37 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods We Can’t Stop Buying
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It’s no secret that when it comes to grocery stores, Trader Joe’s is close to everyone’s number one pick. If the delicious snacks and fun spices don’t do it for you, then the prices certainly will. Not only is TJ’s top of the charts for creativity and budget-friendly options, but the prepackaged frozen meals make it an absolute game-changer for busy people on the go.
Not a frequent flier at your local Trader Joe’s? I have you covered! I know how overwhelming the options can be when shopping in the frozen food section. While I really don’t think you can go wrong with many of the options at TJ’s, there are certainly some can’t-miss choices. So sit back, relax, and grab a pen and paper—because you’ll want to add these Trader Joe’s frozen meals to your next grocery list.
Does Trader Joe’s have a good selection of frozen food?
In my humble opinion Trader Joe’s can do no wrong, largely due in part to their frozen food selections. Not only do they provide a massive amount of choices (all for budget prices), but the variety of foods is enough to make your mouth water.
From inventive ice cream flavors to mouth-watering stir-fry to indulgent pasta dishes, I hope you find your next favorite frozen meal on this list.
Hashbrowns
Someone better tell McDonald’s to make way, because there’s a new favorite hash brown in town. These are the perfect breakfast treat. Pop in the airfryer, toaster, microwave or even pan fry for a delicious A.M. treat.
Chicken Breakfast Sausage Patties
The only thing better than breakfast sausage is breakfast sausage that you don’t have to painstakingly fry first thing in the morning. This chicken sausage is a perfect (and leaner!) alternative to pork sausage. Pop in the microwave to go with your eggs.
Bonus tip: I like to make a breakfast sandwich with two hash browns, scrambled eggs, and these sausage patties. Gourmet!
Mandarin Orange Chicken
If there was a hall of fame for the frozen food aisle, these mandarin orange chicken bites would absolutely be the first inducted. With multiple ways to prepare from the airfryer to the oven, you simply cannot go wrong. I like to serve this meal on a bed of rice topped with plenty of green onions.
Chicken-Less Mandarin Orange Morsels
For all my vegetarian friends, or those who are simply looking to try Meatless Mondays, this option also comes as tofu bites!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Next time you’re craving this takeout classic, hit up TJ’s instead! This honey walnut shrimp is half the price compared to my local takeout joint and comes with double the food. A win in my book!
Scallion Pancakes
Another delicious takeout copy are these scallion pancakes. In my opinion, they make the perfect addition to any meal.
Bonus tip: Use these in place of a tortilla to make orange mandarin chicken burritos!
Thai Vegetable Gyoza
These vegetable gyoza are so delicious that I have a hard time keeping them in my freezer. They are a perfect accompaniment to any meal but also bulky enough to serve as a main dish. I prefer to pan fry mine, but they also come out crisp and delicious in the airfryer.
Butter Chicken With Basmati Rice
Perhaps the most overlooked section of the frozen food aisle is Trader Joe’s array of prepackaged Indian meals. This butter chicken is an absolute must-try. It can cure even the deepest of chicken tikka cravings!
Lamb Vindaloo
My personal favorite of the frozen Indian meals is the lamb vindaloo. A perfect blend of spice and richness, this curry simply cannot be topped. The individual portions and servings of rice make this an excellent choice for days when you simply can’t be bothered to pack a lunch.
Tempura Shrimp
Although I am confident in my abilities in the kitchen, I have not yet mastered the art of tempura frying. Why would I bother when these shrimp do the job for me? Plus, the included sauce is the perfect complement.
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
I know what you may be thinking: frozen pasta? But this gnocchi dish really has it all! The gnocchi are plump and hearty, and the sauce is rich and delicious. The only thing it’s missing is a cute Italian waiter!
Mac ‘n Cheese
Sometimes, boxed mac simply won’t cut it. This decadent frozen mac n’ cheese is here to hit all your cravings in one sweet little package.
Bonus tip: Its seasonal counterpart, the Butternut Squash Mac n’ cheese, is arguably the best thing Trader Joe’s has ever sold.
Mushroom & Black Truffle Flatbread
This mushroom and truffle flatbread may be the best out of any I’ve ever had before. It’s a perfect blend of salty, savory, and umami truffle all on one slice. The only negative is that the flatbreads don’t come in extra-large!
Pizza Margherita
Simple and delicious, this margherita pizza is the poster child for frozen pizzas everywhere. I always have at least one in my freezer for when the late night pizza cravings hit!
Bonus tip: You can doctor your slices up as you please! I love adding a drizzle of hot honey on mine.
Cacio e pepe
Cacio e pepe is a simple Italian dish that I simply cannot master, no matter how hard I try. This frozen alternative takes the guesswork out of cooking for me. Think of it like an adult version of macaroni and cheese. Bellissima!
Beef Birria
Birra tacos are one of my favorite dishes of all time, but sometimes the craving hits hard and I don’t have the patience to make it myself. This frozen beef birria is the perfect solution! Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, I suggest pairing with corn tortillas, cilantro, and red onion.
Mini Beef Tacos
These gluten-free mini beef tacos are the older sibling of the frozen taquitos from your childhood but somehow even more delicious. They are perfect for entertaining a crowd or as a nostalgic dinner for one.
