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Trader Joe's Vegan Essentials That Offer Protein

As a Plant-Based CrossFitter, I Hit Trader Joe's Once a Week For These 14 Vegan Essentials

I was joking with my husband that if we ever moved to a new house, I'd only go if it was within 20 minutes of a Trader Joe's. As a plant-based eater who does CrossFit, yoga, runs, and climbs, I take my food very seriously. I want to make sure what I cook and eat is nutrient-dense, but that it also tastes delicious and doesn't break the bank. Aside from my weekly grocery store run, I also hit up Trader Joe's once a week for these protein-packed essentials.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Tofu

This is probably my favourite tofu of all time, so I buy at least three every time I go (the family loves it, too!). It's firm in texture, but that also means it's higher in protein than soft tofu. I use it for stir-fries, one-pan dinners, to make this bread-free avocado toast, scramble it to eat with roasted veggies or in a wrap, and add to smoothies to make them creamier and higher in protein.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Tempeh

I buy one package and either marinate and bake it to add to salads or wraps, or crumble it to add to tacos.

Steamed Lentils

I discovered these steamed lentils in the fridge section at Trader Joe's, and although the only ingredient is "lentils," they taste unbelievable — much different than when I buy canned or cook them from scratch myself. They're fresh and delicious and perfect to add to salads or to mix with cooked whole grains.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts

Hi-Protein Veggie Burger

Made with pea protein, this veggie burger offers 26 grams of protein! I like to sauté it in a pan, then cut it up to eat with whole grains and roasted veggies or as a quick protein for a fresh salad.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

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Frozen Broccoli

I usually eat half a bag of frozen broccoli in one sitting, which offers about 5 grams of protein for just 50 calories. I sauté it with tofu or tempeh and add it to salads or whole grains.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Gluten-Free Rolled Oats

Rolled oats are a pantry must to make overnight oats and overnight cookies, and to add to pumpkin bread and pancakes. I also use them to make DIY oat flour.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa is perfect on its own, added to salads, or in place of rice in burritos. The tricolor just makes it feel more fancy. I like to make a big batch and freeze one-cup servings to have on hand. If I have leftover uncooked quinoa when I go for my weekly Trader Joe's run, I'll pick up brown rice instead.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Meatless Meatballs

A fast and delicious source of plant-based protein, these meatless meatballs taste like real meatballs (I even fooled my husband!). I just microwave a few quickly and add them to pasta or whole grains.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Raw Almonds

For snacking, raw almonds are a great source of protein and healthy fats — I found that eating a handful before meals prevents overeating. I make my own trail mix with these almonds as a base and also use them in these date-sweetened cookies, add them to smoothies, and make my own nut butter.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Seeds

Once a week, I buy a bag of hemp, chia, flax, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds. I add them to overnight oats, salads, baked goods, and smoothies.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Organic Crunchy Salted Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a quick source of protein to add to smoothies, toast, and bananas or to make these vegan chocolate peanut butter cups. Yep, we definitely go through a jar in a week!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto

While this vegan pesto is made with cashews, it's not super high in protein (one-quarter-cup serving offers just 2 grams). But I add it to high-protein foods such as brown rice, tofu, or whole wheat pasta.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Hummus

As a snacking staple, my hummus is usually paired with baby carrots or bell pepper strips, but sometimes I like to get creative and mix with avocado to make a quick chickpea salad.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jamie Mieuli

Whole-Wheat Pasta

While I prefer to eat whole grains, sometimes dinner calls for pasta! I like the Trader Joe's versions made with black beans or lentils, but really, this whole-wheat is my fave.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

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