Best Vegan Trader Joe’s Items: 7 Plant-Based Favorites

Like a seasoned explorer seeking out hidden treasures, you’ve been navigating the aisles of Trader Joe’s in search of the best vegan items. You’re in luck because we’ve compiled a list of seven plant-based favorites that won’t disappoint.

From the savory nutritional yeast to the sublime Belgian dark chocolate, these items will elevate your vegan pantry to new heights.

But why stop there? Stick around, and you’ll find out what other vegan gems Trader Joe’s has to offer!

Best Vegan Trader Joe’s Picks

1. Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast
2. Trader Joe’s Belgian Dark Chocolate
3. Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta
4. Trader Joe’s Organic Chocolate Chip Granola Bites
5. Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles

Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast

Suppose you’re on a gluten-free or vegan diet. In that case, Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast is a versatile choice that can be easily added to your daily meals and drinks, offering a unique taste and potential nutritional benefits.

As a supplement, it’s simple to incorporate into your routine: blend it into smoothies, sprinkle it over yogurt, or mix it into protein shakes. Its versatility extends to different types of food, making it a handy kitchen staple.

However, the flavor might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s also worth noting that overuse can lead to an excessive intake of B vitamins and folic acid, so moderation is key.

Experiment with it and discover how Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast can enhance your meals.

Best For:

• Individuals following a gluten-free or vegan diet are looking for a versatile supplement to enhance their meals and drinks.

Pros:

• Trader Joe’s Nutritional Yeast is highly adaptable, able to be added to various types of food and drinks.
• It’s suitable for those on a gluten-free or vegan diet.
• The product can serve as a simple daily supplement.

Cons:

• The taste mightn’t be appealing to everyone.

Trader Joe’s Belgian Dark Chocolate

For serious dark chocolate enthusiasts who regularly seek out vegan and gluten-free options, Trader Joe’s Belgian Dark Chocolate is a high-quality imported treat. It has a rich 56% cacao content and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This product is also free from dairy or animal products, making it a true vegan delight.

The package includes two 3-packs of 1.75 oz bars, totaling 6 bars. This is enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. Although the chocolate has a high-quality taste, it contains only 56% cacao, which may not be dark enough for some chocolate lovers.

However, if you’re in search of a vegan, gluten-free chocolate that delivers on taste without compromising on quality, Trader Joe’s Belgian Dark Chocolate is a solid choice.

Best For:

• Chocolate enthusiasts prefer a vegan and gluten-free option with a rich taste and no artificial additives.

Pros:

• High-quality Belgian chocolate offers a superior taste.
• Adheres to vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements.
• Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Cons:

• Contains only 56% cacao content, which may not be dark enough for some.

Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta

Those yearning for a healthy and versatile pasta substitute will find Trader Joe’s Hearts of Palm Pasta an excellent choice, given its gluten-free, vegan, low-calorie, and low-carbohydrate attributes.

This specialty product, fashioned into linguine-shaped noodles, isn’t only pareve and keto-friendly but also low in sodium, embodying the perfect blend of health consciousness and convenience.

You’ll appreciate its versatility as it pairs well with any type of pasta sauce, transforming your meal into a culinary delight with just a few calories per serving. However, do note that its unique taste may not appeal to everyone, and being a specialty product, it’s priced higher than regular pasta. Despite these factors, many find its nutritional benefits and easy preparation well worth the extra cost.

Best For:

• Individuals following a gluten-free, vegan, low-calorie, low-carb, or keto diet who are seeking a nutritious and versatile pasta substitute.

Pros:

• Complements any type of pasta sauce, offering versatility in meal choices.
• Provides a health-conscious alternative with its low-calorie, low-carb, preservative-free, and sodium-free nature.
• Easy and convenient to prepare, making it a great choice for quick meals.

Cons:

• The distinct taste of the hearts of the palm may not appeal to everyone.

Trader Joe’s Organic Chocolate Chip Granola Bites

Adhering to strict USDA Organic standards, Trader Joe’s Organic Chocolate Chip Granola Bites are an excellent choice for those adhering to vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. These bites aren’t just certified organic but also completely vegan-friendly and gluten-free, catering to a broad spectrum of dietary preferences and needs.

Each box contains five packs, which may seem limited at first glance, but each pack is loaded with tasty and nutritious granola bites. The only potential downside could be the price, which may be considered a bit high for just five packs.

However, when you consider the quality of ingredients and the dietary versatility these bites offer, they’re definitely worth the investment. Remember, you’re not just buying a snack, you’re buying a healthful, convenient and delicious dietary option.

