Mmm, Soy Good: The Best Vegan Foods at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is one of our favorite places to discover food. Sometimes it’s mashups like the Buffalo Style Hummus or reimaginations like the Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi, and then other times it is plain and simple genius culinary invention like the Everything but the Bagel Seasoning which we sprinkle on, well, everything.

We’ve shared where and how Trader Joe’s sources much of their fun food products and even dished out some of the brand’s deep dark secrets courtesy of this employee turned whistleblower. But in the spirit of summer and healthy eating, we’re dropping a list of our favorite vegan foods at Trader Joe’s. Whether you’re a full blown level 12 vegan master or just flirting with a meatless Monday, these vegan-friendly TJ’s items will keep you smiling all week.

Vegan Ranch Dip (available in stores)

Trader Joe’s

This is a brand-new item on shelves now, and we’re running out to pick some up tonight. A vegan ranch dip, it’s made with 50 percent coconut cream and all the garlic, herbs, and shallots you’d expect (but no buttermilk, of course). It’s ideal for a grazeable meal—just add chips, crackers, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables—or you can spread it on a sandwich or veggie burger when plain vegan mayo just won’t do. It’s meant to be thick for dippin’, but you can even loosen it up with a little non-dairy milk and use it as a salad dressing.

Related Reading: 12 Tantalizing Vegan Sauces to Put on Everything

Matcha Almond Beverage, 4 cartons for $24.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Almond milk on its own can be kinda bland. It works in smoothies but doesn’t quite get it done on its own, according to me anyway. That’s why this matcha almond milk is so genius. All the protein of almond milk with a taste you actually want to drink. Turn your morning latte into a matcha almond latte in no time. Buy Now

Green Jackfruit in Brine, 2 cans for $12.77 on Amazon

Amazon

Unless you’re a vegan living under a rock, surely you’ve heard of jackfruit. The fibrous and meaty tropically grown fruit is used as a satiating meat replacement for tacos, stews, and much more. Raw jackfruit itself is not found often in grocery stores but this processed (not in a bad way) brined jackfruit is ready to use in your next recipe—we’ve got 15 ways to use jackfruit, for starters.Buy Now

Related Reading: Are Trader Joe’s Cashiers Required to Comment on Your Purchase?

The I Love Trader Joe's Vegetarian Cookbook, $9.99 on Amazon

150 Delicious and Healthy Recipes Using Foods from the World's Greatest Grocery Store

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Miyokos Vegan Cream Cheese, $7.38 on Instacart

Instacart

Cream cheese is another food that vegans in the dark ages simply had to go without. That’s no longer the case thanks to some mind-boggling advancements in vegan substitutery. Miyokos, which is sold at all Trader Joe’s locations, is a personal favorite and while nothing is as good as the real thing, Miyoko’s vegan cream cheese, made with cashew and coconut, comes close. It works well in recipes that call for cream cheese, too, and is a great partner to TJ’s also-vegan Peach Bellini Jam!Buy Now

Read More: The Best Vegan Cheese You Can Buy | How to Make DIY Vegan Cheese

Vegan Marshmallows, $17.98 on Amazon

Amazon

It’s high s’mores season (probably why these have jumped up in price from around $12 since May!) and if you’re planning a camping trip with vegan attendees, you’d be wise to get your hands on a pack or two of these vegan marshmallows (and some vegan chocolate, of course).Buy Now

Related Reading: How to Make Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Thai Lime and Chili Almonds, $11.86 on Amazon

Amazon

If you’re anything like me, nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts) are your go-to snack to power through that 4 p.m. peckishness. The only problem is they can be redundant. But sprinkling in some zesty flavored nuts, like these Thai chili lime almonds, is a surefire way to beat your nut boredom.Buy Now

Vegan Brownie Crisps, 2 bags for $16.98 on Amazon

Amazon

Getting the right texture for a vegan baked good can be tricky but these clever spins on the brownie are crispy, kinda like a Tate’s cookie. They’re fully snackable, and a great, easy, no-hassle dessert to put out at a barbecue or take to the beach this summer.Buy Now

Green Dragon Hot Sauce, 2 bottles for $24.29 on Amazon

Amazon

This is one of those Trader Joe’s items gaining cult status. People swear by it with the loyalty and fervor of Sriracha stans and Cholula champions. The Green Dragon also happens to be a Vegan Dragon so you can spill this hot sauce on everything from a tofu scramble to a vegan burger.Buy Now

