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Trader Joe’s Vegetarian & Vegan Must-Haves

Purple Star emoji 31 items
A mix of staple groceries, meal shortcuts, and snacks we always grab.
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Staple Groceries

These are our favorite essentials that will keep your pantry and fridge stocked for easy, delicious meals.

 
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The MVP of tofu. With 14g of protein per serving, this tofu is ready to go straight out of the package—no pressing needed (because who has time for that?). It holds up perfectly in stir-fries, scrambles, and our personal fav tofu parm.
Super Firm High Protein Organic Tofu
 
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Our go to for pasta, pizza & sandwiches. This stuff tastes way fancier than it should for a grocery store find.
Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto
 
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These chickpeas are perfectly seasoned with a Mediterranean flair, making them an easy addition to salads, bowls, or straight out of the can. Love these on gyros—they add the perfect protein-packed bite with a hint of cumin and fresh herbs.
Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley
 
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A lot of people don’t realize that many cheeses contain animal rennet or enzymes, making them not truly vegetarian—but this one is! It’s our go-to for grilled cheese, burgers, and snacking. A solid staple that’s both delicious and vegetarian-friendly...
Sliced Sharp Cheddar Cheese
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A sharp and creamy cheddar made from grass-fed cow’s milk, using microbial rennet. Perfect for sandwiches or snacking. Vegetarian Friendly!
New Zealand Sharp Cheddar Cheese
 
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A dairy-free mozzarella alternative that melts well, ideal for pizzas and casseroles!
Dairy-Free Mozzarella Style Shreds
 
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A great low-calorie and nutrient-rich option for those avoiding dairy. It’s made from organic almonds and is unsweetened, making it perfect for smoothies, coffee, or cereal without added sugars.
Organic Unsweetened Almond Beverage
 
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Cheesy, nutty, and packed with B12, this is a vegan staple for us. It’s perfect for sprinkling on pasta, popcorn, salads, or mixing into sauces for an extra savory boost. A must-have for plant-based cooking!
Nutritional Yeast
 
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Sweet, savory, and loaded with veggies! This frozen pad thai has a tasty tamarind sauce and chewy rice noodles, making it an easy, satisfying meal. Love adding tofu or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor!
Vegetable Pad Thai
 
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Protein-packed, versatile, and so easy! Perfect for tossing into stir-fries, salads, or just snacking with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Shelled Edamame

Dips, Spreads & Sauces

The easiest way to level up any meal! Perfect for dipping, drizzling, and upgrading your snacks and meals.

 
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Smooth, creamy, and actually buttery! This plant-based spread melts beautifully on toast, works great for baking, and is a must-have for anyone looking for a dairy-free butter alternative.
Organic Buttery Plant-Based Spread
 
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Creamy, garlicky, and absolutely addicting. This spread is perfect on toast, as a dip for veggies and crackers, If you love garlic, you need this in your fridge!
Garlic Spread Dip
 
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Rich, garlicky, and seriously good. This dairy-free take on Caesar dressing is perfect for salads, wraps, or even as a dip. A must-have for crisp, flavor-packed greens!
Vegan Caesar Dressing
 
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A creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dip that’s completely dairy-free. Perfect for nachos, tacos, or straight-up dunking tortilla chips. Heat it up for extra melty goodness!
Organic Vegan Nacho Dip
 
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Light, herby, and tangy with the perfect dill flavor. Great for salads, dipping veggies, or drizzling over grain bowls for a fresh kick.
Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing
 
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Cool, creamy, and packed with cucumber, garlic, and dill. We love it on tofu or chickpea gyros, pita, or as a refreshing dip for veggies!
Vegan Tzatziki Dip
 
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A rich, tomato-based sauce packed with plant-based crumbles for that classic hearty texture—without the meat. Perfect for tossing with pasta or layering into a baked dish like lasagna or stuffed shells when you’re craving something cozy and satisfyin...
Vegan Bolognese Style Pasta Sauce

Meal Shortcuts & Frozen Favorites

Quick, satisfying meals without the effort.
 
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These savory, sesame-flavored rice balls are an easy, satisfying snack or meal addition. Just heat and enjoy as is, or pair them with tofu and kimchi for a quick, flavor-packed meal! Wish there were more in the bag because they disappear fast!
Jumeokbap
 
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Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor! This soup has the perfect balance of tomato and smoky roasted red pepper. Pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese (vegan or not!), a handful of crunchy croutons, or crispy tofu.
Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
 
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These plant-based ravioli are stuffed with a delicious cashew-spinach filling, making them a quick and satisfying meal.
Vegan Spinach & Cashew Ravioli
 
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Hearty, comforting, and packed with protein! This soup is loaded with lentils, veggies, and the perfect seasoning. A pantry staple for an easy, nourishing meal—just heat and enjoy!
Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup
 
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These Korean rice cakes come with a bold, gochujang-based sauce that brings the perfect heat. AIf you prefer a milder flavor, use half of the sauce packet and supplement with broth, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. We add in proteins like sliced vega...
Tteok Bok Ki
 
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A veggie-packed twist on classic chili! Hearty, flavorful, and slightly spicy, this plant-based chili is loaded with kale, cauliflower, and beans for a satisfying meal. Love topping it with avocado, vegan sour cream, and a sprinkle of cheese for the ...
Kale & Cauliflower Chili
 
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A gluten-free gnocchi alternative that crisps up nicely in a pan. It’s a versatile base for various sauces and toppings, making it a popular choice for quick meals.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
 
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OBSESSED. Savory, satisfying, and so easy! This Korean-style rice roll is packed with seasoned veggies and tofu, all wrapped in seaweed. Just heat and enjoy for a quick, flavorful meal.
Kimbap
 
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A quick and delicious fried rice loaded with vegetables like leeks, corn, edamame, and bell peppers. It’s perfect on its own or as a base for adding your favorite proteins.
Vegetable Fried Rice

Snacks & Treats

No Trader Joe’s trip is complete without grabbing a few fun snacks.
 
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My absolute favvv! Creamy, crunchy, and completely dairy-free, these oat-based chocolate bars are the perfect sweet treat.
Oat Chocolate Bars with Crispy Rice & Cocoa Nibs
 
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Miniature vegan ice cream cones that are perfect for a sweet treat. Definitely a freezer staple.
Hold the Dairy! Vegan Chocolate Mini Cones
 
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– A delightful vegan treat featuring creamy sunflower seed butter encased in rich dark chocolate. They’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups
 
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A spicy and tangy snack that’s perfect for munching on its own or dipping into guacamole.
Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
 
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These dairy-free and vegan pretzels are easy to prepare and perfect for snacking. They come with coarse salt and bake up soft and chewy.
Soft Pretzel Twists