It doesn’t have to be expensive to stock your freezer with great food options. Whether you are looking for a tasty lunch or ‘what’s for dinner’ idea, Trader Joe’s has everything you need to keep you nourished day in and day out.
All of these items are under $5, meaning you won’t have to stretch your Trader Joe’s budget to get every product you need. Your budget and your bank account will thank you.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
1. Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings
Price: $3.49
These are, by far, my favorite Trader Joe’s frozen food item. I keep these soup dumplings on hand for an easy lunch.
While soup dumplings are normally heated in a small bamboo steaming basket, TJ’s has done a great job making a soup dumpling that taste great when heated in the microwave. As they are filled with hot soup, eat carefully once heated!
2. Mandarin Orange Chicken
Price: $4.99
This is a staple in my home. Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken have tender chunks of juicy chicken in a crispy breading of a sweet and spicy orange sauce. Our family loves to pair it with Calrose white rice and a hot side of seasoned broccoli florets. This delivers big flavors at a small price.
3. Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns
Price: $4.79
Blending the salty-sweet allure of teriyaki, the rich umami of miso, the hearty bite of mushrooms, and the pillowy softness of a bao bun, Trader Joe’s Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns may be small, but they pack a big punch of flavor. Each bun is filled a savory mix of sliced oyster, king oyster, and shiitake mushrooms, paired with carrots, onions, and spring onions for a medley of textures and tastes. The filling is then sautéed in a fragrant teriyaki miso sauce before being filled in dense, slightly sweet bao dough. Once heated, the buns become irresistibly light and fluffy, perfectly complementing the sweet-savory vegetable filling inside.
4. Spicy Farfalle Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage
Price $3.49
Trader Joe’s Farfalle Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage starts with durum wheat Farfalle (known as “bow tie” pasta). The pasta is covered in a rich & spicy tomato sauce and paired with crumbles of savory Italian Chicken Sausage.
5. Pad See Ew
Price: $3.79
If you are vegan, this should be stocked in your freezer for an easy lunch or dinner.
Pad see ew translates to “fried with soy sauce,” and was likely popularized within Thailand by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century. Every bite expresses a delightful depth of flavor, as well as a remarkable range of textures, from the tender chewiness of the noodles, to the snap of the carrots and Chinese broccoli, to the soft, tooth- sink-ability of the tofu chunks and tofu sheets.
6. Jumeokbap
Price: $4.99
From the Korean “jumeok” (fist) and “bap” (rice), this handheld dish is a hearty choice. This Korean rice ball with plant-based beefless bulgogi & vegetables is easily to become a favorite staple in your freezer.
7. Papas Rellenas
Price: $4.99
Trader Joe’s Papas Rellenas are made with a picadillo-esque filling of ground beef, diced onions and bell peppers, along with a lively blend of herbs and seasonings like garlic, oregano, and black pepper. They crisp up beautifully in either the conventional oven or the air fryer, after which they’re ready to be enjoyed with a tart, creamy, or spicy dipping sauce.
8. Japanese Style Fried Rice
Price: $3.79
This is an item I often recommend to friends and family. Trader Joe’s take on this traditional Japanese-style rice features shelled edamame, crispy pieces of deep-fried tofu, and delicate strips of hijiki seaweed. Fully cooked and ready to heat, it can be warmed in just minutes using a microwave, skillet, or wok. This can be served as a flavorful side or as the star of a vegetarian feast. It’s a convenient and delicious option.
9. Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
Price: $4.99
These Chicken Enchiladas use tender, brothy, dark meat (which means they are super tasty) that has been shredded and tucked into two corn tortillas in ample quantities. Then generously covered with a flavorful Salsa Verde that’s green with tomatillos, poblano chilis, and jalapeño peppers. The final tasty touch is a sprinkling of diced peppers and some melty (once heated) mozzarella.
10. Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Price: $3.99
The Chicken Shawarma Bowl is made with a bed of fluffy basmati rice, topped with red bell pepper, spinach, and diced, Shawarma-style-seasoned Chicken, along with a tart, tangy, and garlicky sour cream sauce to tie them all together. Serve it up family style with a side salad or spicy cucumber salad.
Bottom line
From sides to entrées, Trader Joe’s frozen food line has everything you need to stock up on hearty meal choices on your grocery run. With everything under $5, these deals will certainly help you tackle high grocery costs.
All photos courtesy of Trader Joe’s.