Soft-Baked Snickerdoodles, $8.73 on Amazon

Amazon

Any time we come across a vegan cookie we like, we can’t help but share it with the world. These snickerdoodles have lots of cinnamon-y goodness but no dairy, wheat, or nuts.Buy Now

Vegan Banana Bread (available in stores)

Trader Joe’s

Anyone who has had BAD vegan cakes or bread will be very pleasantly surprised if they can get their hands on TJ’s version of banana bread. Packed with crunchy walnuts and moist as all get out, it may not earn you a summer bod but it’ll help keep your vegan streak intact without sacrificing taste.

Read More: 50 Popular Trader Joe’s Items You Can Actually Buy on Amazon

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The Trader Joe’s Snacks You Must Try This Summer

Get Paid to Eat Food, Drink Wine & Cruise Croatia for a Week (Yes, Seriously)

Celebrate National Rum Day with an Entirely Rum-Centric Menu

From devilish desserts to mouth-watering mains, and course, a few pirate-worthy cocktails this National Day Rum menu will have you on standing on your tipsy toes.

I treat the national food holidays like I do my birthday: I only like to acknowledge the really good ones. National Hamburger Day, National Wine Day, National Mac n’ Cheese Day? Yes, I see you, I hear you, I’m down to party with you. But, like, National Fig Newton Day? Nope, sorry, no thanks, keep walkin’.

Fortunately, today is another good one. National Rum Day, baby!

Related Reading:  Sangria Slushies: An Ultimate Summer Treat | A Guide to Using Herbs in Cocktails

Now, we could have easily chosen to celebrate the occasion with a collection of our favorite rum-based cocktails or desserts. The internet is awash with an abundance of those. But we didn’t want to stop it at that because we know this spirit has more culinary tricks up its sleeve than it’s given credit for. A world of sweet and savory-inspired possibilities: Glazes (lots of glazes), marinades, sauces, braising liquids, you name it. This way, you can celebrate National Rum Day with not just one course of rum, but an entire menu of rum-based dishes, from the cocktail hour through, apps, entrée, and dessert, of course.

Cocktails

Frozen Pineapple Daiquiri

Chowhound

I know craft cocktails, I appreciate craft cocktails. But I have absolutely no shame in admitting that a have a soft spot for the “basic” frozen cocktail.  You know, the ones served in a hollowed-out piece of tropical fruit and stabbed to death with colorful paper umbrellas and plastic tchotchkes? So while nothing will ever take the place of my go-to classic Daiquiri in my heart, I’d like to take this opportunity to give it up and show my love for its often maligned cousin. Here’s lookin’ at you frozen pineapple daiquiri, I’ll meet you out by the pool. Get our Frozen Pineapple Daiquiri recipe.

Related: 9 Refreshing Mojito Recipes to Make All Summer Long

Hurricane Jelly Shots

Chowhound

Those who’ve partied on the street of New Orleans know, few cocktails will rock you quite like a Hurricane. A delicious, deceivingly daring combination of light and dark rum, passion fruit syrup, grenadine, and orange juice (aka boozy fruit cocktail), the cocktail gets an even more party-appropriate makeover here by taking on the form of a jelly shot. Get our Hurricane Jelly Shots recipe.

Mai Tai Spritz

Chowhound

In case you hadn’t heard, summer is for spritzes: That delightful category of cocktail that takes an already delicious cocktail and improves it with a splash of bright, tingly sparkling wine. (Or sometimes water, but c’mon we’re not here for that.) This variation on the classic island cocktail has dark rum share the spotlight with a couple ounces of French fizz, making it a great choice for those who don’t too hard-boozy. Get our Mai Tai Spritz recipe.

Authentic Porcelain Tiki Barware (Set of 4), $30.99 on Amazon.

Buy Now

Apps and Small Bites

Sticky Rum and Scotch Bonnet Chicken Wings

Chowhound

Not to rag on Buffalo-style, but I prefer my wing sauce with a bit more of a lip-tingling kick. If you fall in the same camp, give this fiery, sticky-sauced version a try. And don’t worry, the sweetness of the honey in the glaze will help temper the heat . . . a little. Get the Sticky Rum and Scotch Bonnet Chicken Wings recipe.

