Our obsession with Trader Joe’s runs deep. But while the store is a mecca of affordable groceries and wine, not everything it sells is good for you (looking at you, cookie butter). So we tapped two of LA’s best nutritionists to help us navigate the aisles of TJ’s for healthy snacks. Here, they share their top picks.
Snack Time!
Dried Apricots
"These are rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as potassium and iron, and they're a great source of beta-carotene," says Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist and multi-time New York Times best-selling author of the Beauty Detox book series and Radical Beauty. "Dried apricots are also a great natural laxative, due to the cellulose and pectin content, which is great to keep things moving!"
Inner Peas
"These are perfect for salt cravings! Crisp and salty, they're made from peas and are high in protein and fiber," says celeb nutritionist Lisa DeFazio.
Dried Baby Bananas
"A great stand-alone snack when you need a boost of energy. The best part? These sweet little treats have no added sugar and are also gluten-free and vegan," says Kimberly.
Crispy Crunchy Broccoli Florets
"These are crunchy and loaded with fiber, protein and vitamin C," says Lisa.
Simply Almonds, Cashews & Cranberries Trek Mix
"This is a perfect blend of protein, fiber, healthy fats and potassium. Look for the pre-portioned packets for a convenient snack on the go," says Lisa.
Chocolatey Cats Cookies
"These are perfect for a sugar craving," advises Lisa. "Low in calories and bite-size, they satisfy a sweet tooth without the guilt."
Raw Almonds
"Starved but don't have time for a meal? Try a few of these to hold you over. They're a great source of vitamin E and protein, taste good and fill you up. Due to their high vitamin E content, almonds are also a wonderful way to nourish dry skin," says Kimberly.
Freeze-Dried Fuji Apple Slices
"These are crunchy, sweet and high in fiber and vitamin C," says Lisa.
Seasoned Kale Chips
"Kale is a great beauty food!" says Kimberly. "It's high in calcium, vitamins and minerals, and is also a great plant-based protein source. Kale chips are light, flavorful and the perfect vegan alternative when you want a salty, crunchy treat. If you want to try making your own, I have a delicious Cheesy Calcutta Kale Chips recipe on my blog."
Larabar
"I generally don't recommend eating energy bars since they contain tons of added sugar, soy and whey protein, but if you're going to have a bar, go for less processed options," says Kimberly. "Larabars are a good choice since they have minimally processed ingredients."
