If you had to come up with one store that truly spoke to millennials, Trader Joe's would probably be it. In addition to its magical pathway of a frozen food aisle, the affordable grocer also happens to tout some healthy snacks that won't cost you more than $5. (That's less than your morning bulletproof coffee.)
And these nutritious options don't include the same preservative-packed power bars or protein shakes with sneaky added sugar lurking at every grocery store checkout stand. Instead, TJ's keeps affordable items like organic granola, dried fruit, and veggie crackers that are packed with buzzy organic ingredients like acai, hemp seed, dates, and mango. (OK, that's not buzzy but, yum.)
So, in lieu of a mid-day Snickers bar or chocolate-chip cookie, try keeping something less taxing on your stomach at your desk or stashed in your purse — and avoid the inevitable sugar crash an hour later.
Ahead, find 10 good-for-you snacks from Trader Joe's that won't cost you more than $5 — all of which are worthy of space on next week's grocery list.
Organic Fruit & Seed Granola
Although delicious when paired with greek yogurt, oatmeal, or as a cereal substitute, this hearty granola mix can definitely hold its own. It’s grain-free, gluten-free, and vegan, which surprisingly allows more room for some natural deliciousness like sunflower seeds, coconut, dried cranberries, and flax seeds and raisins. Keep a small bag in your purse to tie you over during those long commutes to and from the office.
Date & Nut Bites
With about three grams of fiber and three grams of protein in every bite, these little snacks prove that big things can indeed some in small packages. (Just beware of the 12 grams of sugar.)
Organic Hemp Seed Bars
Upgrade your sugary, overly processed protein bar for this healthful, gluten-free option. With organic almonds, cashews, crisped brown rice, and rolled oats, it has the makings of a nutritious snack that won’t give you the dreaded sugar crash.
Just a Handful of Rainbow's End Trail Mix
You can’t talk healthy snacks and not touch on trail mix, right? Well, there’s something to be said about this little cocktail of goodies, which combines candy-coated milk chocolates, roasted peanuts, and raisins. In fact, it has two grams of fiber and five grams of protein, making it ideal for a post-workout treat.
Gluten-Free Norwegian Crispbread
Fun fact: According to TJ's, Crispbread is believed to date back to the Vikings, who kept in on hand for long journeys across the seas. These days, it comes just as handy while you’re riding that train to work or stuck in traffic. It packs a whopping four grams of protein and three grams of fiber per cracker — so it’s no wonder the Vikings survived off 'em.
3 Seed Beet Crackers
Put a twist on your chips and guac obsession and swap in these tasty protein-packed crackers with some equally nutritious hummus.
Dark Chocolate Powerberries
If you have an uncontrollable sweet tooth and a particular weakness for chocolate, this superfood snack is for you. A Trader Joe’s mainstay and fan favorite, this bag of dark-chocolate-covered power berries feature an antioxidant-rich juice mix of acai, pomegranate, cranberry, and blueberry. Yum.
Organic String Cheese
Are you test-driving Keto? Steer yourself into the cheese section at Trader Joe’s and make sure you pick up a pack of this skim mozzarella mix. These handy little snacks are low-carb but high in healthy fats, so you’ll be pulling into ketosis in no time.
Just Mango Slices
Ahh, another cult classic. If you read the ingredients list on this dried mango package, you’ll find just one thing listed: That’s because this snack is free of added sugar, sulfurs, and questionable preservatives, so all you get is a treat packed with vitamin C and fiber.
Organic Air Popped Popcorn
With just three natural ingredients — corn, sunflower oil, and sea — this childhood favorite quickly becomes suitable for adults.