Mini Rum-Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Boozy Tropical Salsa

Chowhound

Let’s taco-bout (sorry, I really can’t help myself) how jazzed your guests will be to dig into these bite-sized starters. Lighter, fruitier white rum gets the double-feature treatment here: Staring in both a glaze for the shrimp and as an accent in the tropical fruit salsa. Get the Mini Rum-Glazed Shrimp Tacos with Boozy Tropical Salsa recipe.

Mojito-Inspired Cuban Ceviche

Chowhound

The classic light rum, lime, and mint-based cocktail is reimagined as ceviche in this clever recipe. The trifecta of ingredients instead becomes the seasoning with which to flavor a fresh combination of white fish (tilapia, sea bass, halibut), scallops, and shrimp. Get the Mojito-inspired ceviche recipe.

Mains

Seared Scallops with Orange Rum Sauce

Chowhound

Sweet, fork-tender seared scallops take a turn towards with tropics with this orangey, rum-spiked butter sauce. Served over citrus zest-seasoned rice, polenta, or even a chunky plantain mash. Get the recipe.

Barbecue Ribs with Spiced Rum Pineapple Sauce

Chowhound

Nothing quite says #backyardbarbecuegoals like taking a big ol’ slab of baby back pork ribs and slathering them with dark rum-spiked sauce, amiright? Get the Barbecue Ribs with Spiced Rum Pineapple Sauce recipe.

Apricot-Rum Glazed Ham

Chowhound

Sweet and savory FTW, my friends! Chunky apricot preserves and spiced dark rum come together in a simple, glossy glaze that gives your ham a can’t-beat, opposites-attract kind of star power. Get the Apricot-Rum Glazed Ham recipe.

Drunken Steak

Chowhound

While the marinade for this steak can be adapted to help polish off the almost-finished bottle of bourbon or red wine hanging around your bar (I know, as if you really needed the help), the caramel-sweetness of dark rum works especially well with the salty soy sauce. Get the Drunken Steak recipe.

Sides

Boston Baked Beans

Chowhound

Remember those ribs with spiced rum-pineapple BBQ sauce we mentioned up there? They’re going to be a little lonely on the plate without a generous scoop of these smoky-sweet baked beans next to them. Get our Boston Baked Beans recipe.

Fried Plantains with Brown Sugar Rum Glaze

Shutterstock

Think Bananas Foster, except sub in starchy-less sweet plantains for the bananas, and serve them with a main like jerk chicken instead of with a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Get the Fried Plantains with Brown Sugar Rum Glaze recipe.

Roasted Pumpkin with Maple Rum Glaze and Nuts

Chowhound

If you’re looking to rum-spike your sides, a glaze is definitely the way to go. Hearty root vegetables like carrots and yams, or members of the squash family—all of which get slightly sweeter as the cook—are all great contenders for this kind of application and feel free to serve over a bed of leafy greens like kale or spinach. Get the Roasted Pumpkin with Maple Rum Glaze and Nuts recipe.

Desserts and Sweets

Chocolate Rum Pudding Cake

Chowhound

In case you’re feeling pangs of guilt over the display of decadent indulgence that is this rich chocolate rum pudding cake, comfort yourself with the knowledge that it’s vegan. That’s gotta count for something, right? Get our Chocolate Rum Pudding Cake recipe.

Tres Leches Cake Recipe

Chowhound

Now, I’m more of a chocolate dessert person, but this timeless vanilla cake soaked in a combination of rum-laced sweetened condensed, coconut, and evaporated milks is hard to deny. It’s kind of like a piña colada in cake form. Get our Tres Leches Cake recipe.

Pineapple-Rum Sorbet

Chowhound

For a more light, refreshing spin on a rum-based dessert, try this icy-cool pineapple rum sorbet. Which, when you think about it, is basically another way of having a frozen cocktail for dessert. Get our Pineapple Rum Sorbet recipe.

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Pumpkin Spice Products Are Already Here, for Better & for Worse

The infamous Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte will return on August 27 this year—and Dunkin’ Donuts will beat the competition by debuting their Pumpkin Spice products on August 21. But if that’s still not soon enough for you, there are plenty of other pumpkin spice products you can already buy.

While some of us want to take in the last days of summer with barbecues and rosé on the patio, others can’t wait for pumpkin spice season to begin.

Yes, we said pumpkin spice season.

