saucy black bean bowl with plantains
• Black bean burritos
• Pesto rice
• Air fryer stuffed peppers

Organic 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

Vegan meatless meat eater’s pizza

For an easy dinner option, check out this vegan meatless meat eater’s pizza.

Just pop it in the oven. And you’re good to go.

The vegan meatless meat eater’s pizza has been a favorite of mine since it arrived at Trader Joe’s.

It’s topped with vegan pepperoni, sausage, chorizo, and non-dairy cheese.

I typically like to add my own toppings before popping it in the oven. Onions, sautéed mushrooms, and bell peppers are good choices for a supreme style pizza.

Or you can pop on some pickled jalapeños or pickled red onions once it’s out of the oven.

Ridge cut potato chips

These 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.

Serve them with a vegan chicken salad sandwich. Or use them to crust vegan fried green tomatoes for an indulgent side dish.

(If it’s mid-November or early December, don’t miss my very favorite potato chips with horseradish & chives!)

Vegan caramelized onion dip

This onion dip has big chunks of caramelized onions in every bite.

It is almost too good. I really have to use self restraint not to blaze through it in a day or two.

The texture is incredibly thick – like cashew cream or cream cheese.

So be sure to grab some very sturdy chips like the salt & pepper kettle chips also on this list.

Vegan tzatziki

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

Trader Joe’s has stepped up its non-dairy cheese game with vegan cheddar slices, mozzarella shreds, and vegan parmesan.

They’re all pretty mildly flavored and nice in complement to a full dish.

The cheddar slices and mozzarella are cashew-based. The American slices are potato starch & coconut oil-based. The slices remind me of Parmela, if you’re familiar with that brand.

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

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

The shredded parmesan has generous big flakes and a salty flavor.

Add a sprinkling to pasta with marinara or cilantro basil pesto. It’s also great in the breading of vegan eggplant parmesan.

Boursin dairy free garlic & herbs

Calling all garlic fans!

The dairy free Boursin garlic and herbs spread is an excellent addition to your vegan cheeseboard.

It has a thinner, spreadable quality that is nice on crackers.

I also like to add a dollop to a baked potato.

Non-dairy yogurt

Yogurt is handy to have on hand for a quick breakfasts and snacks.

Trader Joe’s has several kinds of non-dairy yogurt.

Almond milk is the preferred option at our house. But that hasn’t been available lately.

Luckily, the cashew milk yogurt is also quite tasty.

Mini vegetable samosas

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 or Trader Joe’s zhoug sauce.

Frozen fully cooked falafel

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!

Trader Joe’s falafel is on the dense side, but it gets the job done.

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!

Dill pickle falafel

Speaking of falafel, most Trader Joe’s pickle-flavored options are seasonal for the summer only.

But when it’s available, grab a bag of the dill pickle mini falafel.

The tiny size is so cute. And it cooks beautifully in the air fryer.

I like the texture even better than the regular, full sized option.

The dill flavor doesn’t overwhelm, but adds a nice something extra.

It’s especially nice dipped in dill pickle hummus.

Riced cauliflower stir-fry

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.

Strawberry oat ice cream

This beautifully creamy dessert lets the strawberries shine. It really tastes like your classic strawberry ice cream.

It’s finished with almond brittle and candied strawberries.

So perfect for warm weather months!

The base of this ice cream is oat milk. It includes tapioca and coconut oil. It’s sweetened with agave syrup.

For maximum pleasure, spoon it into a Trader Joe’s sugar cone when they’re available.

Dukkah

Dukkah is a seasonal item. So you will only find it on the shelves certain times of the year.

(When it’s not in season, use this dukkah recipe to make your own! It’s based on the Trader Joe’s dukkah nut and spice blend.)

To use dukkah, fill one small dish with good olive oil. In the next, pour some of the dukkah.

Then dunk warm, crusty bread first into the oil, and then into the dukkah. The dukkah clings to the oil.

When you bite into it, you get the nutty flavors of almonds & sesame seeds.

There are undertones of sausage & licorice because of the fennel, anise, and coriander.

Finally, there’s kosher salt, which makes it all the more snackable.

Use it as a topping for hummus or toss it with roasted potatoes.

Content and photographs updated August 1, 2022. Originally posted March 16, 2018.