45 of the Best Frozen Foods at Trader Joe’s (2024)

Anyone who knows me knows that I love Trader Joe’s. The staff is super friendly, the store is fun, and the prices are cheap.Best of all,Trader Joe’s store brand is the holy grail.TJ’s is full of kinds of awesome snacks, drinks and meals all under their own brand name. Although all the aisles at Trader Joe’s are filled with a zillion great choices,their frozen aisles are especially abundant. If you’re feeling lazy about making dinner, are having guests over or you just feel like stocking up, rejoice: here’s a reliable and researched customer approved list of the 45 best frozen foods at Trader Joe’s.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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Photo courtesy of @bethany413 on Instagram

These sweet potato gnocchi are a gift from the Trader Joe’s gods. They’re easy to prepare, and are served in a butter and sage sauce that is to die for. Try them once, and they’ll easily become a staple on your shopping list.

PorkGyoza Potstickers

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Photo courtesy of traderjoes.com

For when you have a craving that only potstickers or dumplings will fix, I give you TJ’s pork gyoza. Make them as an appetizer for friends OR for you to eat all yourself. You can steam, pan-fry, bake or make them in the microwave.

Mandarin Orange Chicken

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Photo courtesy of traderjoes.com

Easy for dinner and inexpensive too, Mandarin Orange Chicken has been an extremely popular Trader Joe’s productfor a loooong time. TJ fans literally swear by this stuff, so if you haven’t tried it, it’s time you do.

Chicken Tikka Masala

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Photo courtesy of @whatsgoodattjs on Instagram

Indian food lovers, rejoice. TJ’s Chicken Tikka Masala is perfect for when you’re craving Indian but don’t feel likeleaving the house. Pair with rice and some of TJ’s naan (also listed in this article), and dinner is served.

Vegan Tikka Masala

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Now vegan Indian food lovers can rejoice too. TJ’s vegan Tikka Masala has all the Indian flavor without any meat. Skip searching a restaurant menu for options, and save money in the process.

Mac n’ Cheese

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Satisfy any cheesycravings with any variety of Trader Joe’s frozen mac and cheese. One box, and you’ll be making the switch from your average microwaveable mac and cheese to the TJ’s brand faster than it takes to heat up.

Lamb Koftas

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Bring the flavors of the Mid-East easily to your kitchen. If you’ve never tried a kofta, they’re basically a Middle Eastern style meatball. Paired with masala sauce, they’re the perfect oer d’oeuvre or addition to a meal.

Mochi

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If you haven’t tried mochi yet, you need to. They are a traditional Japanese food made with rice and sugar. It may sound like a weird combo at first, but trust me, the Japanese know what they’re doing.TJ’s has them in various fun flavors, including pumpkin pie and green tea.

Naan

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As you’ll see in the remainder of this article, TJ’s is not short on Indian style cuisine. Next up in that realm is their naan, which is oven-baked flatbread that is found in several Asian cuisines (including Indian). Pair with some of the Indian dishes already listed and you’ve got yourself a full spread.

Thai Sweet Chili Veggie Burger

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To all my vegetarians out there, you may at this point be tired of the common black bean burgers or other veggie you probably live off of. Enter TJ’s Thai sweet chili veggie burgers. They’re the perfect mix of sweet and spicy and will easily become your new fave.

Burrata, Prosciutto and Arugula Flatbread

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Prosciutto and arugulaare an amazing pizza topping combo that you can now experience easily in the convenience of your kitchen. Paired with burrata, and you really can’t go wrong. Pick up a box when you want a step up from your average frozen pizza.

Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas

You can’t go wrong with an easy enchilada. Popular among vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, these black bean and corn enchiladas are an easy way to get yourfix of Mexican style food.

Mac and Cheese Bites

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Drooooool. These mac and cheese bites are everything and more. Definitely something you want in your freezer at all times.Trust me on this.