It turns out that the best of both worlds actually can be had. Case in point: The weather is still delightful; the sun still stays out a bit longer; but the influx of pumpkin-spice flavored products has already hit the shelves in anticipation for the next season.

Instead of having to search high and low for these products, we did the work for you, bringing you this (very long, and still incomplete) list of pumpkin spice flavored gems (we’re looking at you, pumpkin spice latte popcorn—and side-eyeing you, pumpkin spice Spam!) that your pantry definitely needs as soon as possible—whether you’re ready for fall or not.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Coffee and Cookie Straws, $30.10 on Amazon

Amazon

The company that seemingly put pumpkin spice on the map has already released its pumpkin spice K-cups and ground coffee this year. Both the K-cups and ground coffee are their limited-edition blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pair it with some pumpkin spice cookie straws for an extra “spicy” treat. And look for their Pumpkin Spice Latte in stores at the end of this month—August 27, one day earlier than last year.Buy Now

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice K-Cups, 32 for $21.48 on Amazon

If you prefer single-serving coffee pods, they've got you covered too.

Buy Now

Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew with Almond Milk, 8 for $38 on Amazon

Califia Farms/Facebook

Califia Farms is making sure the morning gets started on the right foot with its pumpkin spice latte cold brew made with almond milk. With only 90 calories per serving, this fall flavor is soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, carrageenan-free, non-GMO, kosher, vegan, and made with 100 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee.Buy Now

Omega PowerCreamer Keto Pumpkin Spice Creamer, $20.95 on Amazon

Amazon

On keto and not sure if you’ll be able to get your pumpkin spice fix? Never fear, because Omega PowerCreamer is here. The brand has just released its pumpkin spice keto creamer with MCT oil and grass-fed ghee, perfect for making Bulletproof coffee or to blend into shakes or smoothies.Buy Now

Jordan’s Skinny Sugar-Free Syrups Pumpkin Trio, $22 on Amazon

Amazon

Add a little pumpkin to your morning coffee, cold brew, or dessert with Jordan’s Skinny Sugar-Free Syrups. Available in a three-pack, the flavors include Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Pumpkin Caramel. The syrups are made with zero grams of sugar and have zero calories, the company says. Pretty sweet.Buy Now

Twinings Pumpkin Spice Chai, 40 bags for $7.69 on Amazon

Amazon

Pumpkin spice and a warm beverage go together like peanut butter and jelly. New to the market is the Wissotzky Tea Company’s Pumpkin Spiced Chai (currently out of stock, but you can join the waiting list to be notified when it’s available again). The blend, says the company, is a toasty balance of cinnamon and ginger with pumpkin pieces, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and chili. In the meanwhile, you have your pick of several other brands’ pumpkin chai offerings, including TAZO and Twinings.Buy Now

Pumpkin Spice Cheerios, 2 for $16.88 on Amazon

Amazon

Cheerios is bringing back its pumpkin pie spice seasonal flavor. Made from whole grain oats, this special edition flavor has real pumpkin puree and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. The cereal is gluten-free as well, so everyone can enjoy the pumpkin spice life.Buy Now

Pumpkin Spice Special K, $11.88 on Amazon

Amazon

More of a cornflake guy or gal? Another breakfast giant is helping people start the day the pumpkin spice way with limited-edition pumpkin spice Special K. The staple wheat and rice flakes are covered with the company’s blend of nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cinnamon. This fall treat in a bowl can be eaten with or without milk and can even be used to make pumpkin spice cereal bars.Buy Now

Quaker Oats Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal, $2.48+ at Walmart

Walmart

Warm oatmeal with a blend of sweet pumpkin and cinnamon spice is probably the breakfast of champions for the fall season. Quaker Oats is made with 100 percent whole grain oats and can be ready in minutes for those on-the-go mornings.Buy Now

Thomas’ Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Bagels, $2.49 at Target

Thomas’

The king of English muffins is not missing out on fall’s biggest blend. The brand has introduced limited-edition pumpkin spice bagels and English muffins. Pair one of them with some butter and cinnamon sugar and you’ve got yourself a good morning. (Note: The Target listing shows a picture of banana bread bagels but the description indicates the pumpkin spice seasonal flavor. We recommend scoping out your local store for best results.)Buy Now

Kind Bars Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice, 30 for $25.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Kind Bars have an almond caramel pumpkin spice blend bar that is the cure for that 3 o’clock feeling. The bars are also gluten-free, made with non-GMO and responsibly-sourced ingredients, so it’s a pumpkin spice treat you can feel extra good about.Buy Now

