Trader Joe’s is renowned for its incredible array of snacks, catering to every taste from sweet to salty and everything in between. The popular grocery destination ensures there’s something for everyone, including a range of healthy options to incorporate into your diet. If you’re unsure what to try first, we’ve consulted nutrition experts to highlight their top picks from Trader Joe’s and why they’re worth a bite.
Here are some insights from leading dietitians:
– Roxana Ehsani, a sports dietitian,
– Samantha Peterson, founder of Simply Wellness,
– Emily Villaseca, founder of Pass The Chia.
Emily Villaseca suggests that trail mix is a versatile and balanced choice, blending sweet and salty flavors. She emphasizes the importance of finding a mix that isn’t overloaded with sugar or salt, and Trader Joe’s version fits the bill with its moderate levels of both, along with a good amount of fiber and protein for added satisfaction. Enjoy it on its own or sprinkled over yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese.
Roxana Ehsani points out the fiber and protein packed into a snack that lists lentils and chickpeas as its primary ingredients, making it ideal for keeping you full. She proposes serving it with hummus or using it as a nacho base. Villaseca also endorses it as a unique addition to charcuterie boards.
Ehsani also favors a mix of almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and dried coconut for its fiber and protein content, promoting satisfaction and reducing hunger. She suggests eating it as a cereal with milk or adding it to a fruit parfait or chia pudding for a creamy twist.
Peterson suggests simply enjoying the snack as is, or for a creative touch, chopping it and adding to trail mix or cottage cheese.
The Norwegian Sourdough Rye Chips are another dietitian-approved choice, with Peterson explaining that rye’s prebiotic fibers and the benefits of sourdough fermentation enhance digestibility. She notes the chips are also rich in whole-grain ingredients and seeds, offering a blend of fiber, protein, and beneficial fats.
For chocolate enthusiasts, Ehsani recommends The Dark Chocolate Lover’s Chocolate Bar, which boasts a high cacao content and fiber and protein levels that surpass typical candy bars, making it a more fulfilling choice.
Peterson highlights a nut mix that combines heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and magnesium, supporting satiety, brain health, and blood sugar levels, making it a perfect snack for the office or on the go.
She also praises the 100% cheese bites for their protein and calcium content, which are beneficial for muscle function and bone health, and suggests pairing them with vegetables or fruit.
Lastly, Villaseca suggests the Ranch Seasoned Cashews as a salty-savory option, noting their satiating nutrients and moderate sodium content. She suggests mixing them with other nuts to lower the sodium while keeping the flavor. Enjoy these cashews with vegetables, fruit, or hard-boiled eggs for a balanced snack.
