The 10 Things I Always Buy from Trader Joe’s for Breakfast
I’ll be the first to admit that the Trader Joe’s cereal aisle is top-notch, but it only scratches the surface of what my favorite grocer delivers in the breakfast department. Whether you like to start the day with a meal that’s sweet or savory, hot or cold, or you have the time to cook in the morning or your routine requires an on-the-go solution, you’ll find something in the aisles that’s just right for you.
To help you find breakfast inspiration, here are the 10 breakfast foods I always add to my cart at Trader Joe’s.
1. Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, $8 for 32 ounces
But first, coffee. In this instance, we’re talking about iced. It’s certainly easy enough to make cold brew at home, but this is one time I’m happy to opt for convenience. One jug is enough to keep me fueled with iced coffee for almost two weeks and is far less expensive than going to a coffee shop every day.
2. Greek Yogurt, $1.50 for 8 ounces
I’ve tried a lot of Greek yogurts and Trader Joe’s still holds the top spot as my favorite. From the nonfat variety all the way up to the whole-milk version, it’s super creamy, not too dry, has just the right amount of tang. Plus, to top it off, it comes with a relatively low price tag.
3. Almond Butter Granola, $3.50 for 12 ounces
This is the breakfast staple that marries my love of crunchy granola with my love of creamy almond butter. Best of all, it comes in thick clusters of nutty toasted oats, which makes it super easy for munching on the go or eating at my desk.
4. Frozen Roasted Potatoes with Pepper and Onions, $3 for 24 ounces
This bag of potatoes is one of my favorite buys for convenience and versatility. Cook them up as a quick breakfast potato side dish, or top it with a fried egg to make it a meal. You can also add the potatoes straight from the freezer into the makings for a traditional breakfast casserole or a slow-cooker version.
Get inspired: Bacon, Potato & Egg Breakfast Casserole
5. Frozen Chocolate Croissants, $4 for four
For the mornings you want a breakfast that’s totally indulgent, frozen chocolate croissants hit the mark every time. Extra bonus points for the convenience factor as well. This is one item to keep stashed in the freezer at all times.
6. Fig Butter
If, like me, you have a thing for jam, TJ’s fig butter will knock your socks off. It’s super spreadable and loaded with fresh figgy flavor. Add a dollop or swipe to the usual suspects like toast, waffles, oatmeal, and yogurt parfaits, or use it as an unexpected sweet finishing touch for savory breakfast sandwiches.
7. Grainless Granola
If granola has a special place in your heart, but you’re avoiding grains, don’t worry — Trader Joe’s has your back. Their grain-free granola is filled with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, which might sound an awful lot like trail mix, but it’s definitely different. Eat it with milk or yogurt, just as you would traditional granola.
8. Unsweetened Organic Açaí Purée Packets, $4.50 for four, 3.52-ounce packets
Say goodbye to those $10 açaí bowls you’ve been splurging on and let Trader Joe’s help you make them at home. This is another example of good food for a really good price. Each package has four single-serve packets with a price tag under $5. For a post-workout breakfast that always hits the spot, I love blending a packet with frozen fruit and coconut water for a homemade smoothie bowl.
9. Frozen Breakfast Burritos
For those mornings you don’t have time to make a breakfast burrito from scratch, this is a good go-to solution. Stuffed with eggs, potatoes, turkey bacon, and cheese, this is the breakfast burrito that will fill you up and keep you going all morning.
10. Traditional Carnitas
If breakfast tacos and burritos or meat-filled breakfast casseroles have a regular place in your meal plan, this tender, shredded pork is one thing to keep handy. It adds a welcome dose of protein to breakfast and is a fun way to change things up from the regular bacon and sausage routine.