While seasonal foods have been on sale in supermarkets across the country for weeks, last-minute trips for winter favorites are inevitable. Trader Joe’s is already a popular destination for everyday groceries, so it goes without saying that its holiday dishes are popular. However, not all of its offerings are created the same when it comes to nutrition. Which, exactly, are dietitians approved?
Here is what Eat this, not that! Council of medical experts members Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, from Real nutrition, and Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally full, finally thin and a nutritionist in private practice, recommend shoppers to add to their baskets in the last few minutes Trader Joe’s vacation trips.
Related: 10 Items Trader Joe’s Ditched This Year
Shapiro and Young both recommend this coffee option to enjoy while on vacation, thanks to the addition of spices like cinnamon and cloves. Combine their benefits with those of a cup of coffee and you are sure to have a good time full of joy.
“Along with its deliciously spicy flavor profile, it has a pleasant, welcoming aroma that fills the whole house with a warm, homey scent as it seeps in,†TJ’s says of the coffee.
Per 1 ounce: 110 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 220 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 6 g protein
Pecorino cheese with seasonal truffles is made with sheep’s milk. Cheese can sometimes be classified as unhealthy, but Shapiro says take advantage of this option.
It has “a minimum of ingredients, [is] high in protein, moderate in fat, low in calories, [its] sodium is not too high, â€she says, adding that it makes“ a tasty addition to a meal â€.
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Per 1 teaspoon: 10 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 10 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber,> 1 g sugar, 0 g protein
Cheese isn’t the only grocery item at Trader Joe’s that uses the signature flavor of truffles during the most wonderful time of year.
Trader Joe’s Hot Truffle Sauce is “a great way to add flavor to dishes and snacks without adding a ton of calories,” says Shapiro.
She also touts the “right ingredient list” as well as being “low in fat, calories, sodium and sugar.” But quickly grab a bottle–because this product is only available for the season.
Per 1 ½ cup: 160 calories, 10 g fat (1 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 180 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 2 g protein
Holiday movies require a snack that is appropriate for the season. “When it comes to snacks, popcorn is the answer because it has fiber and even protein,†Young said. (Shapiro agrees.)
“The deliciously bold umami flavor of truffles clings to every core and creates a unique sensation when you put them in your mouth,†Trader Joe’s said of the snack. “It’s a raised profile that could comfortably accompany a chic cheese plate on your vacation evening.”
By â…“ bar: 140 calories, 8 g fat (5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 30 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 11 g sugar, 2 g protein
“It’s chocolate and candy cane season in this dark chocolate bar,†Young says of the festive treat. It’s 60% cocoa, known to be high in antioxidants (and for its bitter taste). While there are 11 grams of sugar involved here, Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Bar is definitely a good stocking stuffer.
Per ½ cup: 70 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 85 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 0 g fiber, 11 g sugar, 1 g protein
Those who do not drink dairy products will not be excluded from enjoying a glass of eggnog this year. Trader Joe’s Oat O’Nog combines the same creaminess and flavorful punch as regular eggnog, but it’s made without any dairy ingredients. The young person approves.
For more on what’s going on in the holiday section of your favorite grocery store, check out:
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