I recently moved right next door to a Trader Joe’s. And by right next door, I mean I can practically read the name tags of the luau shirt-clad employees from my kitchen window. (Oh, hey Andrew… call me.)
Although it’s hard to leave the store without three (four, five… okay six) extra bags full of groceries that I didn’t actually need, living next door to Trader Joe’s has had its perks. I’m always stocked up on the chain’s dark chocolate sunflower seed butter cups (and wine). And I’ve always got vegan cream cheese to slather onto my bagels in the mornings. Did I mention Trader Joe’s has vegan wine?
A quick jog (read: slow walk) next door to the affordable vegan shopping haven almost sent me over the rails recently. Because Trader Joe’s was out of the aforementioned vegan cream cheese. And I’d already toasted my bagel. After a frantic exchange with an employee, I learned the non-dairy spread was, in fact, not discontinued. They’d simply sold out.
So, to keep you from suffering the same momentary panic—we thought we’d make shopping vegan at Trader Joe’s even easier. Enter: This guide. Keep reading for all of the chain’s newest plant-based products. We’ll be updating this guide on the regular, so keep an eye out for new product finds—and heartbreaking discontinued items.
What’s New at Trader Joe’s
A trip over to your neighborhood Trader Joe’s is in order. The chain just launched some tasty new vegan products that should find their way into your recipes—or just straight into your mouth. Here are Trader Joe’s new vegan offerings:
Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Chocolate Fudge Oat Bars
Remember fudgesicles, those kid-favorite treats that ruined all of your white t-shirts? (Why did Mom ever buy us white t-shirts?) Well, no more deprivation for you! These frozen delights are just like the original but made vegan. The chocolate pops are made with oat milk and semisweet chocolate. Trust us, you won’t want to share.
Mini Coconut Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Cones
Okay, you definitely won’t want to share these frozen treats. Made with coconut milk, the mini dessert cones are *so* summer-approved. Featuring chocolate swirled ice cream goodness atop a cone, you’ll want to skip dinner for this dessert.
Vegan Cookies & Cream Vanilla Bean Bon Bons
It’s like Oreos and Bon Bons had a baby. A frozen chocolate-y baby. A vanilla cocoa swirl baby. Totally vegan, Trader Joe’s vegan bon bons feature an ice cream-esque center made from frozen coconut milk with chocolate and vanilla bean cream sandwich cookies. All this yummy goodness is covered in a decadent chocolate coating.
Vanilla Almond Spiced Chai
This protein smoothie is packed with all the best plant-based ingredients: chai tea, almonds, coconut cream, and an exotic spice blend. Featuring 15 grams of protein, you can indulge in this non-dairy beverage for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. We promise we won’t judge.
Vegan Enchilada Casserole
Just pop it in the oven. Cook. And enjoy. Granted, the name didn’t have me sold. Enchilada and casserole? I had questions… BUT a quick read of the ingredients list and my interest was piqued. Corn tortilla layers, red chile sauce, seasoned pinto beans, roasted veggies, all topped with melted vegan mozzarella and cheddar cheese? *Adds to cart.*
Spicy Porkless Plant-Based Snack Rinds
Ah, my grandmother’s favorite snack: pork rinds—but make it vegan. This plant-based version features the same great taste, just minus the pork. The rinds are made with pea protein, rice meal, and pea flour. Seasonings include onion, garlic, salt, paprika, cayenne, and habanero pepper for that added kick. Maybe these will finally convince Gram to go vegan?
Vegan Pasta Bolognese Bowl
Dinner is served. There’s no beef in Trader Joe’s vegan bolognese. The plant-based protein is made from textured wheat protein and mushrooms. Savory ragu sauce and tube-shaped pasta—need we say more?
Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower
Trader Joe’s, you had me at Spicy Mexican-Style. The riced cauliflower features a blend of cumin, cayenne, and lime. Flavored with tomato concentrate, this ready-to-heat dish also contains bell peppers and pickled jalapeños. Burrito bowl goals AF.
Vegan Tzatziki Dip
All Mediterranean-inspired dill and garlic dip. No dairy. Featuring dairy-free cream cheese, lemon juice, chopped cucumber, fresh dill, and garlic, this Tzatziki sauce deserves a prominent spot in any falafel wrap.
Crispy Jalapeño Pieces
Add some crunch and a spicy kick to a green bean casserole with these crispy jalapeño pieces. These crispy mini chips feature only four ingredients: fresh jalapeño peppers, flour, oil, and sea salt. (You’ll want to eat them straight out of the can.)
Matcha Green Tea Japanese Noodles
Skip takeout and whip up a bowl of these matcha green tea soba noodles. Soba is a classic Japanese noodle that’s traditionally made from buckwheat. These accidentally vegan noodles feature buckwheat flour, as well as wheat flour. Enjoy these noodles hot or cold.
Thai Style Green Chili Sauce
Give your meals an umami kick with Trader Joe’s new Thai style green chili sauce. The relish-like sauce features a number of plant-based ingredients, including chilis, garlic, shallots, and lime juice.
Will I be buying two of each of these on my next jaunt over to TJs? Probably. Can’t get enough Trader Joe’s? Check out our complete (yes, complete) guide to everything vegan at TJs, which you’ll want to bookmark. You’re welcome.
Got a hot tip for a new vegan item spotted at a Trader Joe’s near you? Send in your pics and store location to editorial@livekindly.com. Include Vegan Trader Joe’s Find in the subject line.
