If you’re looking for ways to tackle high grocery prices like many of us, you have to be a bit more mindful of how you shop.
That’s even more challenging if you want to eat healthy, which can often be more expensive than the alternative. Enter Trader Joe’s, a funky grocery store with one-of-a-kind products.
Let’s take a look at some healthy pantry staples, prepared foods, and main dishes that won’t break the bank.
Editor's note: Prices are subject to change and may also vary by location.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Everything But the Bagel seasoning
One of the most popular items at Trader Joe’s is its Everything But the Bagel seasoning, which evokes the aroma of a fresh and flavorful New York City bagel.
It contains garlic, onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and salt flakes to round it out. A 2.3-ounce container only costs $1.99.
You can use it to season meat, add it to dips, or take your breading to the next level. The possibilities are endless.
Sugar snap peas
Although fresh produce can be hit or miss at any grocer, we’re a huge fan of Trader Joe’s sugar snap peas. A 12-ounce microwavable bag is a mere $2.99, and that’s just one way you can prepare these healthy and sweet green vegetables.
You can also add them to stir-fry dishes and salads or artfully arrange them raw on a crudités or charcuterie platter. We’re also not above eating them directly out of the bag on their own.
Shelled edamame
If you’re not familiar with the nutritional value of edamame, they’re recommended by many dietitians because they’re quite healthy.
Soybeans are a great source of protein and fiber, and they also offer a variety of amino acids. And what’s even better is that they can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways.
A nine-ounce package of shelled edamame at Trader Joe’s is only $3.99, which you can enjoy right out of the package. As with snap peas, you can also add them to salads, stir-fry, and more.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Steamed lentils
Hot on the heels of edamame is Trader Joe’s steamed lentils, another favorite of dietitians.
For just $3.29, these legumes are also a healthy source of protein, meaning they can serve as a filling alternative to red meat.
What’s great about this product is that it’s already cooked, so you save hours in the kitchen. They’re great curried, in stews and salads, and in tacos.
Hearts of palm pasta
The latest in pasta alternative trends, Trader Joe’s sells a nine-ounce package of hearts of palm pasta for $3.49. What’s magic about this food is that it replaces less nutritious carb-laden pasta.
You’re not limited to tossing this with marinara sauce; you can use it in chicken soups or Asian noodle dishes. The product is also sustainably sourced as an added bonus.
Trending Stories
Solid white albacore tuna
Fewer meats pack the nutritional punch of tuna when it comes to lean protein – and few products in this category compare to Trader Joe’s canned solid white albacore tuna.
One four-ounce can costs $1.99 and has a whopping 29 grams of protein and only one gram of fat. Not only is this product shelf-stable for long periods of time, but the tuna is sustainably caught with minimal by-catch.
Enjoy it in tuna salad form on a sandwich or in a tuna noodle casserole.
To-go salads
This is hands-down our favorite grab-and-go lunch option out there. Trader Joe’s makes a variety of fresh salads, such as the lemon chicken arugula salad ($4.99, 9.2 ounces) among others.
All of these salads have a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, along with healthy nutritional profiles. That’s certainly better than what you can get for that amount at a fast-food restaurant! Check out Trader Joe’s selection of bagged salads too.
Italian turkey style meatloaf
If you want a healthy and affordable family-style main course, Trader Joe’s makes an excellent Italian-style turkey meatloaf. A 24-ounce container costs $8.99, which is a great deal for this revamped version of their original.
To prepare the dish, all you need to do is slice some off and serve it with pasta and a salad. And because it’s made with turkey, it’s a lighter bite than its beefy counterpart.
All natural chicken drumsticks
Another great option is Trader Joe’s all-natural chicken drumsticks, which is only $3.99 per pound. What sets their chicken apart is that their birds are not raised fast or fed antibiotics. Rather, they enjoy a more slow-paced environment for healthy growth.
Roasting chicken is another easy and classic family dinner option, especially for a laid-back Sunday dinner. As for sides, you’ll find plenty of options at Trader Joe’s.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Organic free range chicken broth
A staple to have in the pantry, chicken broth can be used in so many healthy dinner recipes.
This is especially true when it has this kind of quality and is just $1.99. The low-sodium option is also available for the same price.
Teeny tiny avocados
Here's a quality, fairly priced, and waste-free option. The bag of teeny tiny avocados only costs $4.99, and it comes with six counts of perfectly sized avocados.
As Trader Joe's website says, "No more letting unused avo-halves brown in the fridge, folks!"
A healthy option that can work for breakfast, lunch, snack, or even dinner. Make avocado toast, guacamole, and smoothies with these buttery teeny avocados that last surprisingly long.
Organic chicken nuggets
Where else can you get organic, hormone-free, all-vegetarian feed, and free-range chicken nuggets for less than $5?
Trader Joe's delivers on the price, the healthy option, and the cute packaging as usual. Try it in the air-fryer and make it extra crisp and healthy.
Bottom line
Shopping at Trader Joe’s can be an excellent way to find affordable, healthy options if you're trying to save money on groceries.
Many of these items not only have high nutritional value, but they’re also incredibly easy to make and serve as a convenient meal prep option.
Keep in mind that Trader Joe’s also stocks a ton of sweet treats, including cookies and cakes. So, when in doubt about whether or not an item is healthy, read the label.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.