Rustic Apple Tart

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Well, if you were looking for one, here’s theperfect excuse to host asuper cute ~rustic~ dinner party. No matter what the occasion is, this apple tart is sure to be a hit andis likely to fool almost anyone into thinking it’s homemade.

Cookie Butter Cheesecake

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TJ’s has truly outdone itselfwith this one. This drool worthy-boxcontains the perfect combination of a classic dessert and arguably Trader Joe’s most popular item. That being said, a little PSA: if you haven’t tried cookie butter,it needs to be the very next thing you do.

Macarons

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If you want to feel like you’re in Paris when you’re really just in your dorm or apartment, these will do the trick. Have your own little fête with all the fun flavors of macarons TJ’s offers.

Poutine

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I’ve been craving poutine since I first tried it over spring break in Montreal.It’s basically the Canadian version of cheese fries, complete with gravy and yummy cheese curds. The TJ’s renditionshould tie youover until their next trip to Canada.

Cookie Butter Cheesecake Bites

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Just when you thought Trader Joe’s couldn’t get any better. Just like the amazingness that is TJ’s Cookie Butter Cheesecake, but in bite-size form! I strongly advise youto pick up more than one box.

Chicken Soup Dumplings

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Trader Joe’s really does come in handy for when you’re low on funds but still want your fix of different cuisines. When you can’t make it to Chinatown, pick up a box of these (and maybe invest in some of those nifty dumpling spoons).

Croissants

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How can you resist warm croissantswithout having to leave the house? These almond croissants (along with the highly-recommend chocolate) will have your kitchen feeling like a cute little bakery in no time.

Lemon Bars

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Nothingquite like a nice tangy but sweet lemon bar.For best results, enjoy these yummy squares slightly thawed (and preferably on a summer day) for the perfect frosty treat.

Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Quiche

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Happily host brunch at your place withthis snazzy and easily prepared broccoli-cheddar quiche. Paired with bottomless mimosas courtesy of your kitchen, your friends and your wallet will thank you.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Just found out your roommate invited people over to watch whatever game or award show is on later?Warm up a bowl of TJ’s spinach and artichoke dip, pour out a bag of pita chips and watch people snack away. Hosting crisisaverted.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

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TJ’s BBQ chicken pizza is anotheryummy alternative to ordering pizza and spending money you probably won’t have until your next paycheck. Two types of cheese, red onions, chicken and BBQ sauce? Score.

Gone Bananas

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They’re not called Gone Bananas for nothing. You’ll go bananas for sure for TJ’s Gone Bananas. Perfectly sliced frozen pieces of banana covered in chocolate are the anytime snack you never knew you needed.

Chili Lime Chicken Burgers

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These chili lime chicken burgers scream summertime. Grab a few friends, throw some of these on the grill, crack open a few cold beers and you’ve got yourself the start of classic summer night.

Organic Superfood Pilaf

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What are Sundays for if not trying to forget all the unnecessary carbs and sugar you consumed over weekend?In attempt to balance things out, whip upthis tasty superfood combo of quinoa, kale and carrots. Who knows, maybenext you’ll go to the gym like you told yourself you would.

Chicken and Green Chile Tamales

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Authentic, handmade tamales right outta the freezer? Sounds too good to be true, but TJ’s tamales are the next best thing to getting some fresh. The chicken and green chile variety have the perfect amount of kick and are sure to satisfy any spicy craving.

Steak and Ale Pies

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Recreate some memoriesfrom your semester abroad in London by popping one of these steak and ale pies into your oven. Stick with the theme and maybe pair it with a pint to make it doubly British. You’ll feel like you’re back in a pub in no time.

Tarte D’Alsace

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A fancy name for an equally fancy frozen flatbread. Serve this to dinner guestsin little slices over glasses of wine, and soon you’ll feel like the French version of Ina Garten.

