MomSkoop
Going vegan a decade ago felt overwhelming at first, but Trader Joe’s quickly became my favorite place to shop. Their shelves are packed with affordable, delicious plant-based options that make eating vegan feel easy and exciting.
Over the years, I’ve tested just about everything they carry, and a core group of products keeps landing in my cart every single week. Here are the 15 Trader Joe’s staples I genuinely can’t live without.
1. Soy Chorizo
The first time I crumbled Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo into a pan, my whole kitchen smelled like taco night at its absolute best.
This product is seriously one of the best plant-based proteins money can buy, and it costs under three dollars.
The smoky, spiced flavor is bold and satisfying without any of the greasy heaviness you get from traditional pork chorizo.
Toss it into tacos, breakfast scrambles, burritos, or even nachos.
It cooks up in minutes and seasons itself, so you barely need to add anything else.
I keep at least two links in my fridge at all times because running out feels like a small emergency.
2. High-Protein Organic Tofu
Not all tofu is created equal, and Trader Joe’s High-Protein Organic Tofu proves that point every time I open the package.
With more protein per serving than standard firm tofu, this block is a powerhouse for anyone trying to hit their daily protein goals without eating meat.
It holds its shape beautifully when pan-fried, baked, or tossed into stir-fries.
Marinate it overnight and you’ll be amazed at how much flavor it soaks up.
I love pressing it, cubing it, and crisping it in a cast-iron skillet with tamari and garlic.
It’s also surprisingly affordable for organic tofu, which makes stocking up feel totally guilt-free.
3. Organic Tempeh
Tempeh has been a staple in my kitchen since the very first month I went vegan, and Trader Joe’s version never lets me down.
Made from fermented soybeans, it has a nutty, hearty flavor and a firm texture that holds up to just about any cooking method.
It also packs a serious protein punch alongside gut-friendly probiotics from the fermentation process.
Slice it thin and pan-fry it for a BLT-style sandwich, crumble it into bolognese, or cube it for grain bowls.
The trick is marinating it first — even 20 minutes in soy sauce, garlic, and maple syrup transforms it completely.
Once you find your favorite way to cook tempeh, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.
4. Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto
Finding a store-bought pesto without Parmesan used to feel impossible — until Trader Joe’s launched this genius jar.
Made with cashews instead of cheese, this pesto is creamy, rich, and packed with fresh basil flavor.
The kale adds a subtle earthiness that makes it taste more complex than your average jarred sauce.
Stir it into pasta for a five-minute dinner that genuinely impresses guests.
It also works beautifully as a sandwich spread, pizza base, or dipping sauce for roasted vegetables.
One jar disappears fast in my house, so I usually grab two at a time.
Did you know cashews are technically seeds, not nuts?
That little fact makes this pesto feel even more interesting.
5. Vegan Tzatziki Dip
Greek food was something I genuinely missed after going vegan, especially tzatziki.
Then Trader Joe’s dropped a plant-based version and honestly, it tastes so close to the original that I did a double-take reading the label.
Cucumber, dill, and garlic come together in a cool, creamy base that feels refreshing and indulgent at the same time.
Scoop it up with pita chips, spread it on wraps, or use it as a sauce for falafel bowls.
It’s also amazing drizzled over roasted potatoes with a squeeze of lemon.
The texture is thick and satisfying, which is hard to pull off without dairy.
Keeping a tub of this in the fridge means snack time is always sorted.
6. Cashew Yogurt Alternative
Mornings got a whole lot better when Trader Joe’s started carrying cashew-based yogurt.
The texture is luxuriously thick and creamy, which sets it apart from a lot of watery dairy-free yogurts on the market.
It comes in several flavors, but the plain version is my personal go-to because it works both in sweet and savory recipes.
Layer it with granola and fruit for a quick breakfast, or swirl it into overnight oats for extra creaminess.
The vanilla flavor also makes a stellar base for smoothies.
Cashews create a naturally buttery richness that other plant milks just can’t replicate in yogurt form.
Once you try this version, switching back to other dairy-free options feels like a downgrade.
7. Thai Vegetable Gyoza
Accidentally vegan products are some of the best finds in any grocery store, and these gyoza are a shining example.
Trader Joe’s Thai Vegetable Gyoza are filled with a fragrant, lightly spiced vegetable mixture that tastes way more interesting than standard dumpling fillings.
The wrappers crisp up beautifully with the pan-fry-and-steam method, giving you that perfect potsticker texture.
Serve them with soy sauce and chili oil for an appetizer that disappears within minutes at any gathering.
They also make a surprisingly filling light dinner alongside a simple cucumber salad.
Keeping a few bags in the freezer means you’re always 15 minutes away from something genuinely delicious.
These are one of the most underrated items in the entire frozen aisle.
8. Vegetable Bird’s Nests
There’s something almost magical about pulling these out of the freezer and watching them turn into perfectly crispy little nests in the oven.
