8 Trader Joe’s Finds Under $5 (2021)

Looking for budget-friendly finds that are fast, easy and good for you, too? Check out these eight Trader Joe’s finds that make it easier than ever to squeeze nutritional goodness into meals and snacks on the fly.

Creamy dips and snacks

• Creamy Cauliflower Jalapeno Dip. Ingredients include cauliflower, ricotta, parmesan and jalapeno. Per serving: 40 calories, 3.5 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 120 milligrams sodium, 1 gram carbs, 0 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar (0 grams added sugar), 1 gram protein.

• Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip. Ingredients include Greek yogurt, spinach, water chestnuts, kale, mayonnaise, seasoning, red peppers and carrots. Per serving: 30 calories, 2 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 150 milligrams sodium, 2 grams carb, less than 1 gram fiber, less than 1 gram sugar (0 grams added sugar), 1 gram protein.

• Avocado Tzatziki Dip. Ingredients include Greek yogurt, avocado, cucumber, lemon and jalapeno.Per serving: 25 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 80 milligrams sodium, 2 grams carbs, 0 grams sugar, 1 gram protein.

• Mini Brie Bites. Ingredients include pasteurized milk and cream, salt and rennet (curdled milk). Per serving: 70 calories, 6 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 160 milligrams sodium, 0 grams carbs, 0 grams fiber, 0 grams sugar (0 grams added sugar), 4 grams protein.

Breakfast

• Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix. Ingredients include white whole wheat flour, whole wheat flour, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate and whole grain oat flour. Per serving: 140 calories, 1 gram fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 260 milligrams sodium, 23 grams carbs, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar (0 grams added sugar), 10 grams protein.

Frozen foods

• Palak Paneer. Ingredients include spinach, paneer (cheese), onions, tomatoes, broccoli, cream, water, spices, garlic, salt, green chili peppers, chickpea flour, turmeric, ghee and fenugreek leaves. Per serving: 210 calories, 16 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 510 milligrams sodium, 9 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 3 grams sugar (0 grams added sugar), 10 grams protein.

• Cauliflower Gnocchi. Ingredients include cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Per serving: 140 calories, 3 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 450 milligrams sodium, 22 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, less than 1 gram sugar (0 grams added sugar), 2 grams protein.

• Misto Alla Griglia. Ingredients include grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, red peppers), extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, garlic, sugar and black pepper. Per serving: 90 calories, 8 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 270 milligrams sodium, 5 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 3 grams sugar (0 grams added sugar), 1 gram protein.

Editor’s note: Registered dietitian Molly Kimball offers brand-name products as a consumer guide; she does not solicit product samples nor is she paid to recommend items. A version of this originally appeared on WGNO’s “FUELED with Molly” segment.