Green Figs

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Although TJ’s typically has a nice selection of frozen fruit, these figs are especially something to treasure. Figs are not very common in the U.S. (at least on the east coast), and if anything, all you can everfind are puny ones. Fellow fig lovers, pick up a bag of these (organic!) whole green figs and rejoice.

Vegetable Pakoras

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Moreeasy-to-make Indian style food? You got it. These little veggie fritters are the perfect snack or addition to a meal. With all the Indian style food TJ’s has to offer, you’re never far from a make-shift Indian feast.

Semi Dried Apricots

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Yet another hard to find fruit that Trader Joe’s has blessed us with in frozen form. Enjoy all the sweetness apricots have to offer anytime you want with a bag (or two) of these.

Mini Cinnamon Sugar Churros

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You know what’s even better than churros? Mini churros. Bite sized and sweet, you’ll probably find yourself buying another bagful sooner than you thought you would.

Organic Riced Cauliflower

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If you’re trying to squeeze more veggies into your diet, pick up a couple bags of organic riced cauliflower and discoverthe beauty of this under appreciated vegetable. You’ll thank me later.

Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

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These are a major win for my gluten free friends. Enjoy a childhood favorite without fear with these gluten free breaded chicken nuggets. Pair with ketchup and a glasschocolate milk if you really wanna feel nostalgic.

Key Lime Pie

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All the key lime goodness you could ever want without any fuss. TJ’s key lime pie is so good, you’ll forget it came from a box. Perfect for enjoying on your own (no shame) or for any last minute get-togethers.

Falafel

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All and any falafel lovers I know have a go-to place to get their fix (or a family member that makes them homemade). Well, if you have neither, or even if you have both, these are ideal for any spontaneous Middle Eastern cravings.

Danish Pancakes

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Photo courtesy of @thebrightblush on Instagram

Like pancakes, but better. Danish pancakes, or aebleskivers, are fluffy little pancake balls that can be served plain or filled. The TJ’s version of these little guys will have you snacking like a true Dane.

Mini Chicken Tamalitos

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Truly, the frozen aisles of Trader Joe’s can take you around the world in a few short pushes of your shopping cart. These tasty mini chicken tamalitos willhaving you booking a flight to Peru to discover what other yumminess the country has to offer.

Turkey Corn Dogs

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TJ’s turkey corn dogs are great because you can easily satisfy any corn dog craving (am I the only one that gets those?) without taking a trip to a baseball stadium or amusem*nt park. Pair with mustard and ketchup, and you’re set.

Panettone French Toast

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Anyone who celebrates Christmas has likely seen thelarge and colorfulItalian panettone cake boxes around the holidays. Celebrate the holiday seasonany day of the year with Trader Joe’s innovative panettone French toast.

Mini Chicken Samosas

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More mini food? You bet. These mini chicken samosas are not to be missed. Plus, given their size, you can eat and whole box and trick your mind into thinking it’s okay.

Organic Pesto Tortellini

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Although your averagepasta dinner is already pretty easyto make, take it a step further with TJ’s organic (bonus) pesto tortellini. So good you’llforget the pesto isn’t homemade.

Parmesan Pastry Pups

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Ah, good ol’ pigs in a blanket (but better). Bake a bunch andimpress any guests into thinking you’re the master of oer d’oeuvres. The key is to casually mention that the little “beef franks” are wrapped in puff pastry and dusted with parmesan. Fancy schmancy.

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Graphic by Spoon University

45 of the Best Frozen Foods at Trader Joe’s (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular item at Trader Joe's? ›

Just like last year, Trader Joe's Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips took home the crown as the overall fan-favorite product.

Where does Trader Joe's frozen food come from? ›

Well, the short answer is that Trader Joe's cuts out the middleman entirely by working directly with some of the biggest food manufacturers across the world, who then make products under Trader Joe's specifications (down to price, flavor, and size) for its store brand.