Best For:

• Health-conscious individuals following vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets are looking for a nutritious and tasty snack option.

Pros:

• Adheres to stringent USDA Organic standards, ensuring high-quality ingredients.
• Suitable for multiple dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
• Despite being limited in quantity, each of the five packs in a box is loaded with nutritious and delicious granola bites.

Cons:

• Limited quantity with only five packs per box, which may not last long.

Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles

If you’re a vegan who’s always on the go, Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles are a convenient and quick option, providing you with a tasty meal of tofu and vegetables in a spicy peanut sauce, ready in just three minutes. Each package contains three 21 oz servings, making it perfect for those days when you just don’t have time to cook.

All you need to do is add boiling water, heat it up, and your meal is ready to serve. However, be aware that this product contains wheat, making it unsuitable if you have gluten allergies or sensitivities. Also, the spicy peanut sauce may not suit everyone’s taste. Nonetheless, if you’re seeking a vegan-friendly, quick, and hearty meal, these Thai wheat noodles from Trader Joe’s could be a great choice for you.

Best For:

• Vegan individuals with a busy lifestyle seek a quick, convenient, and hearty meal option.

Pros:

• Offers a vegan-friendly, hearty serving of Thai noodles with tofu and vegetables.
• Promises fast and easy preparation, ready in just 3 minutes.
• Provides convenience with three 21 oz packages included in each product.

Cons:

• Contains wheat, which may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

Trader Joe’s Organic Peppermints

For those seeking a minty, vegan treat with a commitment to quality, Trader Joe’s Organic Peppermints, made with all organic ingredients, are an excellent choice. Certified by USDA Organic, these peppermints are crafted with organic cane sugar, tapioca syrup, water, peppermint oil, maple syrup, and fresh peppermint leaves.

But that’s not all. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and kosher, catering to various dietary needs. The use of agar and gum tragacanth ensures a pleasant texture. However, be mindful if you’re watching your sugar intake, as these mints contain cane sugar and maple syrup. Additionally, the presence of gums mightn’t sit well with those having food sensitivities.

Despite these, Trader Joe’s Organic Peppermints remain a top pick for those craving a refreshing, organic, plant-based mint.

Best For:

• Individuals seeking a high-quality, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher minty treat made with all organic ingredients.

Pros:

• Made with USDA-certified organic ingredients, ensuring top-notch quality.
• Caters to various dietary needs as it’s vegan, gluten-free, and kosher.
• Delivers a refreshing, minty flavor with the use of organic peppermint leaves and peppermint oil.

Cons:

• Contains cane sugar and maple syrup, which mightn’t be suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Trader Joe’s ABC Almond Butter Cocoa Bars

Craving a unique chocolate-almond combo? Trader Joe’s ABC Almond Butter Cocoa Bars, a soft and chewy gluten-free delight, is your best bet if you’re following a vegan diet. These bars are filled with creamy almond butter and enveloped in a soft chocolate dough, providing a delightful taste experience. They’re perfect for your on-the-go snack needs or to satiate your sweet cravings.

However, keep in mind that while these bars are a great choice for those on gluten-free and vegan diets, they may not suit everyone. If you’re allergic to nuts, they’re a no-go. Also, if the rich chocolate flavor isn’t your thing, you might want to pass. But, for the majority of folks seeking a vegan, gluten-free sweet treat, these bars are sure to hit the spot.

Best For:

• Individuals following a vegan and gluten-free diet who enjoy unique chocolate-almond combos.

Pros:

• Offers a unique and delightful taste experience with its chocolate-almond combination.
• A great choice for those on gluten-free and vegan diets.
• Perfect for on-the-go snack needs or to satiate sweet cravings.

Cons:

• Not suitable for individuals allergic to nuts.

Conclusion

There you have it, seven vegan treasures from Trader Joe’s to enhance your plant-based diet. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or seeking a healthy pasta alternative, these items offer quality, taste, and versatility for all your dietary needs.

Remember, the best way to discover your favorite animal-free products is by trying them out for yourself. So, why wait? Embark on your vegan culinary adventure at Trader Joe’s today!

Two More Recommendations for Your Plant-Based Journey

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2. This is the best vegan multivitamin I’ve found in my 14 years of being vegan. It has vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3—and nothing else. Translation: It only has the nutrients vegans are actually low in. Read my full review of Future Kind’s multivitamin here (with 10% discount).