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests are tempura-style fritters made with shredded vegetables, and they deliver an incredibly satisfying crunch that rivals anything from a restaurant.
The visual presentation alone makes them feel fancy.
Dip them in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, or even that vegan tzatziki from earlier in this list.
They work as a snack, an appetizer, or a fun side dish alongside noodle soups.
The fact that they bake up so crisply without deep frying is genuinely impressive.
Once these hit your regular rotation, plain frozen vegetables start feeling a little boring by comparison.
9. Japanese Fried Rice
On nights when cooking feels like too much effort, this frozen fried rice saves the day every single time.
Trader Joe’s Japanese Fried Rice is loaded with vegetables, edamame, and a savory umami-packed seasoning that tastes like it came from a real Japanese restaurant.
The edamame adds a nice protein boost, which is always welcome in a plant-based meal.
Microwave it in five minutes or toss it in a wok for extra char and flavor.
I often add extra frozen veggies or a side of tofu to bulk it up into a complete meal.
The portion size is generous, and the price is unbeatable for the quality you get.
Busy weeknights officially have a solution, and it lives in your freezer.
10. Organic Hummus
Hummus has been a daily staple in my vegan life for a full decade, and Trader Joe’s organic version is the one I keep coming back to.
It’s smooth, well-seasoned, and made with clean ingredients — no unnecessary fillers or artificial preservatives.
The price per ounce beats most grocery store competitors, which makes buying it regularly feel like a smart choice.
Spread it on sandwiches instead of mayo, use it as a dip for raw vegetables, or thin it out with lemon juice and water for a quick salad dressing.
I also love dolloping it onto grain bowls for extra creaminess and protein.
Having a container of hummus in the fridge means there’s always something quick, satisfying, and nutritious within reach.
11. Steamed Lentils
Cooking dried lentils from scratch takes almost an hour, and some days that just isn’t happening.
Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils come pre-cooked in a vacuum-sealed pouch, ready to eat straight out of the bag or warmed up in seconds.
They taste earthy and hearty, with a firm texture that holds up well in salads, soups, and grain bowls without turning mushy.
Mix them with roasted vegetables and tahini dressing for a protein-packed lunch that comes together in under 10 minutes.
They’re also great stirred into tomato-based soups or folded into wraps with hummus and greens.
Lentils are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet, loaded with iron, fiber, and plant protein.
This product makes eating well genuinely effortless.
12. Everything but the Bagel Seasoning
Few pantry items have changed my cooking as dramatically as this little jar of magic.
Everything but the Bagel Seasoning from Trader Joe’s is a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky salt that makes almost anything taste more interesting.
It became a cultural phenomenon for good reason — the flavor is bold, savory, and completely addictive.
Sprinkle it on avocado toast, roasted vegetables, popcorn, tofu, or even salads.
I use it so frequently that I keep two jars at home at all times just to avoid running out mid-recipe.
It’s entirely vegan, incredibly affordable, and endlessly versatile.
This seasoning is proof that sometimes the simplest pantry additions make the biggest difference in everyday cooking.
13. Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups
Vegan desserts used to mean sad carob bars and flavorless cookies — but these cups changed the game entirely.
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups taste richer and more complex than classic peanut butter cups, thanks to the deep, slightly earthy flavor of sunflower seed butter paired with bittersweet dark chocolate.
They’re completely dairy-free and genuinely indulgent.
The dark chocolate shell snaps perfectly, and the filling is creamy without being overly sweet.
They make a great afternoon treat, a lunchbox surprise, or a post-dinner dessert that feels special without much effort.
Sunflower seed butter is also a fantastic option for anyone with nut allergies.
After 10 years of vegan eating, this is still the sweet treat I reach for most often.
14. Cauliflower Gnocchi
Finding Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi felt like stumbling on a weeknight dinner cheat code.
Made mostly from cauliflower instead of the usual heavy potato-flour combo, each little pillow is lighter but still completely satisfying.
I pan-fry mine straight from frozen until the outside turns golden and crispy — no boiling needed.
Toss them with pesto or marinara and dinner is done in under fifteen minutes flat.
They soak up sauces beautifully and have a mild flavor that pairs well with almost anything.
At around three dollars a bag, this is hands-down one of the most exciting freezer finds at Trader Joe’s.
15. Organic Coconut Aminos
Soy sauce was my go-to for years, but the moment I tried Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Aminos, everything shifted.
This pantry staple has a slightly sweeter, mellower taste than traditional soy sauce, plus it carries significantly less sodium — a real bonus for daily use.
Just a small splash transforms stir-fries, marinades, and grain bowls completely.
What I love most is how endlessly versatile it is.
Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, whisk it into salad dressings, or keep it nearby as a dipping sauce at mealtime.
After ten years of vegan cooking, this bottle earns its permanent spot in my kitchen.