THE PULSE

Many people are cutting back on (or cutting out) how much meat they eat per week. We all could probably do with getting more plants on our plates, but making your diet more plant-based can be tough when you’re used to basing your meals around meat.

Some families start by doing Meatless Monday once a week, others save meat just for special occasions, and others are going full vegetarian or vegan. Once you know what delicious plant-based products should be on your shopping list each week, it gets easier. Check out some of our favorite plant-based must-haves from Trader Joe’s.

1. Trader Joe’s Baked Tofu

One of the easiest, most convenient ways to add a delicious plant-based protein to your day. Trader Joe’s offers baked tofu in Teriyaki and Sriracha flavors—both are delicious, but only choose the Sriracha if you enjoy spicy food. You can add this baked tofu to stir fries and scrambles, add it on top of rice for a quick and easy meal, slice it into a sandwich instead of chicken, or cut it into cubes and put it on top of a salad. 

2. Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo

Sometimes called “soy-rizo” for short. If your family eats eggs, scrambling some soy chorizo into the mix might just be your ticket to your new favorite breakfast burrito recipe. Or sauté it with oven-roasted potato wedges for a yummy and unique brunch side-dish. You get all the bold flavors of traditional chorizo sausage with 60% less fat—and if you’ve ever experienced digestive issues because of the greasiness of chorizo, your taste buds AND your stomach will be impressed by the soy version.

3. Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew, & Basil Pesto

This one will make you seem like a masterful chef on Meatless Monday (or any other night of the week). You can use this pesto on top of zoodles (zucchini noodles), Trader Joe’s totally delicious frozen gnocchi, as a sauce for homemade pizza, or use it to coat cubed potatoes before roasting.

4. Trader Joe’s Coconut Almond Vanilla Creamer

Whether you’re trying to use more vegan products to save the planet or you’re phasing out dairy for health reasons, this is a must-have for those who like cream in their coffee. It’s made with full fat coconut cream, almond butter, cane sugar and natural vanilla flavor – and it tastes amazing in coffee or tea.

5. Trader Joe’s Vegan Vanilla Overnight Oats

Making your own overnight oats is pretty easy, but sometimes convenience is king. And you won’t be disappointed by these pre-packaged overnight oats, which are high in protein and fiber and made with just five ingredients. Bonus: since the oats are soaking longer than overnight, we actually think the texture is softer than the DIY kind. Get creative and top these with your favorite nuts and seeds or mix in some protein powder or fruit.