Whether you’re fully plant-based, flexitarian, or just meat-curious, Trader Joe’s has an impressive variety of meat alternatives. From soy chorizo that’s packed with flavor to vegan roasts fit for the holidays, here’s your ultimate guide to 16 plant-based proteins worth stocking in your freezer or fridge.
1. Trader Joe’s Protein Patties $4.49/8 oz
These pea protein-based patties are Trader Joe’s answer to the Impossible Burger. Grill-ready and juicy with a mild umami flavor.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 290
- Total Fat 20g
- Carbs 11g
- Sodium 450mg
- Dietary Fiber 5g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 18g
Ingredients
- Hydrated pea protein blend (water, pea protein, pea fiber), sunflower oil, beets, natural flavors, methyl cellulose, oat fiber, fruit juice (for color), onion powder, sea salt, vegetable juice (for color).
Preparation Instructions
Cook in a skillet or grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo $2.99/12 oz
A fan-favorite spicy crumble with bold paprika and vinegar tang—perfect in tacos, soups, or breakfast scrambles.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 130
- Total Fat 7g
- Carbs 8g
- Sodium 660mg
- Dietary Fiber 5g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 8g
Ingredients
- Water, textured soy protein, soybean oil, paprika (for color), sea salt, distilled white vinegar, contains 2% or less of cultured dextrose (to preserve), maltodextrin, caramel color, spices, dried red pepper, garlic powder.
- Contains: Soy
Preparation Instructions
Remove casing. Sauté over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until browned.
3. Trader Joe’s Chickenless Crispy Tenders $3.99/8 oz
Crunchy, golden tenders made from soy protein. Serve with dips, in wraps, or on top of salads.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 180
- Total Fat 7g
- Carbs 15g
- Sodium 470mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 14g
Ingredients
Soy protein, wheat flour, spices, yeast extract.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes or air fry for 10 minutes at 375°F.
4. Trader Joe’s Chicken-less Mandarin Orange Morsels $3.79/9.25 oz
Crispy soy-based chicken bites paired with a sweet and tangy mandarin orange sauce.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 270
- Total Fat 0g
- Carbs 29g
- Sodium 720mg
- Dietary Fiber 7g
- Sugar 15g
- Protein 20g
Ingredients
- Water, orange sauce (sugar, water, soy sauce [water, soybeans, salt, organic alcohol], orange juice concentrate, distilled white vinegar, salted sake [water, rice, salt], cornstarch, garlic purée [garlic, citric acid], ginger purée [ginger, citric acid], organic soybean oil, natural orange flavor, red pepper), soy flour, textured wheat protein (wheat gluten, wheat starch, sodium carbonate, mixed tocopherols), wheat gluten, expeller pressed canola oil, breading (wheat flour, rice flour, cornstarch, sugar, garlic powder, salt, spice, leavening [sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate]), methyl cellulose, natural flavors, soy protein isolate.
- Contains: Soy, Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Bake chicken at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Toss in warmed sauce.
5. Trader Joe’s Meatless Meatballs $3.99/16 oz
Perfect for pasta night or meatball subs, these Italian-seasoned balls are soy-based and protein-rich.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 150
- Total Fat 7g
- Carbs 8g
- Sodium 490mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 15g
Ingredients
- Water, textured soy protein concentrate (soy protein concentrate, caramel color), soy flour, canola oil, seasoning (bread crumbs [wheat flour, salt], soy protein isolate, salt, natural flavor, methyl cellulose, wheat gluten, organic cane sugar, spices, dehydrated onion, garlic powder, dehydrated celery, parsley), wheat gluten, sea salt, methylcellulose, caramel coloring.
- Contains: Soy, Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Microwave, bake, or simmer in sauce for 10 minutes.
6. Trader Joe’s Jackfruit Cakes $3.99/7.4 oz
These savory cakes are made with jackfruit, vegetables, and seasoned breadcrumbs for a crab cake-like texture—great for sliders or salads.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 90
- Total Fat 3g
- Carbs 13g
- Sodium 280mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 2g
Ingredients
Jackfruit, potato flakes, bell peppers, onions, wheat flour, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Pan-fry with oil for 3–4 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 18 minutes.
7. Trader Joe’s Sausage-less Italian Sausage $3.69/12 oz
These plump links are seasoned with classic Italian spices and work well in pasta dishes or on a bun.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 140
- Total Fat 7g
- Carbs 9g
- Sodium 490mg
- Dietary Fiber 3g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 11g
Ingredients
Soy protein, wheat gluten, canola oil, fennel, garlic, onion, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or sauté over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally.
8. Trader Joe’s Beef-less Ground Beef $3.99/12 oz
A versatile soy-based crumble that cooks like traditional ground beef—ideal for tacos, chili, or pasta sauces.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 150
- Total Fat 6g
- Carbs 7g
- Sodium 380mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 17g
Ingredients
Textured soy protein, wheat gluten, onion powder, garlic powder, canola oil.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in a pan for 5–6 minutes with a splash of oil until browned.
