10 Healthy Frozen Snacks from Trader Joe's Dietitians Love

Introduction

Trader Joe's is a popular grocery store chain known for its unique and affordable products. In addition to pantry staples and fresh produce, Trader Joe's also offers a wide selection of frozen foods. While frozen meals and snacks often get a bad rap, there are plenty of healthy options to be found in the freezer aisle. In fact, many registered dietitians shop for nutritious frozen foods at Trader Joe's to keep on hand for quick and easy meals and snacks.

Top Picks from Dietitians

We asked a group of registered dietitians to share their favorite healthy frozen snacks from Trader Joe's. Here are their top 10 picks:

1. Gone Bananas! These chocolate-covered banana slices taste like an indulgent dessert but are made with just two simple ingredients: bananas and chocolate. With just 130 calories per 4-piece serving, they're a guilt-free sweet treat.
2. Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons: At just 50 calories for 4 wontons, these flavorful little dumplings are perfect for satisfying a savory snack craving. Steam or pan-fry them and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
3. Melodious Blend: This frozen vegetable mix features a nutritious blend of green garbanzo beans, red and yellow bell peppers, grilled corn, and black beans. Enjoy it on its own as a fiber-rich side dish or snack, or add it to salads, grain bowls, and wraps.
4. Riced Cauliflower Bowl: Made with a base of riced cauliflower and other veggies like sweet potatoes, kale, and chickpeas, this wholesome veggie bowl is great for a light lunch or hearty snack. Each serving provides 5g fiber and 6g protein.
5. Organic Foursome: For a quick and easy veggie side dish or snack, it doesn't get much better than this bag of frozen organic broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini. Simply steam or sauté with your favorite seasonings.
6. Cauliflower Gnocchi: These cauliflower-based gnocchi have taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. They're vegan, gluten-free, low in calories, and packed with fiber. Enjoy them as an alternative to regular potato gnocchi.
7. Multigrain Blend with Vegetables: A mix of barley, spelt, rice, and veggies like carrots, zucchini, and peas, this makes for a hearty side dish or base for a grain bowl. Each serving provides 5g fiber and 6g protein.
8. Shelled Edamame: Frozen edamame is a great plant-based protein option to keep on hand. A ½-cup serving of these soybeans contains 9g protein and 4g fiber for just 100 calories. Season with sea salt for an easy snack.
9. Broccoli & Cauliflower Veggie Patties: With a base of broccoli and cauliflower, these veggie patties offer a secretly nutritious way to satisfy a craving for something crispy and savory. Two patties have just 100 calories but provide a few grams each of fiber and protein.
10. Pitted Dark Sweet Cherries: Is there anything better than thawing a bowl of frozen cherries and eating them like nature's candy? Research shows eating cherries may help reduce exercise-related muscle pain and soreness thanks to their anti-inflammatory compounds.

Conclusion

With options like chocolate-covered fruit, veggie-packed snacks, and fiber-rich meals, Trader Joe's makes it easy to find nourishing foods in the freezer section. Stock up on these dietitian-approved picks next time you're looking for convenient and healthy options to keep on hand.