Trader Joe’s is the best grocery store for anyone who wants to eat tasty foods made with clean ingredients on a budget. Compared to other specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s sells all of its items at the most economical price, which is perfect for college students. It also has an abundance of frozen and microwavable items for quick and easy meals that can be prepared in your dorm and even be taken on the go.
Today, many people follow plant-based diets for ethical and health reasons. As someone who tries to eat plant-based when I can, I know how difficult it is to eat vegan on a budget. When something is labeled vegan, the price automatically increases and vegans oftentimes have very limited options. Trader Joe’s is offering more vegan options than they ever have before and it’s made it so easy for students to nourish themselves with wholesome ingredients without putting a dent in their wallets. Here are my top 10 items from Trader Joe’s that all vegan college students need to try right now.
1. Acai Bowl
Acai bowls are a breakfast favorite for many people but buying one at a restaurant costs around $10. Luckily, Trader Joe’s has recently started selling their new acai bowls which are pre-made and come with toppings. They’re located in the freezer aisle and all you have to do is either defrost it in the fridge overnight or stick it in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick breakfast. By the way, it only costs $3.99 per bowl!
2. Oat milk
Every few years it seems like there’s always a new non-dairy milk trend. Recently, oat milk has been a big hit. I’ve noticed that many cafes are now providing oat milk for coffees. My personal favorite is an iced vanilla oat milk latte. When I tried to make one at home, I quickly changed my mind when I saw that one carton cost $6. Trader Joe’s however, now sells its own oat milk and it’s half the price. It has a shelf table option ($2.29) and a refrigerated option ($3.99). This is definitely a new item that will be sold out in no time.
3. Rainbow Wrap
As a college student, it’s hard to prepare on-the-go lunches that are actually nutritious and gives you energy. The Rainbow Wrap is just one of the many vegan-friendly lunches from Trader Joe’s that’s premade. A tip I have is to buy three premade lunches for the week so you’ll always have something to choose from when you seriously need to run out the door. The rainbow wrap costs $4.99 and is very filling.
4. Vegan ranch dip
Who doesn’t love ranch. If you want something to make your vegetables easier to eat, grab this! It’s also only $3.49.
5. Hi-Protein Veggie burger
Vegans are known for lacking protein, but these veggie patties contain 26 grams of protein per serving! Put this in between a bun and your favorite veggies for a quick lunch or dinner. This costs $3.49.
6. Riced Cauliflower bowl
When you don’t want to prepare anything for dinner, pop this riced cauliflower bowl in the microwave. It features veggies and tofu in a tahini sauce. One bowl costs $2.99.
7. Cookie butter
Sometimes, all it takes to cure a sweet craving is eating a big spoonful of Cookie Butter. Thankfully, Cookie Butter is vegan and costs only $3.69 per jar. Be careful, or else this will only last you a couple of days.
8. Mildly spiced organic vegetable burritos
This is an important vegan college student freezer essential. One package comes with two burritos for a total of $3.29. Pair this with some microwavable rice along with a can of beans for a yummy and warm dinner.
9. Chickenless chicken fingers
Meat alternatives are typically very expensive and unfortunately don’t come with much in the package. Trader Joe’s definitely sells one of the cheapest fake chicken tenders on the market with one bag costing $3.29. This is perfect for a quick meal or late night snack.
10. Coconut coffee creamer
My favorite part of the morning is pouring creamer into my coffee and watching the two swirl together; hopefully I’m not the only one. Dairy-free coffee creamers are expensive. Before discovering the one Trader Joe’s has, I couldn’t find one that was sold for a fair price. Trader Joe’s has a coconut milk based creamer that only costs $1.49 and is a delicious way to start the day.
Being vegan while juggling a busy schedule and trying to eat clean isn’t always easy. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s grocery stores are located across the nation and close to many college campuses. Next time you head to Trader Joe’s, give these tasty and affordable vegan options a try!