Best Healthy Snacks to Buy at Trader Joe's, According to a Dietitian (2024)

One of the best things about Trader Joe's is that they have so many snacks—but it's also one of the worst. There are so many options to choose from it can be a little overwhelming. So, as a dietitian and snack lover, I wanted to help you narrow down your options the next time you go on a TJ's run. Of course, there are whole foods that make amazing snacks (check out the produce aisle and get some fruits and vegetables), but sometimes you need a snacky snack (ya know what I mean?). Here are some of my favorite snack foods to buy at Trader Joe's.

1. Dried Fruit

Trader Joe's has an amazing dried fruit section, and I usually stock up on options when I'm there. I get freeze-dried fruit for my young kiddos and an assortment of dried fruit for my snacks and salads. I love tart cherries because they contain melatonin, which may help you sleep. Since tart cherries are so—well, tart—there is some added sugar. Otherwise, I usually choose fruit with no sugar added like dried apricots or mangoes.

2. Nuts

When I snack on fruit, I usually pair it with nuts. Nuts are a source of healthy fats, plant-based protein and fiber. They're filling, satisfying and delicious. Trader Joe's carries a wide variety of different nuts, including almonds, pistachios, cashews and walnuts. They also tend to be very affordable at TJ's.

3. Popcorn

Trader Joe's carries so many great varieties of bagged popcorn. Popcorn makes a great snack because it's actually a whole grain, so you get fiber and protein with your bowl. Plus, it's airy, so it's a high-volume snack that can satisfy your desire to munch. Too much butter, salt or sugar will drag down the nutritional quality of your snack. I love TJ's Olive Oil Popcorn and their Popcorn with Herbs & Spices, but they have lots of options to choose from.

4. Bazaar Basket Snack Mix

If you like a little variety to your snack, you'll love this Bazaar Basket Snack Mix. You get almonds, apricots, chickpeas, sour cherries and pistachios. It's like a healthy trail mix, all ready to go. Try a handful on its own or sprinkle some over oatmeal or Greek yogurt. A 1/4-cup serving has 140 calories, just 95 milligrams of sodium, 4 grams of fiber and 5g of protein.

5. ABC Bars

These bars are named for their ingredients. ABC stands for Almond Butter Cocoa Bars. These taste a little bit like a healthy nut-butter stuffed brownie. They're chocolaty, chewy, nutty and not too sweet. They're also vegan and gluten-free. With just 4g of added sugar per serving, 4g of protein and 2g of fiber, these bars are a nice, healthy option when you want something sweet or on the go. They definitely taste healthy-ish, but they're kid-approved in my house.

6. Chia Seeds

What—you don't snack on chia seeds? Just kidding! I don't eat them straight from the bag, but I do use them to make chia pudding. It's such an easy snack to whip up and chia seeds pack a mighty nutrition punch in a small package. Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein and a good source of plant-based omega-3 fats. For chia pudding, I usually mix a couple of tablespoons with milk (I like oat milk, but you can use dairy milk or any plant milk you prefer) and fruit or a little sweetener. Follow our easy formula to make chia pudding for a filling snack that's hearty and delicious.

7. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

OK, so these might not qualify as a "healthy snack," but they're a Trader Joe's staple for me, so I had to include them. One cup has about 70 calories and 6g of added sugar, and usually, one is enough to satisfy my sweet tooth after a meal. Also, real talk: Your snacks don't have to be healthy all of the time. You are allowed to enjoy treats and sweets as part of a healthy diet. I would never give up chocolate, or peanut butter for that matter, since these two make a winning combination.