The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes

Trader Joe’s is a grand resource for people looking for convenient and reasonably priced food that is diabetes-friendly and healthy.

The first Trader Joe’s was opened in 1967, and the business has grown to over 500 stores across the United States. They are known for their affordable branded products and grant vast customer service, with a full refund guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase. The atmosphere is light and friendly with store managers referred to as “captains” and employees are “crew members”. Their Hawaiian shirts and friendly service make this a place you want to go back to.

I have a Trader Joe’s in walking distance from my house but do not take advantage of it enough. There are delicious frozen meals, new fruit galore, and tasty desserts all that won’t put you over budget. They also offer great wine and fresh flowers, making this a great place to run in and accomplish more than just picking up dinner.

I reached out to the diabetes online community and the Diabetes Daily forum members to get their recommendations on what to try next. Here are some healthy and affordable options to check out on your next visit.

1. Turkey Burgers

These turkey burgers are made with a combination of white and dark meat, rosemary, and salt, and contain 0 carbs and a whopping 22 grams of protein. They are also extremely convenient as you can cook them without defrosting them. These burgers come in a pack of 4 (think ahead, make two and throw the second over salad for lunch) and cost only .29, which makes for a few cheap meals. Be sure to check out their salmon and shrimp burgers too!

2. Mexican category Riced Cauliflower

This flavorful spicy riced cauliflower makes for a great side dish next to your favorite protein or a great base for a burrito bowl. You can get creative and add grilled shrimp and have a delicious and healthy dinner that only contains 5 grams of carbs!

Photo credit: Trader Joe’s

3. Cauliflower Gnocchi

Don’t be fooled by the fact it is made with 75% cauliflower. This delicious entree is made for Trader Joe’s in Italy, giving it a little more clout. For 16 net carbs, you can enjoy an authentic tasting pasta-like dish.

4. Oven-Baked Cheese Bites with Summer Truffle

I debated including this one because it is a seasonal item, but keep this on your radar for next year. With only 1 carb, this delicious snack packs a great amount of flavor, with a rare hint of ultra-gourmet truffles, and can be used to make a creative and healthy snack at your next celebration. The recipe attached suggests turning this into a luxe snack mix by adding nuts and pretzels.

5. Butternut Squash Mac N’ Cheese Bites

These bites are made from butternut squash, macaroni, a blend of cheddar and gouda cheese, and some seasonal spices. They are fried and make for a delicious appetizer or side. Coming in at only 18 carbs, this is a unique treat you can definitely sink your teeth into.

6. Egg Frittata with Swiss Cheese and Cauliflower

This is one of my favorite recommendations, to which a store employee agreed, as she excitedly told me she eats them 2-3 times a day!  Coming in at only 10 grams of carbs and 25 grams of protein for 2, this is a great low-carb, high-protein way to start your day that will keep you satiated until your lunch break.

Photo credit: Trader Joe’s

7. Chewy Chocolate and Peanut Butter Protein Bars

With only 12 net carbs, this Trader Joe’s protein bar rivals its competitors in taste and in price too. It can be tough to find good (and affordable) lower-carb snacks to eat on the go. This great snack on the go packs 10 grams of protein, making it a worthwhile snack to keep on hand.

8. Organic Freeze-Dried Berry Medley

If you are looking for something sweet without a ton of sugar to add to your smoothies, shakes, yogurts, and such, look no further. One entire bag only contains 29 carbs (along with 9 grams of protein), so you can feel free to use this sparingly to add some sweet flavor and healthy goodness to any of your favorite protein-filled snacks.

9. Jicama Sticks

This raw root vegetable is ready-prepared for you into small sticks so you can throw over a salad, or get creative and turn it into jicama french fries. Simply sprinkle with olive oil and any seasoning of your choosing and roast or air fry for about 10 minutes at 425 degrees (just double the time if you are using a conventional oven) for a crispy, tasty alternative to french fries.

10. Cauliflower Pizza Crust

This low-carb, high-fiber alternative to the real thing will keep your blood sugars stable and is quite tasty. Top this base with any of your favorite pizza toppings to make a delicious meal for you or your family.

This list just scratches the surface of what healthy finds Trader Joe’s has to offer. Please keep in mind that their offerings do change seasonally and while some of these are not linked to their website, I spoke with a manager who confirmed they are all still offered. Please be sure to also check out their dips, cheese spreads, and fresh produce.

Have you found any healthy good finds at Trader Joe’s? Be sure to share and comment below!

Diabetes Daily

The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes