Every time I walk into Trader Joes, I feel like I’m in heaven. From the massive array of frozen foods to the specialty products, it can be hard to decide what to get. As a Tulane student, Trader Joes is a quick Uber ride away, and if you split the Uber with friends it becomes a very affordable place to get groceries. Below is a list of the most delicious and healthy options at Trader Joes that you have to try out, all for under $5!
1. Multi-Grain Breakfast Waffles, $1.99
For less than $2.00 you can buy six delicious waffles. A serving size of two waffles only contains 230 calories and will leave you feeling full for hours. My tip: top the waffles off with fresh fruit and almond butter for a complete meal.
2. Frozen Carrot Noodles, $2.99
Instead of regular noodles, make this low-carb alternative. I love cooking Pad Thai with the carrot noodles; I’d put carrots in anyway, so why not use the carrots as the base!
3. Black Bean Rotini, $2.99
Instead of filling up on regular pasta with simple and refined carbs, swap it out for some fiber-filled bean pasta! With 14 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber, this pasta goes great with pesto or tomato sauce. You can also add in sautéed veggies or a protein.
4. Cauliflower Rice, $2.99
If you follow any type of healthy food Instagram, you know that cauliflower rice is a trending food right now. Trader Joes sells this frozen, so you don’t need to worry about it going bad. The cauli-rice is great for stir-fries or just adding an extra serving of veggies to your dish.
5. Just Beet Chips, $2.99
Although these might look weird at first, they taste exactly like potato chips but are made out of beets instead. Beets are high in fiber, potassium, and iron too. In the entire bag, there are only 140 calories; it’s the perfect mid-day snack or a replacement for chips and dip!
6. Organic Hemp Seed Bars, $2.99
These delicious bars contain hemp seeds, almonds, cashews, and a variety of dried fruits. Hemp seeds are super good for you because they contain lots of fiber and protein, and these bars will keep you full for hours. With only 120 calories per bar, this is a perfect snack when running between classes.
If you’re looking to bring more healthy items into your diet for a good price, head to Trader Joes and look for these items! Your tummy and wallet will thank you later.
COVER PHOTO: Business Insider