RX Bars Pumpkin Spice, 12 for $25.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Whole30 followers, rejoice! You can get your pumpkin spice fix without having to jump off the wagon. The pumpkin spice RX Bar is made from the company’s proprietary blend of eggs, nuts, and dates and then mixed with pumpkin, ginger, and nutmeg.Buy Now

Blue Diamond Pumpkin Spice Almonds, $5.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Blue Diamond is taking its almonds up a notch as we move into the fall season. The brand is adding a dusting of pumpkin spice flavoring to its signature roasted almonds for the perfect midday seasonal snack. The almonds come in a six-ounce jar and something tells us that won’t be enough. (Santé Nuts also revealed its new pumpkin spice pecan snack. The company notes that the nuts have warm notes of cinnamon, allspice, and clove. They are also non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and made in a peanut-free facility in California; check for them in local stores.)Buy Now

Nutty Novelties Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter, $12.95 at Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma

Nutty Novelties has packaged their pumpkin spice peanut butter exclusively for Williams Sonoma. The spread blends roasted North Carolina peanuts with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. For more flavor and additional creaminess, the company adds in butterscotch and white chocolate chips too. Spread on fruit (think apple slices), bread, or use as a topping for oatmeal or ice cream.Buy Now

Pillsbury Grands! Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls, $3.89 at Target

Target

Pillsbury is rolling out the pumpkin spice dough (see what we did there?) with its fall-flavored pumpkin spice rolls. These delectable breakfast treats come complete with pumpkin spice icing as well.Buy Now

The Original Cakebites Harvest Pumpkin Spice, $7.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Welcome fall with the Harvest Pumpkin Spice limited edition snacks from The Original Cakebites. This sweet fall treat is made with layers of vanilla, pumpkin, and pumpkin spice cake with pumpkin jelly and then topped with a cinnamon streusel crumb. The perfect partner to your PSL or PSL equivalent.Buy Now

Pumpkin Spice Jell-O, $9.99 on Amazon

Amazon

What’s fall without pumpkin spice Jell-O pudding? Use this to fill pies, make Halloween party treats, or simply eat it out of the bowl with a spoon.Buy Now

Werther’s Original Pumpkin Spice Soft Caramels, $2.98 at Walmart (currently out of stock)

Walmart

The hard caramel giant has entered into the soft pumpkin spice game with the release of its Pumpkin Spice Harvest Caramels. This soft, sweet treat is said to have the perfect hint of pumpkin spice flavoring, but doesn’t lose the signature taste that Werther’s is famous for. We hope they’ll be back in stock soon…because we don’t want to shell out $13 for these on Amazon, no matter how good they are.Buy Now

Pumpkin Spice Spam (available to buy in mid-September!)

Hormel

That’s right people, even Spam couldn’t stay away from the pumpkin spice game. The new offering, which will be available in mid-September, blends Spam’s signature pork product with cinnamon, clove, allspice, and nutmeg. The company suggests using it as a topping for waffles, adding it to hash, or baking it into morning treats. It will be available at Walmart and Spam’s online stores.

Store Brands

Whole Foods Pumpkin Spice Products

Whole Foods/Facebook

Whole Foods is bringing its A-game this fall with a slew of pumpkin spice flavored products. Some of the offerings you can expect to see on the shelves soon (if you don’t already) from its 365 Brand include pumpkin spice latte popcorn; pumpkin spice applesauce; organic pumpkin spiced apple cider; pumpkin spice whipped topping; pumpkin spice cheesecake sandwich cremes; and pumpkin spice granola.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Products

Trader Joe’s

While we don’t have official confirmation from Trader Joe’s yet, we can certainly expect to see plenty of pumpkin spice seasonal favorites on TJ’s shelves soon too, including their pumpkin waffles, pumpkin spice cream cheese spread, and pumpkin cheesecake.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream 

Also coming to the market this fall is Jeni’s new pumpkin cake roll ice cream, which is filled with spiced sweet cheese and pumpkin cake pieces. Available at select grocery stores nationwide, the flavor will also be sold at Jeni’s outlets—as if the lines weren’t long enough already!

Related Reading: Our Favorite Pumpkin Spice Snacks of 2018 (lots of them are still available!)

Related Video: A Little Slice of Pumpkin Spice History

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