Here Are The Best Trader Joe's Snacks According To Nutritionists
From Buzzfeed by Marie Telling
There are many reasons to love Trader Joe’s and their extensive snack selection is one of them.
Snacks are a great way to stay energized and satisfied between meals. If you’re trying to eat in a balanced way, picking the right snacks can be key. That’s why we reached out to several nutritionists and dietitians to ask for their favorite healthy snacks from Trader Joe’s. READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE.
1. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels
“When snacking, I always want a combination of macronutrients so I don’t find myself hungry again five minutes later. So rather than just carbohydrates, I look for snacks that also have protein and fat so they have more staying power. My absolute favorite Trader Joe’s snack is their peanut butter filled pretzels! They are delicious and crunchy and, thanks to the addition of peanut butter, one serving contains 5 grams of protein.”
–Anne Mauney, MPH, RD, founder of fANNEtasticfood.
2. Organic Dehydrated Carrots
“I love this snack because it’s got two simple ingredients: organic carrots and sea salt. It’s minimally processed and high in fiber, coming in at a whopping 11 grams, which is great for gut health and general well being. It’s portable, versatile, and you can eat it on its own, or dipped in hummus, cashew cream, guac, salsa… the sky is the limit!”
—Rachel Beller, MS, RDN, CEO of Beller Nutritional Institute and author of Power Souping
3. Avocado’s Number Guacamole to Go
“Trader Joe’s is not in my town, so I always carry a small cooler and load up on my favorite keto and low-carb snacks when traveling for work. My favorite snack is Trader Joe’s Avocado’s Number Guacamole to Go — topped with Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning. (I realize the seasoning is not a snack, but it is worth spending a few extra dollars to add it on top!) The guacamole is loaded with omega-3s which keeps our hearts healthy. And the fat promotes satiety which keeps us full.”
–Shelly Marie Redmond MS, RD, LDN, founder of The KLA Kitchen.
4. Gluten-Free Protein Maple Muffin
“This is basically a protein muffin in a cup. After you add hot water and microwave it, it turns into an absolutely delicious gluten-free protein muffin. It’s got cassava flour, which is a really nice alternative carbohydrate, it’s less than 300 calories, and it has 12 grams of protein. Makes for a great on-the-go snack, it’s solid pre-workout fuel, and it’s also perfect in the middle of the day if you’re wanting something sweet and comforting.”
–Holly Perkins, BS, CSCS, author of Lift to Get Lean, and creator of The Nutrition Project.
5. Pitted Salted Manzanilla Olive Packs
“These are a delicious and savory snack that is packed with nutrients. Olives contain healthy monosaturated fat, as well as antioxidants like Vitamin E. They’re also rich in minerals like iron and copper. These snack packs are super convenient, too! I always have one in my bag for a quick snack on-the-go.”
–Danielle Omar, MS, RDN, Integrative Dietitian and founder of Food Confidence.
6. Corn, Pea, Bean and Quinoa Crisps
“These are perfect for when you’re craving something crunchy and salty. I personally enjoy them with homemade pico de gallo but they are just as great on their own. Unlike traditional chips (which I also enjoy from time to time) these contain actual bits and pieces of veggies and make for a great mouth feel!”
–Nita Sharda BSc, RD, founder of Carrots and Cake Balanced Nutrition Consulting
7. Jicama Snack Wraps
“I’ve been loving these jicama wraps all summer long! Jicama is high in fiber and has a low glycemic load. That means it doesn’t have much of an impact on your blood sugar, which is important when it comes to our health. It also contains prebiotic fiber that can help restore good bacteria in the gut, and it’s rich in vitamins B6, C, E, and beta-carotene. The wraps are also super versatile: I fill them with hummus, chunky guacamole, TJ’s pico de gallo salsa, and top them off with fresh veggies. So refreshing yet so filling!”
—Rachel Beller, MS, RDN, CEO of Beller Nutritional Institute and author of Power Souping
8. Avocado Tzatziki Dip
“Made mostly from 2% Greek yogurt, avocado, and cucumber, this dip pairs perfectly with raw veggies, baked tortilla chips, or whole grain crackers. One serving has 25 calories and no saturated fat.”
9. Crispy Crunchy Okra and Freeze Dried Fruits
“Trader Joe’s has a large variety of whole vegetables and fruits that come in crispy, freeze dried, or baked form: like crispy crunchy okra, rainbow carrots, crispy crunchy broccoli, and freeze dried blueberries or strawberries. All of these are a great way to get whole fruits and veggies as a snack in an easy, healthy way – and kids tend to love them, too!”
—Anjali Shah, board-certified health coach, founder of The Picky Eater and author of Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids Cookbook
10. These Peanuts Go On A Date Bars
“These bars are super tasty and filling. They contain only five ingredients: peanuts, peanut butter, dates, flaxseed meal, and sea salt — and are similar to a Larabar in texture. My toddler loves them and I love that they are shelf stable and portable, with a nice mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat! (I also have a similar recipe on my blog, if you’re interested in a homemade version.)”
–Anne Mauney, MPH, RD, founder of fANNEtasticfood.
11. Heirloom Popcorn
“Trader Joe’s Heirloom popcorn is made from only three ingredients: popcorn, avocado oil, and pink salt. And one serving has two grams of heart-healthy fiber. Fiber also digests slowly and may aid in satiety, making it a perfect snack food option.”
– Keri Gans, MS, RDN, CDN, author of The Small Change Diet
12. Roasted Seaweed Snack
“I have several Trader Joe’s faves, and these are perfect for when I want a salty snack. I love making mini sushi rolls with smoked salmon or rice! They’re a great source of vitamins — and seaweed is rich in minerals, like iodine, selenium, calcium, and iron.”
–Danielle Omar, MS, RDN, Integrative Dietitian and founder of Food Confidence.
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