9. Trader Joe’s Meatless Breakfast Sausage Patties $3.99/8 oz
Savory and satisfying, these patties are lightly spiced for a breakfast sandwich or side.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 70
- Total Fat 3.0g
- Carbs 4g
- Sodium 210mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 0g
- Protein 7g
Ingredients
- Water, textured soy protein (soy protein concentrate), wheat gluten, canola oil, natural flavors, potato starch, methyl cellulose, tamari soy sauce powder (soy sauce [soybeans, salt, sugar], maltodextrin), oat fiber, fruit juice (color), ground sage, ground fennel seed, black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Contains: Soy, Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Microwave for 1–2 minutes or pan-fry for 3 minutes per side.
10. Trader Joe’s Korean Beefless Bulgogi $4.99/10 oz
This sweet and savory Korean BBQ-inspired option uses soy-based strips marinated in bulgogi sauce.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 230
- Total Fat 11g
- Carbs 15g
- Sodium 580mg
- Dietary Fiber 5g
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 16g
Ingredients
- Water, sauce (sugar, water, soy sauce [water, soybeans, wheat, salt], pear purée, onion, garlic, apple purée, caramelized sugar syrup [sugar, water], modified cornstarch, ginger, green onion extract [water, green onions, maltodextrin, salt, pectinase], dextrin, black pepper, guar gum, xanthan gum), textured soy protein (soy protein isolate, rice flour, wheat gluten, cocoa powder), soybean oil.
- Contains: Soy, Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Sauté over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until heated through and caramelized.
11. Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Battered Plant-Based Fish Fillets $4.49/8.1 oz
A crispy, golden-battered fishless fillet made with a flaky interior to mimic white fish. Perfect for tacos or sandwiches.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 220
- Total Fat 9g
- Carbs 23g
- Sodium 470mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 12g
Ingredients
Soy protein concentrate, rice flour, potato starch, seaweed powder, canola oil.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
12. Trader Joe’s Meatless Ground $3.99/12 oz
An updated version of their earlier ground beef substitute, this one is meatier and more tender with a cleaner label.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 160
- Total Fat 6g
- Carbs 8g
- Sodium 400mg
- Dietary Fiber 2g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 17g
Ingredients
Textured pea protein, tomato powder, onion powder, spices, sunflower oil.
Preparation Instructions
Sauté in skillet with oil for 6–8 minutes or add directly to sauce.
13. Trader Joe’s Vegan Stuffed Roast $9.99/35 oz
A seasonal holiday centerpiece featuring wheat protein, wild rice, cranberries, and savory gravy.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 330
- Total Fat 15g
- Carbs 28g
- Sodium 540mg
- Dietary Fiber 3g
- Sugar 2g
- Protein 21g
Ingredients
Wheat gluten, brown rice, cranberry, vegetable broth, canola oil, herbs.
Preparation Instructions
Bake covered at 350°F for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 15 more.
14. Trader Joe’s Vegan Meatless Meat Eater’s Pizza $5.99/13.5 oz
Loaded with vegan pepperoni, sausage, and “beef” crumbles, this pizza is a satisfying plant-based twist on a classic meat-lovers pie.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 390
- Total Fat 17g
- Carbs 39g
- Sodium 660mg
- Dietary Fiber 4g
- Sugar 3g
- Protein 19g
Ingredients
Wheat flour, vegan cheese, soy protein, tomato sauce, spices.
Preparation Instructions
Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes directly on oven rack.
15. Trader Joe’s Hi-Protein Veggie Burger $3.69/8 oz
Dense and hearty, this black bean and pea protein burger packs a serious protein punch—ideal for gym-goers and grillers alike.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 260
- Total Fat 10g
- Carbs 10g
- Sodium 450mg
- Dietary Fiber 3g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 26g
Ingredients
Pea protein, black beans, bell peppers, sunflower oil, garlic.
Preparation Instructions
Grill or pan-fry over medium heat for 3–5 minutes per side.
16. Trader Joe’s Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers $3.99/12 oz
A Southwestern-inspired veggie burger made with quinoa, black beans, corn, and mild spices—flavorful and great on their own or in a bun.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories 180
- Total Fat 8g
- Carbs 22g
- Sodium 310mg
- Dietary Fiber 4g
- Sugar <1g
- Protein 5g
Ingredients
- Cooked tri-color quinoa (tri blend quinoa, water), red peppers, cooked black beans (black beans, water), bread crumbs (wheat flour, sugar, yeast, salt), expeller pressed canola oil, roasted corn, onions, potato flakes, arrowroot, tomatoes, olive oil, jalapeño peppers, tomato paste, egg white powder, roasted garlic, white vinegar, salt, cilantro, chili powder (chili pepper, salt, garlic, cumin, spices), onion powder, coriander, black pepper, garlic powder, chipotle powder, lime juice powder.
- Contains: Egg, Wheat
Preparation Instructions
Cook in skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving spicy chorizo, craveable flatbreads, or hearty burger patties, Trader Joe’s meat-substitute lineup proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to go plant-based. With options that cater to every craving—from breakfast sausage to bulgogi-style bites—you’re bound to find a few new freezer staples. Stock up, experiment, and enjoy the meatless magic Trader Joe’s keeps delivering.