Does Trader Joe's have unhealthy food? ›

As abundant as Trader Joe's nutritious options may be, the quaint supermarket is also home to battered frozen dinners, delectable desserts, and comfort foods with nutritional profiles that experts don't exactly love.

Is it true you can try anything at Trader Joe's? ›

Many shoppers may not be aware that Trader Joe's often allows customers to try before they buy. Customers can have an employee open just about any item for a sample before purchase, but that doesn't mean you're allowed to start opening packages on your own.

What is the busiest day at Trader Joe's? ›

The Best Times to Shop at Trader Joe's

What's the worst time to shop? You probably won't be surprised to learn it's the weekends. “I think it's hilarious that people go on Sunday and complain that we are so busy,” says the store manager. This also falls in line with my own observations.

Do celebrities shop at Trader Joe's? ›

Timothée Chalamet's Go-To Trader Joe's Product

We know that celebs love Trader Joe's just as much as we do. Tiffani Thiessen, shops there and then puts her favorite snacks in the front seat to munch on while she drives home.

Does China own Trader Joe's or USA? ›

California-based Trader Joe's brands itself as a “national chain of neighborhood grocery stores.” But the grocery chain known for its private label goods and competitive prices is owned by the same German family that founded another well-known grocery store: Aldi.

What is the old name for Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's is named after its founder, Joe Coulombe. The company began in 1958 as a Greater Los Angeles area chain known as Pronto Market convenience stores.

Can you buy Trader Joes frozen food online? ›

We only sell our products in our stores, so if you see TJ's products for sale online, you'll know right away that you're not buying from Trader Joe's.

What is the controversy with Trader Joe's? ›

The NLRB alleges Trader Joe's illegally fired a union worker, posted false information about the union, unlawfully interrogated union workers, threatened to freeze workers' wages if they unionized, gave union workers worse retirement benefits and forced workers to attend unlawful “captive audience” meetings to hear the ...

What is a weakness of Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's SWOT Analysis: Final Thoughts

Its mastery of private label products, sustainability initiatives, and ability to attract shoppers of all ages are significant strengths. However, complexities in the supply chain, limited online presence, and geographical limitations pose challenges.

What does Trader Joe's do with unsold food? ›

Through our Neighborhood Shares program it's been our long-running policy to donate 100% of products that go unsold but are safe for consumption to local food banks & other non-profit food recovery partners.

What is the hidden prize at Trader Joe's? ›

Here's how it works: Each day, a store employee takes a stuffed animal and hides it somewhere in the aisles. It could be atop the shelves, or squeezed in between product boxes, or wherever there's a good hiding spot. Any kid who finds it will get a prize — usually a lollipop or a sticker.

Can you ask for samples at Trader Joe's? ›

If you're ever unsure about a new item, ask a TJ's crew member for a sample while you're in the store. Though not every item can be taste-tested, they're often more than happy to oblige. You'll never know when you may stumble on a new fave.

Does every Trader Joes have a hidden thing? ›

If you're like us, and you didn't know, Trader Joe's actually hides stuffed animals all around its stores.

What is Trader Joe's famous for? ›

Reasonable Prices

Costco is known for its $5 rotisserie chicken, and Trader Joe's is known for its affordable fancy cheeses, wine, dips, and more. Plus, there are a few ways that the chain keeps its costs low, so the private label options are not only top-tier quality, but at reasonable prices, too.

What do people love about Trader Joe's? ›

She mentioned the outgoing, charismatic employees who are encouraged to strike up conversations, its quirky hand-drawn signs, its low prices, its unique seasonal products, and its fun, laid-back atmosphere that helps it to stand out from the hustle and bustle of other popular supermarket chains.

What is the unique selling proposition of Trader Joe's? ›

Developing Your Unique Selling Proposition

For example, Trader Joe's created an experience for their customers that no one else could replicate. They had unique products at low prices and customer service that was unlike anything else in the industry. To develop your own USP, think outside the box.

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