S’mores Ice Cream
I absolutely love s'mores, and this Trader Joe’s ice cream is no different! It combines the perfect amount of nutty graham cracker and rich chocolate to keep you coming back for more. This treat may be seasonal, so snag it while you can!
Hold The Cone! Cones
Arguably the most famous dessert from TJ’s are the Hold the Cone minis, and I would be remiss to not include it on this list. Although flavors can differ depending on the season, you simply cannot go wrong with chocolate. However, if you see the coffee flavor, I highly suggest snagging a box! Unwrap and enjoy one–or two!
Ube Purple Yam Flavored Ice Cream
Last, but certainly not least, is this unique spin on ice cream! Trader Joe’s is known for inventive flavors, but this ube ice cream really is a peg above the rest. Reach for it when you’re in the mood for something decadent but not chocolatey. You won’t be disappointed!
Loaded Potatoes
Nothing will get me out of bed as quickly as these loaded potatoes do. While they are a delicious treat at any time of day, I love these topped with a fried egg for an at-home brunch.
Mini Cheeseburgers
White Castle sliders but make it gourmet. These sliders are going to be at everyone’s football tailgate spread this fall–mark my words!
Cookie Butter Ice Cream
If you took a poll of all of the Trader Joe’s fanatics out there about what their favorite TJ’s treat was, cookie butter would definitely be toward the top of everyone’s list. This cookie butter ice cream takes a good thing and makes it even better.
Instant Boba Kit
This delicious, at-home boba kit will satisfy your cravings for a fun little treat without needing to leave your house. They’re perfect to keep in the freezer for scorching summer days.
Gone Berry Crazy!
Although you shouldn’t buy these frozen chocolate covered strawberries just for the adorable bunny cartoon on the box, I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you did. The treat inside the box is delicious enough to warrant adding this to your grocery cart.
Chocolate Croissants
Instead of diving into the finicky world of laminated pastries, make pain au chocolat at home with a little help from your good friend Joe.
Bonus tip: Be sure to leave these out overnight the day before baking them. This way, you’ll get the best rise out of the dough!
Brownie Crisp Coffee Ice Cream Sandwiches
This Trader Joe’s dessert truly has it all: smooth ice cream, rich coffee flavoring, chewy brownies. Do you really need further convincing?
Vegetable Masala Burger
These masala spiced veggie burgers will be your new best friend–whether you’re a vegetarian or otherwise.
Bonus tip: Pair with avocado and pickled red onion!
Coconut Shrimp
Something about coconut shrimp makes me think of the beach, and this delicious variety is no different. Serve with a paper umbrella and eat with sunglasses on. Welcome to paradise.
Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Sure, dips are typically meant to be shared. But what’s stopping you from eating this spinach artichoke dip for a fun and delicious dinner? Certainly not me!
Cauliflower Gnocchi
You know her, you love her, you can’t get enough of her. The cauliflower gnocchi will go down in the TJ’s hall of fame.
Bonus tip: Cook in the airfryer for a crispy, pillowy gnocchi.
Stir Fried Garlicky Cabbage
I think cabbage has gotten a horrible rap. Hopefully you’ll agree with me after trying this incredible garlicky cabbage. Add a protein (like the protein shrimp!) to bulk it up for a full meal or serve it as a side dish to a homemade dish.
Sriracha Shrimp Bowl
My favorite workday lunches are ones that are hot, delicious, and easy. This sriracha shrimp bowl checks all my boxes, emphasis on the delicious!
Cheese & Green Chile Tamales
Not only are these tamales super easy to reheat, but they’re also incredible. I like to eat them with refried beans and avocado with a side of sour cream.
Tteok Bok Ki
These stir-fried rice cakes are so filling and delicious, I promise that you’ll want to have a permanent spot reserved for it in your freezer.
Shrimp Seafood Burgers
A summer addition to the Trader Joe’s frozen meals aisle, these seafood burgers are a delicious combination of shrimp and pollock. Whether you prefer to fry, bake, or grill, these 90-calorie, protein-packed patties are a great lunch or dinner option. For those concerned about an overpowering “seafood” taste, these burger patties lack any fishy taste or smell. We like these patties for easy sandwiches with lettuce and aioli, but they could be equally as good diced for tacos, used in wraps, or eaten on their own with steamed vegetables for a low-carb, diet-friendly option.
Chipotle Vegetable Quesadillas
This list wouldn’t be complete without a solid vegetarian frozen meal option. These black bean and corn quesadillas are a filling appetizer that could very well be suited for a standalone dinner option when you’re craving a Mexican twist. Quesadillas need the perfect ratio of cheese to tortilla. Too much tortilla and it can be dry or crusty. Too much cheese and you’re left with a soggy or wet tortilla. The black beans and corn pair well with the Monterey jack cheese and would make for a perfect finger food for a dinner event or game day watch party. Not vegetarian? Add diced chicken breast into the quesadilla for added protein.
By no means is this an exhaustive list of all of the delicious treats in the Trader Joe’s frozen food section. The seasonal items alone are a good reason to wander around the aisles! However, I hope this list helped you to rediscover an old favorite or inspire you to try something new the next time you’re at the grocery store.
