Trader Joe’s is almost too good to be true: delicious food, great prices, and most of their products are actually pretty healthy! Dietitian Cassandra Lepore is a frequent shopper at Trader Joe’s and says the aisles are full of great snacks if you’re trying to make more healthy choices, especially as the new year begins. Keep reading to find out what Trader Joe’s snack products will help you reach your healthy new year’s goals.
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1. Organic Popcorn With Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This large bag of popcorn is the perfect snack for people who want to get a lot of volume but still want to stay low calorie. The bag sells for $3.29 and one serving (which is 3.5 cups!) has only 140 calories, and surprisingly, 3 grams of protein. “Popcorn is a decent source of fiber,” Lepore says.
“It’s hard to find a popcorn that’s made with extra virgin olive oil,” she points out. Most popcorn is popped with vegetable oil, which is highly processed, meaning the nutrients and antioxidants are destroyed in the refining process.
“Pair with nuts, dried fruit, or dark chocolate chips for a balance snack,” Lepore adds.
2. Organic Dark Chocolate Half Coated Rice Cake Thins
Trader Joe’s sources these items from a rice cake company in Belgium that specializes in high-quality, unique rice cakes. These thins are “rather dense” and “supply that satisfying crunch,” according to the Trader Joe’s website. Two rice cakes are only 120 calories, and the best part? One package is only $1.99.
“These are a pretty great balanced sweet treat on their own,” Lepose says. “They contain a good portion of both carbs and fat. I gravitate towards these whenever I need a mid-day chocolate fix.” For those of you who always crave a little something sweet in the evening, this could be your new snack!
3. Bamba Puffed Peanut & Corn Snacks Dipped In Dark Chocolate
Another delicious sweet treat, the Bamba puffed peanut & corn snacks are "light, crunchy, and positively bursting with rich, peanut flavor," the Trader Joe's website says. These retail for $2.99, and that's not even the best part. These snacks are made with just five ingredients: peanut butter, corn grits, sunflower oil, salt, and of course, dark chocolate.
"These are also a great sweet treat to have either during the day or when you need a little sweetness after dinner," Lepose says.
4. Quinoa And Black Bean Infused Tortilla Chips
The final snack to add to your rotation this year are these delicious tortilla chips. "I am always hyping these up on my page," Lepose says, who has a TikTok account, @DietitianCass, that has almost 40K followers. "They're a decent source of fiber, and they pair well with dips, melted cheese, or avocado for a balanced snack."
Plus, they're gluten free and kosher certified, and less than $4 a bag. "The mix of red Quinoa and robust Black Beans included in the base recipe of these white corn Tortilla Chips lends them a pleasant, earthy nuttiness that plays particularly well with the tangy notes of salsa," the Trader Joe's website describes.
