Do you go as gaga for new Trader Joe’s products as we do? Well, we’re not sure that’s humanly possible, but with more plant-based options than ever appearing on the shelves of TJ’s, shoppers like us are flocking there for our vegan fix.
Lucky for us die-hard fans, Trader Joe’s is the ultimate holiday destination. There are few things as fun and mood-setting as leaving this cult favorite grocer with bags of scented pinecones, dairy-free nogs, and all the appetizers and snacks to host one incredible holiday party.
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Is Trader Joe’s vegan-friendly?
Trader Joe’s is well known for its private label and exclusive goods.
Over the years, the grocer has debuted its own creamy, vegan almond milk chocolate bars; dairy-free vegan salmon cream cheese complete with konjac-based salmon, capers, lemon juice, dill weed, and other flavorings; and ultra-affordable vegan meat-loaded pizzas. Plus, Trader Joe’s stocks more than 70 delicious plant-based products we can’t get enough of.
The grocer was also one of the first brick-and-mortar retailers to offer Boursin’s Dairy-Free cheese spread and was one of the first to launch its own plant-based version of turkey burgers. Currently, Trader Joe’s is focused on offering more vegan seafood options
“We don’t have options yet within our stores for a plant-based seafood product but there are crab cakes out on the market or scallops or tuna replacements. So we’re really looking more at the seafood to make sure that we’ve covered all the proteins that customers are familiar with and bringing in the best versions of those,” said Amy Gaston-Morales, category manager of Deli, Frozen Meat, Seafood, Meatless, and Fresh Beverage at Trader Joe’s revealed. And with 2022’s launch of Trader Joe’s Vegan Salmonesque Spread, the chain is on the right track.
Vegan holiday products at Trader Joe’s
While we can’t wait to see what’s next from the cult-favorite grocery chain, for now, we’re turning our focus to its incredible nutmeg-spiced, cinnamon-scented, chocolate-dipped goods. Here are our picks for some of the best, can’t-miss Trader Joe’s holiday finds.
@trader_joes_treasure_hunt/Instagram
1 Oat Nog
When O’Nog begins appearing on store shelves, we know the holiday season is here. This creamy, lightly spiced, festive beverage is perfect for serving at your holiday parties.
Find it here
@traderjoeshungry/Instagram
2 Vegan Gingerbread Loaf
This perfectly moist, ginger- and cinnamon-spiced loaf is found in the baked goods section of the store. Slice up and serve with a hot cup of tea for the ultimate night in.
Find it here
@bigboxvegan/Instagram
3 Mini Peppermint Marshmallows
We’re topping our hot chocolates with these adorable, mini, gelatin-free vegan marshmallows this holiday season. Toss them into chocolate cookie dough, pre-baking, for a delicious vegan hot chocolate cookie.
Find it here
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4 Pumpkin-Flavored Joe Joe’s
Everyone’s favorite Trader Joe’s cookie has gotten a fall makeover. These seasonal cookie sandwiches are plant-based and totally irresistible.
Find it here
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5 Pumpkin Oat Beverage
This lightly spiced oat milk has all the flavors of pumpkin spice season and is delicious for whirling into seasonally inspired smoothies and shakes all winter long.
Find it here
@trader_joes_tre
6 Everything But The Leftovers Seasoning
This seasoning will make everything taste like a holiday feast. We’re using it to roast veggies, season tofu, and sprinkle onto vegan chicken strips before tossing it into a salad.
Find it here
@veganfoodtrek/Instagram
7 Gingerbread Oat Latte
Trade in your normal latte for this seasonal oat milk cold brew latte with wintery spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Each sip brings a heady caffeine buzz with gentle heat and soothing creaminess from the thick oat milk.
Find it here
@binaryseasonings/Instagram
8 Scandinavian Tidings Gummies
These soft and chewy fruit gummies in the shape of Christmas trees, stars, and ornaments, are totally gelatin-free, making them suitable for vegans.
Find it here
@traderjoesnew/Instagram
9 Gingerbread Cake & Cookie Mix
Simply swap in a vegan egg replacer, and you’ve got another easily veganized seasonal baking mix. Make it even better by topping with Trader Joe’s new vegan Coconut Whipped Topping!
Find it here
Trader Joe’s
10Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips
When a snack craving hits, you’ll be glad you picked up a bag of these herbed potato chips. While they’re named after Thanksgiving, you can enjoy these tasty chips throughout the holiday season.
Find it here
@appetitesathome/Instagram
11 Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s
Everyone’s favorite Christmas-inspired cookies are back on shelves, and we can’t wait to dip them in almond milk, bake them into seasonal desserts, and eat them straight from the box. NOTE: The gluten-free version is not vegan.
Find it here
Trader Joe’s
12Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
This bubbly beverage is bright, richly fruity, and perfectly suited to refresh your holiday spirits.
Find it here
Trader Joe’s
13Cranberry Sauce
Fresh-made cranberry sauce has never been this easy. Pick up this holiday staple during your next grocery run to wow your dinner guests.
Find it here
Trader Joe’s
14 Non-Dairy Cinnamon Bun Oat Creamer
Make your coffee extra festive this holiday season with Trader Joe’s cinnamon bun-flavored creamer. It’s smooth, velvety, and deliciously cozy.
Find it here
For more about Trader Joe’s, read:
Sarah McLaughlin (@sarahmclaughlin) is the New Products Editor at VegNews and is always on the search for the newest innovations in plant-based food.
