4 Healthy New Trader Joe's Products You Should Buy, RD Says
The aisles at Trader Joe's are filled with grocery staples and old favorites, including our 20 favorite finds under $5. The beloved supermarket chain is once again adding a long list of new items to store shelves, but some of these products are healthier than others.
We asked Eat This, Not That! Medical Expert Board member Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, to help us identify the four healthy new Trader Joe's products that you should try on your next visit. Young is the author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, a nutritionist in private practice, and an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University.
Related: Trader Joe's Shoppers Love These 9 Healthy Weight Loss Foods
Organic Veggie Bites
These vegan tots are one of the newest additions to the freezer section at Trader Joe's. The supermarket chain says that its Organic Veggie Bites "prove that other veggies are up to the task of tot-ness." Bigger than the average tater tot, they're a great option for a side dish at dinner or even a snack.
The best news? Young approves.
"These are made with an assortment of organic veggies, sunflower seeds, and brown rice," she says. "They contain a healthy dose of fiber (4 grams per serving!) and very little added sugar. Go for it!"
Hearts of Palm Pasta
Are you watching your carb and/or calorie intake? The Hearts of Palm Pasta is for you, thanks to the ingredient list—or a lack thereof. TJ's is a go-to for veggie pasta, and the newest addition is a winner in Young's book.
"It contains just one ingredient—hearts of palm," Young says. "It's very low in calories and carbs, with just 20 calories per serving."
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Kimchi & Tofu Soup
Fall is upon us—and that means it's also soup season! This spicy option is located in the "bowl" section of Trader Joe's freezer. The Kimchi & Tofu Soup combines black rice, garlic napa cabbage, onions, radishes, red peppers, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu with broth, gochujang sauce, mirin, and tamari soy sauce.
Why does Young recommend this soup? Kimchi is a gut-friendly food, and tofu is a great source of plant-based protein. However, she notes that one thing shouldn't be overlooked—the sodium. If this soup is on the menu, watch your sodium intake for the rest of the day.
Crispy Peanut Butter Filled Milk Chocolate Peanuts
Young says this treat is "not a low-calorie food" but rather "a yummy treat for a special occasion." The Crispy Peanut Butter Filled Milk Chocolate Peanuts feature peanut-shaped milk chocolates filled with salty and smooth peanut butter and crispy rice. Just keep in mind the serving size—which is three pieces!
For more on what's happening at the TJ's in your neighborhood, check out:
