With that said, on to the Trader Joe’s snacks that you should keep on hand at all times:
1. Organic Salty Squares and Sharp Cheddar Cheese Cracker Cuts
I love cheese and crackers, but who has time to slice cheese during the day? These presliced Cheddar Cracker Cuts are the ultimate quick, delicious, and satisfying snack. If I had to only choose one snack for the rest of my life, it would be this.
2. Quesadilla with corn tortillas and sliced mozzarella
If you have a stove (or microwave) and three minutes to spare, you have time to make a quesadilla. If cooking on a stove, heat 1/2 teaspoon of oil on medium heat and warm each tortilla on both sides for about 15 seconds. Put a slice of cheese on one tortilla and then put the other tortilla on top, cook for two minutes on one side, and then flip and repeat. Don’t have access to a stove? You can also cook in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. If you’re feeling fancy, top with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream.
3. Avocado’s Number Guacamole to Go with a bag of tricolored carrots
I usually recommend against things like carrots and other plain veggies for snacks. I mean, really, do baby carrots keep anyone full for longer than five minutes? But I love these tricolored carrots when mixed with something fatty like hummus or guac. This guac would also be great paired with the aforementioned quesadilla or a snack-y taco.
4. String cheese and an apple
I don’t know what it is about apples, but they can be so darn filling (all that fiber maybe?). I like to wash my apples as soon as I get home and then store them in the fridge crisper so they stay fresh. If you have the time, slice the apples before eating and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet twist.
5. Mango Greek yogurt with chopped walnuts
Is there anything Trader Joe’s can’t do? TJ’s mango Greek yogurt is one of my favorite flavors. Add a crunchy layer by tossing some chopped walnuts into the mix.
6. Plain Greek yogurt with Very Cherry Berry Blend frozen berries
If you are prepping your snacks ahead of time, this plain Greek yogurt and frozen berry blend is magical. The night before you intend to eat it (or the morning of), toss a serving of the yogurt in a bowl, then add a cup of berries on top and cover. Store in the fridge. Once you are ready to enjoy, the berries will have melted on top of the yogurt. If you want a full-on parfait, top with a little granola or cereal before eating.
7. Strawberry cashew yogurt with chopped pecans
I’ve tried all of the plant-based yogurts on the market, and most of them are…pretty gross. This one is incredible. Out of all the flavors, this strawberry cashew is my favorite. I like to pair it with chopped pecans for more fat and protein.
8. Fig & Olive Crisps with goat cheese
Every time I eat this pairing, I think to myself: Oh, you fancy, huh? If you like your cheese and crackers elevated, this snack is for you. The crisps are crunchy yet also surprisingly chewy, and the goat cheese is light and refreshing.
9. Garlic Hummus Snack Pack with Pretzel Slims
If you have no time to prep but still want something filling and satisfying, this Garlic Hummus Snack Pack is your best bet. I love the crispness of the pretzel thins and the fact that the hummus actually has a strong garlic flavor. Perfect for working from home.
10. Perfect, Kind, GoMacro, and Rx bars
I’m not the biggest fan of bars. So many of them taste like a deconstructed cardboard box! However, out of all the bars I’ve tried at Trader Joe’s, these are my faves. No cardboard taste, and they are all pretty balanced nutritionally. If you like a chewy bar, you’ll love Rx. If you’re into crunchy, go for Kind. For something in between, choose Perfect or GoMacro. (Yes, I’ve worked with Go Macro in the past, and yes, I currently work with Perfect. No, I’m not getting paid to recommend them. Yes, I’m recommending them anyway.)
11. Toast with peanut butter and hemp seeds
If I need energy to power me through another midafternoon Zoom meeting, PB toast with hemp seeds does the trick. I like the addition of hemp because (you guessed it) it has more fat and protein. Plus, the TJ’s hemp seeds are the cheapest I’ve seen on the market, so I always get them there.
12. Just Mango Slices with Just a Handful of Raw Almonds
I mean, does dried mango even need a caption? Nope. Just make sure to pair the dried fruit with a fat and/or protein, like this almond snack pack, when possible. The combination will help your blood sugar levels stay stable to power through your workday.
13. Go Raw Trail Mix Snack Pack
I’ve been recommending this trail mix to clients for over six years now, and I’ve never had anyone complain. I keep a few of these near my desk so that if I don’t have time to run to the kitchen between meetings, I’m covered.
14. Fresh Hard Cooked Peeled Eggs with Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Sesame Seasoning
Don’t have time to cook hard boiled eggs? No problem. Cut these in half and top with a little bit of the Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Sesame Seasoning and eat with fruit or a piece of toast.
15. Kettle-cooked potato chips
Because sometimes chips are the only thing that will do the trick! I’m obsessed with TJ’s kettle-cooked potato chips because they are thick and crunchy with the perfect amount of salt on each bite.
16. Dark-chocolate-covered almonds
People always look at me crazy when I recommend dark-chocolate-covered almonds for a snack and I never understand why. Not only are they delicious, they also are perfectly balanced. Chocolate = carb + antioxidants. Almond = fat + protein. What else can you ask for?
17. Apple Mango Fruit Bar
If you’re in the mood for a sweet moment, these dried fruit bars are perfection. They come in a variety of flavors and pair well with jerky, nuts, or nut butter.
18. Fresh Pickles – Manhattan Style
These pickles probably aren’t going to keep you full for a long period, but I’m obsessed with them nonetheless. If you aren’t particularly hungry, but still want a little somethin’ salty to munch on, you’ll love these.
Related:
Food Ideas, Recipe & Nutrition Facts
