Many of us struggle to find some easy and convenient plant-based meals from the grocery store, which is why we put together this ultimate list of the best vegan meals and products from Trader Joe’s. I am not sponsored by or affiliated with Trader Joe’s; I just happen to appreciate the wide selection of plant-based convenience foods they keep stocked for a reasonable price.
They seem to cater to different dietary needs, and I am always able to find a fairly tasty vegan option for a couple of bucks. From dairy replacements to frozen vegan meals, here are my top meals, my favorite meat and dairy replacements, plus a couple of pantry items.
The Best Vegan Meals and Products From Trader Joe’s:
Best Vegan Meals:
- Vegan Thai Green Curry with Tofu Sheets, Vegetables, and Jasmine Rice
- Vegetable Biryani with Seasoned Basmati Rice and Vegetable Dumplings
- Vegetable Spring Rolls with Kale, Edamame, Mushrooms, & Shredded Tofu
- Kimbap Korean Tofu and Vegetable Seaweed Rice Roll
- Vegan Pad Thai
- Japchae Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles & Vegetable Stir Fry
Best Meat Replacements:
- Korean Beefless Bulgogi in a Sweet and Savory Soy Sauce
- Veggie Grillers Crumbles
- Battered Plant Based Fish Fillets
- Meatless Meatballs
Best Dairy Replacements and Grocery Essentials
- Coconut Whipped Topping
- Vegan Heavy Whipping Cream
- Gochujang Korean Fermented Red Pepper Paste
- Chickpea Fusilli Pasta
- Fresh Fruit and Produce
Let’s dive into the best vegan frozen meals and what is so great about each of them!
The Best Vegan Frozen Meals
- Vegan Thai Green Curry with Tofu Sheets, Vegetables, and Jasmine Rice
Admittedly, I am not a brave soldier when it comes to spice, and this dish does bring the heat. But I love the flavors and the added protein of the tofu sheets. The vegetables have a nice texture, and the rice is heated separately, so it’s easy to mix them in the ratios you want. For some authentic Thai flavor, this dish is a win.
- Vegetable Biryani with Seasoned Basmati Rice and Vegetable Dumplings
I love this veggie-style biryani. The rice is crispy and has a good chew, and the veggie dumplings are filling and protein-packed. I am usually not able to finish the whole thing in one setting, making it a hearty go-to microwavable lunch or dinner.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls with Kale, Edamame, Mushrooms, & Shredded Tofu
I am obsessed with these veggie spring rolls. I get them all the time. The edamame and tofu pack a protein punch, while the kale and mushrooms add an earthy flavor. I wish this came with a dipping sauce, but I usually have soy or a chili sauce on hand that works well with these.
- Kimbap Korean Tofu and Vegetable Seaweed Rice Roll
This frozen vegan Kimbap is an awesome, easy meal to keep on hand. I was surprised by the crunch of the crispy veggies and how soft and chewy the seaweed was even after being frozen. One roll is filling, but if you are craving something extra, try adding some of the veggie spring rolls above to your plate, and you will be stuffed!
- Vegan Pad Thai
This Pad Thai is a staple for me. I love Pad Tai in general, but having a convenient frozen vegan option is a next-level life hack. The noodles are creamy and chewy and the veggies are crispy and flavorful. Sometimes, I will add some extra crushed peanuts on top for extra protein and texture.
- Japchae Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles & Vegetable Stir Fry
This flavorful Korean-inspired vegetable stir-fry is an all-timer. The crispy glass noodles are made from sweet potatoes and chock full of peppers, carrots, and other veggies. I usually top this with a little soy sauce or chili paste for extra flavor, but it’s good on its own, too.
The Best Meat Replacements
- Korean Beefless Bulgogi in a Sweet and Savory Soy Sauce
These vegan bulgogi beef strips are awesome. I use them in stir-fries, bao buns, rice and beef bulgogi, and more. The sauce is on point, and the texture is perfect. Meat eaters would never know the difference. They cook up in a pan in minutes for a perfectly marinated meatless beef.
- Veggie Grillers Crumbles
If you need a crumbled meat replacement, this one is a great option. I appreciate the resealable bags and how easy they are to throw in spaghetti, lasagna, or lettuce cups when you want to add an extra protein boost. They taste like the real thing on their own with a nice chewy texture, but they also take on the flavors of a sauce well, making them more versatile.
- Battered Plant Based Fish Fillets
I love making vegan fish tacos with these or using them to make plant-based fish and chips. The traditional batter fried taste is authentic and delicious and the texture is meaty and juicy without being overpowering. Serve them with a vegan coleslaw and picked veggies for a total meal that’s ready in minutes.
- Meatless Meatballs
Generally speaking, I like to make my own meatballs, but these are second best when I need a quick solution. They work well in traditional spaghetti, but they also go great as a holiday appetizer, like Christmas meatballs with a cranberry glaze or in a Swedish meatball linguine. They have a great meaty texture and bite and are well seasoned.
The Best Dairy Replacements and Grocery Items
- Coconut Whipped Topping
You have to have a great vegan whipped cream on hand for ice cream, pudding, desserts, and pies. This one is extra creamy and made from coconut cream. It keeps forever in the fridge so you can always be prepared even when you aren’t.
- Vegan Heavy Whipping Cream
If you prefer to make your own fresh whipped cream, this is a great vegan heavy whipping cream. It’s got a long shelf life and is fairly affordable compared to its dairy counterpart. It’s a full-fat, creamy staple that goes great in soups, stews, baking, and more.
- Gochujang Korean Fermented Red Pepper Paste
This isn’t a replacement per se, but just a great ingredient to have on hand that I can’t find in other stores. Fermented pepper paste has an incredible flavor and versatility in traditional Korean cooking, but also as a flavor injector for pastas, tacos, casseroles, and more.
- Chickpea Fusilli Pasta
Decent chickpea pasta isn’t unique to Trader Joe’s, but I have found this gluten-free fusilli pasta to hold up well in the texture department in various recipes without tasting off like some other chickpea pasta I have tried. It’s a great gluten-free alternative that can be nice to have on hand and is high in protein.
- Fresh Fruit and Produce
Again, not unique to this particular store, but what I do tend to find is decently priced, fresh fruits and vegetables that are in reasonable portions. They usually have produced like these Marzano tomatoes that I usually can’t find in other grocery stores in my area.
I hope you found this list helpful to make plant-based living a little easier and convenient. Finding easy-to-heat vegan meals, meat replacements, and dairy alternatives can be challenging, but hopefully, you are lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s nearby to make it a little easier. If not, there are tons of alternatives you can find in your local store, or get creative and modify recipes so you don’t need them. Sometimes, the best meals and recipes don’t try to be something they aren’t anyway!
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Happy Cooking!