The first day of spring technically falls in late March (March 20, if you’re curious), but while images of grassy fields and warmer weather are in our minds, the reality is that March is still an uncomfortably cold month for the majority of the US. Trader Joe’s new and returning vegan products recognize this transition period, offering up hearty favorites like Beer Bread mix coupled with the promise of charcuterie boards enjoyed on a sunny day by way of its new Grilled Chalkidiki Green Olives.
We never know how long these products will stay, but that’s part of the fun of Trader Joe’s. Here’s how to make the most of March with these new, intriguing, and craveable vegan Trader Joe’s products available now.
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Blink and you’ll miss it: 5 vegan items you won’t find anymore at Trader Joe’s
No item is safe from being discontinued at Trader Joe’s—from name-brand staples that had been around for years to influential outside brands, the grocer isn’t afraid to make cuts when items aren’t performing (or it plans to whitelabel its own version). Here are just a few of the vegan items we’re sad not to see anymore.
1 Vegan Mac and Cheese
If we’re being honest, the tub of vegan mac needed a good pinch of salt, but what it lacked in “wow” factor gave way to convenient creativity. We dreamed up nine delicious ways to gussy up this childhood classic, from nostalgic “peas and trees” (mixing in broccoli and peas) to sophisticated truffle oil drizzled on top. Looks like it’s back to the boxed variety or making this cheesy pasta from scratch.
Miyoko’s Creamery
2 Miyoko’s Cultured Vegan Butter
We might understand if this product was taken off shelves given the current controversy surrounding Miyoko’s as a brand, but this item was pulled long before Miyoko Schinner was removed as CEO. In its place is Trader Joe’s name brand Vegan Buttery Spread. It certainly serves its purpose as a decent dairy butter alternative, though it does include more processed oils than Miyoko’s variety.
@alexandra_vegan/HappyCow
3 Vegan Falafel Wrap
Was this packaged wrap truly phenomenal? Not really, but it was a reliable staple many stocked their fridges with for fast and palatable lunches. For now, we’ll have to make our vegan falafel from semi-scratch with TJ’s falafel mix.
Hungry Girl
4 Powdered Peanut Butter
This was very much a niche item, and we understand why it had to be cut, but from our experience, people who purchase powdered peanut butter are really into this de-fattened peanut powder. We’ll admit, we go through a jar, fast. Obviously, we’re still a little sore from this product’s short-lived shelf life.
abillion
5 Tofu Spring Rolls
Like the falafel wrap, it was imperative to purchase these pre-made rolls as far in advance of the expiration date as possible; the difference between a fresh and halfway expired pack was day and night. While we weren’t in love with them, they served their purpose as filling appetizers to pair with TJ’s vegetable gyoza or light lunches that required no prep.
6 new vegan products at Trader Joe’s this month
It’s always a bit sad to see a familiar product disappear, but the silver lining is that a new product is likely on the way. Here are six vegan products to look forward to at Trader Joe’s this month.
@bigboxvegan/Instagram
1 Beer Bread
With a tagline like “Just add butter and beer,” we have a hunch this mix is going to be good. Simply swap the dairy butter for TJ’s Vegan Buttery Spread and you can whip up this savory batter in minutes. This quickbread is a returning favorite amongst TJ’s regulars and it’s making its comeback just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy topped with a mound of vegan corned beef or slathered with more of that Vegan Buttery Spread.
@traderjoesobsessed/Instagram
2 Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake Mix
Another baking mix has returned to Trader Joe’s shelves, this one of a sweeter variety than the beer bread. You’ll need to swap the called-for butter and eggs for vegan options, but you can easily find these via Trader Joe’s Vegan Buttery Spread and Simply Eggless (or try a flax egg, and yes, TJ’s sells ground flax). Pair with a hot cup of coffee for an afternoon treat or a scoop of Trader Joe’s Vanilla Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert (vegan vanilla ice cream) for a more decadent post-dinner dessert.
@traderjoeslist/Instagram
3 Grilled Chalkidiki Green Olives
Up your olive game with these briny, smoky grilled green olives. We’re not sure how long these will be on shelf, but they last for months. Try them once, and if you enjoy them, stock up for a fancy, unexpected addition to future vegan charcuterie boards. We imagine they’d be great with a martini, too!
Curly Crafty Mom
4 Cauliflower of Many Colors
Cauliflower can do it all—and come in a variety of colors. This bagged, steam-ready medley of white, yellow, purple, and green cauliflower is meant for enjoying this cruciferous veggie as-is (please don’t mash it all together to make a vegan cauliflower pizza crust, the color would certainly be off-putting). Steam in the bag or turn the florets out onto a baking sheet and roast until delightfully crispy and deliciously charred.
@traderjoesobsessed/Instagram
5 Organic Lemon Torchietti Pasta
Even as adults, we love a fun pasta shape. These short noodles are hollow inside— similar to penne if you gave the noodle a slight twist. Infused with lemon oil, the taste is subtle and best amplified with a light lemon vegan cream sauce.
Tanya Flink
6 Pulled Jackfruit in Smoky BBQ Sauce
You can find green jackfruit in brine at TJ’s, but this new product does the prep and seasoning for you. Simply heat-and-eat to enjoy this pulled pork-esque product on top of vegan mac and cheese, on a comfort food platter, or paired with vegan coleslaw in between two fluffy sesame seed buns.
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Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
