30 of the Healthiest Items You Can Buy at Trader Joe’s
Add them to your grocery list to keep your nutrition on track.
It’s no secret that everyone loves Trader Joe’s. Not only do they offer great prices, but their products are just as delicious—if not more so—than some of the name-brand stuff that’s out there. What’s more, it’s super easy to find nutritious Trader Joe’s food and drinks that will benefit your performance. Here are 30 that you’ll want to go buy ASAP.
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Organic Tricolor Quinoa
Quinoa is high in protein, and also contains fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, and calcium. It’s also incredibly versatile so you won’t get bored—toss in any of your favorite vegetables, nuts, dressings, or sauces, and enjoy.
Rolled Oats
Great for overnight oats, rolled oats are a good source of fiber—a nutrient that keeps you feeling fuller longer. According to a study in the journal Nutrition Reviews, adding 14 grams of fiber a day to your diet can help you consume fewer calories, leading to weight loss.
Organic Chia Seeds
Chia seeds contain heart-healthy omega-3s and muscle-building protein. Sprinkle them on your salad, blend them in your smoothie, toss them in your overnight oats—the options are endless.
Almond Butter
Almond butter is filled with antioxidants and vitamin E to help keep your cholesterol in check, and it has even more healthy fats than peanut butter does. Among other things, you can use it to make energy balls or spread it on your toast.
Organic Black Beans
Black beans have fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6, which contribute to a healthy heart and low blood sugar. Black beans are great in salads, burritos, and quesadillas, but can be added to pretty much any meal you want.
Broccoli Florets
Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious—sometimes even more so—as fresh ones since they’re usually picked “at the height of their ripeness.” Broccoli is one of the healthiest veggies around—its nutrients keep your bones strong and prevent against diseases like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
Simply the Best Trek Mix
Trail mix makes for great mid-run and recovery fuel, and Trader Joe’s makes theirs with good-for-you ingredients, such as dried pineapples, cranberries, and cherries—not sugar-filled M&M’s.
Roasted Plantain Chips
Plantains contain twice as much vitamin C as a banana, which helps boost your immune system and protects against chronic diseases. Dip them in guac or hummus to give them even more flavor.
Just Beets
Beets contain pretty much every essential vitamin and mineral your body needs: protein, fiber, vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and potassium to name a bunch—all that can benefit you on and off the trails.
Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is like “green tea on steroids,” meaning it’s got more nutrients than the regular stuff. It makes for great postrun recovery fuel because it helps speed up muscle repair.
Salt and Pepper Pistachios
These tasty nuts make a great mid or postrun recovery snack because of their high amount of antioxidants and electrolytes.
Ranch Seasoned Crispy Chickpeas
Chickpeas have a ton of fiber, protein, iron, and potassium, and if that’s not enough of a reason to enjoy them, their ranch flavoring is.
Sockeye Salmon
This versatile fish contains omega-3s, which are good for your heart, as well as protein and potassium—both good for your muscles. The canned version is excellent for baking salmon cakes or adding to a salad.
Organic Black Bean Rotini
This pasta is made from black bean flour, which means there’s even more protein and fiber in it than the regular stuff.
Unsweetened Instant Oatmeal
Not only is oatmeal an easy breakfast option, but it’s also great pre-run fuel. (But make sure you time it right—too much fiber before a run can lead to digestive system disaster.) Oats can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and are an excellent source of antioxidants.
Organic Thompson Seedless Raisins
Raisins are the perfect pick-me-up during a long run, since they contain carbs that will give you the energy boost you need. These have no added sugar, and also pack fiber and potassium.
Avocado Oil
Instead of using olive or vegetable oil for cooking, give avocado oil a try. Full of healthy fats and antioxidants, it can help lower your cholesterol and maintain heart health.
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash has a ton of vitamin A, which is good for you skin and eyesight. This soup has 80 percent of your daily value of the nutrient. Add your favorite herbs and spices to the soup to give it a flavor you love.
Organic Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea
Rice Cracker Medley
This mix contains roasted seaweed and wasabi peas, which contain nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. These are all beneficial for your bones, muscles, and brain. Plus, they make a delicious and flavorful snack.
Danielle Zickl is a freelance writer who has 10 years of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition. She's a graduate of Ithaca College. You can find her work here on Women's Health, and in many other publications including PS, SELF, Well+Good, Runner’s World, Outside RUN, Peloton, Men’s Fitness, and more.
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