Some days all you can manage is to pop a frozen meal into the oven and let Mr. Trader Joe do the rest. TJ’s never lacks on delicious options that taste homemade. Here are the 14 best frozen food options at Trader Joe’s according to our taste buds. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
14 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Food Options
1. Butter Chicken
Recreating an Indian dish at home comes with a lot risk, especially in regard to spice level. Thankfully Trader Joe’s Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice has the perfect balance of kick and flavor.
2. Orange Chicken
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is no joke. It’s a recurring winner of the TJ’s Customer Choice Awards Favorite Overall Product for a reason! It’s easy to make and a mouth-watering replacement for traditional Chinese takeout. Pro Tip: heat your wok before adding the sauce, then chicken. Trust us.
3. Gluten-Free Waffles
Gluten-free might not be immediately synonymous to “yummy” or “delicious”, but these waffles challenge the GF status quo. They may be a little sweet for certain palettes, but they are a great substitute for wheat-based waffles.
4. Chicken Gyoza
These frozen potstickers are ideal for a quick snack or to sub for a night of take-out. Their doughy shell protects a blend of chicken, cabbage, ginger and spices creating a perfect storm of flavor.
5. Jasmine Rice
Organic and tasty, this set of three frozen rice packets are perfect to pop in the microwave for a quick dinner carb. You can add it to your orange chicken or use to recreate the Emily Mariko salmon dish as a few ideas among many.
6. Cauliflower Gnocchi
Made in Italy, this gnocchi can get you pretty close to an authentic Italian dish. Ok maybe not as legitimate as being in Italy, but let’s say we’re manifesting a trip through this meal. Made from cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt there is no wheat, sugar, dairy, or eggs to be found in this dish!
7. Beef and Broccoli
A balance of protein and veggies, this frozen dish is both healthy and tangy with a good mix of sweet and spicy. We recommend following the instructions on the package, but know that you can also make the dish in an air fryer for easy cooking and cleaning!
8. Penne Arrabbiata
This pasta will have you saying, Mamma Mia! The TJ’s frozen penne dish is a fan favorite thanks to the smokey and spicy sauce. Add in some greens, veggies, and protein to round out the meal.
9. Tandoori Naan
The frozen packaging makes it hard to believe that this naan is baked in a Tandoor clay oven and hand-stretched in India, but sometimes it just is that good and true. This naan acts as a great base for curry, sauces, or just plain — whatever your heart desires!
10. Macaroni and Cheese
A portion of classic comfort food that’s even easier to cook than the traditional boxed mac and cheese. Pop this container into the microwave and enjoy the four-cheese blend instantly.
11. Potato Pancakes
These are not your traditional pancakes. The TJ’s frozen latkes are made from potatoes, onions, wheat, egg whites and a bit more. They may look crispy on the outside, but on the inside, they are soft and delicious. Pop them in the oven and taste-try them for yourself!
12. Chicken Burrito Bowl
Skip out on your next Chipotle run and opt for this frozen chicken burrito bowl from Trader Joe’s. Crafted Southwest style, it is made with seasoned chicken breast, brown rice, red quinoa, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. All topped off with a smoky chipotle sauce.
13. Branzino Fillets
Fish can be a daunting frozen food category to explore. You don’t want to get it wrong! Lucky for us all, these Branzino Fillets are farm-raised, boneless, and make for an easy dinner protein. They come in a pack of four and can be served in a number of creative ways.
14. Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe has made a name for itself lately and for good reason. The dish is simple but divine when done right, but can be hard to perfect. Leave it to Trader Joe’s to provide a yummy frozen alternative. Rich and creamy, biting into this Cacio e Pepe frozen dish is just heavenly. Up next, Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Food.
