Snacks and Trader Joe’s: two of our favorite topics. Trader Joe’s is a great place to load up on healthy snacks that are affordable and easy to take on the go! Whether you are looking for something salty, crunchy, or sweet, Trader Joe’s offers a large selection of options to satisfy any craving!

Why snack?

Before we get into our specific recommendations, it is important to remember that snacking should always have a purpose. Snacks provide fuel to hold you over between meals and are an opportunity to meet your food group needs (we are talking about you, vegetables). Try to avoid snacking out of boredom, for emotional reasons, or as a mindless pastime.

What to look for in a snack:

An optimal snack pairs fiber with protein or fat to provide adequate energy and fill you up until your next meal. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are rich in fiber- the part of the plant that our body cannot digest, creating a sense of fullness without contributing many calories. Snack portions should be smaller than meals to help refuel between mealtimes. With these components in mind, here are some of our picks for healthy snacks to buy at Trader Joe’s.  

Our Picks for the Healthiest Snacks to Buy at Trader Joe’s:

Mediterranean Style Hummus

Trader Joe’s offers a great selection of hummus varieties, but this one is unique and delicious. It features a creamy texture and is topped with pine nuts, parsley, red pepper, and olive oil.  This snack is a great source of fiber and healthy fats.  Pair it with raw carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added fiber and micronutrients!

Freeze Dried Strawberries

This sweet snack is shelf-stable and easy to take on-the-go. The best part is this product only has one ingredient (the fruit!). The freeze-drying process leaves a wonderful crunch and tartness to satisfy your taste buds.  These strawberries are a great topping to yogurt or cottage cheese for a filling snack. 

Grainless Granola

Granola is delicious but is often full of added sugar and preservatives.  This nut and seed granola from Trader Joe’s has no added sugar and a simple ingredient list that is both vegan and gluten-free. While this is a tasty snack, be mindful of portion size since granola is calorically dense.  Use a measuring cup to portion it out and pair it with a protein or fruit for a balanced snack. 

Organic Dried Mango Unsulfured & Unsweetened

This dried mango may just be our favorite snack at Trader Joe’s. It’s simple and contains only one ingredient: mango (as it should!). The natural sweetness of the mango carries over through the drying process, resulting in a delicious and chewy treat.  

Shelled Edamame 

If you are looking for a filling and satisfying snack, look no further than Trader Joe’s shelled edamame. This snack is cooked and seasoned with only sea salt, so it comes ready to enjoy! Edamame contains 9 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber for under 100 calories per serving. 

Wild Skipjack Tuna Pouch

This one may be hit or miss, but rounding out our list is tuna. This one-ingredient tuna pouch is a great source of protein (22 grams per serving!) with no added sugars. It is hard to beat this protein-packed portable snack when paired with whole-grain crackers or raw vegetables.