Trader Joe's is more than just a grocery store — it's truly an experience. Packed with great quality options at affordable prices, TJ's is the grocery store choice for many. Its frozen foods aisle is packed with tons of hidden healthy gems, and we at the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab love 'em. Believe it or not, frozen foods in general are often flash frozen directly after harvest or preparation, and this helps to lock in nutrients that fresh foods may gradually lose when in transit to the grocery store. Plus, freezing extends the lifespan of ingredients and can help cut down on food waste. All the more reason to stock up on these healthy frozen foods at Trader Joe's!
Frozen foods do have one drawback, though — and it's that they are known for their high sodium content. This is the first thing I look at when reviewing the nutrition facts label. When searching for the best frozen foods, shoppers should aim for under 600mg sodium per serving if possible — the lower the sodium the better — and aim for real, wholesome ingredients (the fewer ingredients, the better).
While you probably have your favorite TJ items already stocked, think about adding some of these healthy finds to your list!
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1
Cauliflower Gnocchi
A longtime fan favorite (and for good reason), the Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi is made with about 75% cauliflower. There's no wheat, sugar, dairy or eggs in this gnocchi either. Pro tip from our Senior Testing Editor Nicole Papantoniou in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab: Toss the cauliflower gnocchi with a little oil and throw them in the air fryer!
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2
Multigrain Blend With Vegetables
This delicious frozen blend features barley, corn, peas, carrots, zucchini, spices, and different types of rice. A serving has 180 calories and only 330mg sodium, which is a fraction of most pre-packaged grain blends.
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3
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
This low-carb, gluten free option is a crowd pleaser. At only 80 calories per slice and 220mg sodium, this delicious crust also has 0g fat. Plus, cauliflower is the first ingredient.
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4
Reduced-Guilt Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Shells
We love the Trader Joe's line of frozen entrees that put a lighter spin on classic favorites. This entire entree is only 270 calories and has 8 grams of fiber. And 500mg sodium is also a great number for a frozen dish, considering some frozen meals can be upwards of 800mg sodium.
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5
Kale Gnocchi
Similar to cauliflower gnocchi, fresh kale is the base of this tasty treat and comprises over 50% of the recipe. One cup has 190 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of protein (that's from the chickpea flour they add in). Just keep in mind the sodium which is 480mg- maybe pair this with the Trader Joe's Organic No Salt Marinara to balance things out.
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6
Gone Bananas
We love this portion-controlled sweet treat. Sliced bananas are covered in dark chocolate and then frozen. Grab a few to satisfy your sweet tooth at the end of the day (or anytime for that matter!).
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7
Steelcut Oatmeal
Steelcut oats are delicious and very healthy, but they can take a long time to cook over the stove. This frozen version is super simple and can be whipped up in a fraction of the time (three minutes to be exact).
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8
Berry Medley
This blend of strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries is packed with antioxidants. Add a cup to your smoothie for a ton of flavor, vitamins, and minerals.
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9
Just Grilled Chicken Strips
Already grilled, these chicken strips just need to be heated and can be a perfect addition to any meal. They are relatively low in sodium (only 170mg per serving) and pack 14g protein in only 3 ounces.
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10
Simply Seasoned Tuna Burgers
Only 150 calories per burger and 18 sources of lean protein, we love these tuna burger patties as an alternative to your standard beef or chicken burger. Enjoy on a whole-grain burger bun or on top of salad.
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11
Very Cherry Berry Blend
Cherries are the star of the show in this delicious frozen berry blend, perfect for your morning smoothie. Plus, they have no added sugar.
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12
Premium Salmon Burger
One patty is only 10 calories and has 15 grams of protein. The sodium content is fair at 330mg, so add on top of a large salad or steamed vegetables with quinoa.
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13
Channa Masala
This totally vegan meal is flavorful, satisfying, and packed with fiber and 20 grams of plant-based protein. One bowl is about 430 calories making it a hearty meal option that can be ready in just a few minutes.
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14
Chicken Burrito Bowl
This bowl is packed with 22 grams of protein and features seasoning chicken breast, brown rice, red quinoa, black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Just heat it in the microwave and you have a delicious dinner ready in a pinch.
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15
Grilled Asparagus Spears
Simple yet delicious, these grilled asparagus spears have minimal ingredients and boast a very nice grill mark. Add them as a side to any dish for extra vegetables and fiber.
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16
Carrot Spirals
Instead of zucchini noodles, these carrot spirals are a great crunchy alternative and are a bit more firm. They add a ton of beta-carotene and fiber to any meal. Mix in your favorite tomato sauce and top with turkey or vegan meatballs.
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17
Organic Riced Cauliflower
Who wants to rice cauliflower themselves? It can be messy and time-consuming. This frozen plain organic riced cauliflower is a total kitchen hack and can be spruced up virtually any way.
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18
Hi-Protein Veggie Burger
This totally vegan burger is soy-free and made with pea-protein. Tasty and versatile, each patty packs 26 grams of plant-based protein and only 12 grams of carbs.
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19
Riced Cauliflower Bowl
This is another vegan frozen entree gem that is full of fiber and plant-based protein. Cauliflower is the first ingredient, and the blend is super delicious.
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20
Riced Cauliflower Stuffing
This riced cauliflower base is complemented by carrots, cranberries, leeks, onion, and celery for the perfect healthier take on traditional stuffing. Vegetable broth makes this side-dish totally vegan, and only 60 calories for 1 cup and 150mg sodium is a win in our book.