You already know that TJ’s is the place to stock up on everything from go-to staples to fun impulse buys (rosé gummies, anyone?). What you may not know, though, is that Trader Joe’s is also a vegan paradise.

Not only are many of the famously fun and creative eats Trader Joe’s churns out actually vegan-friendly (sup, cauliflower gnocchi), but they’ve also mastered the art of creating vegan copycats of your faves. Trust me, you’d never know the difference.

From pre-packaged fresh and frozen veggie-packed meals, to every kind of non-dairy milk you can imagine, to delish plant-based dips, and so much more, TJ’s makes being vegan a tasty walk in the park.

Of course, treating yourself to some vegan desserts from Trader Joe’s is a must from time to time, but the chain also makes it easy to keep your meals clean.

“Look for whole ingredients and a minimal ingredient list, and keep an eye out for signs of ultra-processing, like soybean oil, caramel color or soy protein isolates,” says nutritionist Dr. Michelle Davenport, PhD, RD, a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Ritual. Otherwise, try to opt for vegan eats that are higher in fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fats.

As if it wasn’t already easy enough to get everything on your vegan grocery list at TJ’s, the brand is always launching fun new plant-based products.

Not sure where to start? Here are the 25 most interesting (and generally cool) Trader Joe’s vegan foods.

Shrink your dinner prep time with what Trader Joe’s calls a “veggie-party-in-a-bag.” This frozen staple features a base of cauliflower rice, plus green peas, red bell peppers, grilled corn, and spring onions—all with a savory tamari sauce and sesame oil seasoning.

Don’t be alarmed by the green tint, this is no ordinary ranch. Made with coconut cream and seasoned with garlic, shallots, chives, and dill, it’s thick consistency makes it perfect for dipping everything from veggies to chips.

Its name may be a mouthful, but every spoonful of this plant-based snack is a pure delight. Toss in granola or fruit to make it extra satisfying.

This multi-colored medley of pre-cut Brussels, carrots, peas, red cabbage, and broccoli comes with pre-cooked brown rice and an umami miso sauce, so you have everything you need for a full-on vegan feast.

If you’re over almond and soy milk, switch up your sips with Trader Joe’s new non-dairy oat milks. Blend the sweet, creamy alternative into plant-based smoothies or pour it over cereal.

This is “a perfect delight for the vegan pesto lover,” says nutritionist Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet. Toss it with pasta for a cozy, vegan-friendly dinner.

TJ’s cauliflower gnocchi has been a fan favorite since launching in 2019, and it’s a great low-carb, vegan way to satisfy cravings for classic Italian. The only ingredients: cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch, extra-virgin olive oil, and sea salt.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the texture of these soy tenders is spot on. Pass the ketchup, please!

With its tender, meaty texture and ability to soak up seasonings like a sponge, jackfruit is the meat substitute you never knew you were missing—and these crabless cakes truly do take the cake. Cook them on the stovetop and they get perfectly crusty and flaky.

If your plant-based diet could use a protein pick-me-up, toss a package or two of this tempeh in your cart. Also a good source of fiber, it’s chewy,nutty heaven when mixed with your favorite grain, legumes, and veggies, says Gans.

Indulge your sweet tooth sans the dairy with these rich, fair-trade, and totally vegan dark chocolate sun butter cups. Each package comes with two cups for double the pleasure (or to share with a friend).

Trader Joe’s has famously good baked treats, and this plant-based loaf manages to achieve the soft texture and sweet taste of traditional banana bread without any eggs or dairy. Each vegan slice has plenty of flavor on its own, but is straight-up heavenly with almond butter.

Trader Joe’s doesn’t carry many third-party brand products, so when it does, you know they’re worth it. This plant-based butter is made with cultured cashew milk and organic coconut oil, is reasonably priced, and easy to spread on toast or crusty bread.

This spicy vegan “sausage” is made with cumin- and chili powder-spiced soy crumbles. Though it doesn’t slice like a true sausage (the casing is inedible), but you can cook up the crumbles to fill breakfast tacos and other plant-based dishes with.

Get a creamy, plant-based jolt of caffeine with these single-serve cans of vegan goodness. Their cold brew base is 100% Brazilian Arabica beans, and coconut cream and cane sugar add all the extra oomph you could need.

Nutritional yeast is the key to incredible faux cheese sauces, and just a few sprinkles gives any plant-based favorite an umami flavor boost. Homemade vegan mac and cheese, here you come.

These totally plant-based burgers pack a whopping 18 grams of protein per serving and cook up with texture and flavor so close to real ground beef that you won’t believe they’re vegan.

Like the original, this sweet spin on classic hummus (which is made of chickpeas and tahini) is naturally vegan. Cocoa powder and a bit of sugar transform the usually-savory dip into something totally dessert-worthy.

Coated with everything from dried onion to sesame seeds, these bagels really have it all—well, except animal-based ingredients, that is. Their just-chewy-enough exteriors and doughy insides make them the perfect vessels for your favorite vegan spread or a veggie-loaded sandwich.

When you feel a snack attack coming on, these vegan chips are so flavorful you won’t even want dip. I don’t know what I love more, their zesty chili-lime seasoning or their fun rolled-up shape.

Made with pea protein, coconut, banana, and almond butter, this plant-based smoothie is impossibly creamy—and contains a whopping 14 grams of protein for when you need on-the-go vegan fuel.

Hearty and vegan? Look no further. This minestrone soup, which pairs vegetable broth with cannellini beans, rice, quinoa, orzo pasta, and kale, makes cozying up easy as can be.

Made with organic cashews, organic potatoes, carrots, onions, green chili peppers, jalapeños, and tomato paste, this vegan fiesta dip tastes just like queso—without a shred of the dairy.

This non-dairy ice cream is just as creamy as the real thing. Complete with cherries and vegan chocolate chips, it’s a must-have for every plant-based freezer.

Trader Joe’s makes it easy to enjoy your own vegan açaí bowl at home. Just throw one of these frozen packs into a blender with your other go-to add-ins and get ready to snap some pics for Insta.

The key to this heat-and-serve savory dish: green jackfruit sourced from Thailand. Yellow curry paste, lemongrass, cumin, turmeric, and coconut milk give the tender meat substitute loads of flavor that tastes truly authentic.

This article is part of Women’s Health’s 2020 Vegan Week click here for more.

Source: Read Full Article