The 11 Best Vegan Products Under $5 You Can Find at Trader Joe’s

Full disclosure: I am not a full-time vegan, though I do like to eat plant-forward whenever possible. (I try my best to stick to the vegan before six philosophy from Mark Bittman’s book, VB6.) Though my fridge and pantry are stocked with non-vegan products, there are times I need food options for more than just my part-time vegan self—a snack for a vegan kid over for a playdate, breakfast options for an overnight vegan family member, or a quick plant-based lunch or dinner for vegan guest.

I don't know about you, but I often have trouble finding affordable vegan products that taste good and are not filled with a lot of junk. Plus, these days there are so many options—there seems to be a new vegan product out in the market every day and it be overwhelming. Like for most problems in my life, Trader Joe’s has the solution. They have so many affordable and delicious vegan food options, and I've tried pretty much most of them. Here are my top Trader Joe’s vegan products by category—breakfast, snacks, desserts, and main meals—that any of your vegan guests will be grateful to be served.

Trader Joe's Vegan Breakfast Options

Gluten Free Organic Rolled Oats with Ancient Grains & Seeds $4.49 

You know I have my act together when I make overnight oats, especially to treat overnight guests. Don’t mess with a woman (me!) with a fridge full of fully prepared power breakfasts, she means business. I love that these gluten-free rolled oats also contain chia, flax, quinoa, and amaranth for a little boost of protein and fiber.

GoMacro Bar $2.29

I start every morning with a GoMacro bar—they are that good! These are the only vegan bars that actually keep me full for a few hours and give me the boost I need in the mornings when I don’t have time to eat a decent meal. The only downside to these nutrient-dense bars? The price tag. TJ’s has by far the best price on the market, so I always stock up when I go there.

Vegan Brioche Loaf $3.99

Brioche is typically made with lots of butter, eggs, and milk. I don’t know how TJ’s does it, but this vegan loaf has none of them. Plus it’s pre-sliced, rich, and “buttery”—non-vegans won’t be able to tell the difference, especially if toasted and slathered with their favorite jam.

Trader Joe's Vegan Snack Attack

Jalapeño Seasoned Corn & Rice Puffs $1.99 

Warning: it’s hard to stop eating this stuff. The heat is impressive, but it’s not so hot that my 5-year-old won’t devour it given opportunity. It has a nice umami flavor, so much so that you’d swear it contains cheese, but it’s vegan and gluten-free. 

Vegan Buffalo Style Dip $3.99

I’m a sucker for anything buffalo and this cauliflower-based dip does not disappoint. It’s creamy and just the right amount spicy; perfect for a quick snack with crudité when the afternoon slump rolls around.

Peanut Butter Caramel Coated Popcorn $3.79 

How to improve carmel corn? Simple. Add peanut butter. This vegan snack is sweet, salty and crunchy; the ultimate snacking trifecta! 

Trader Joe's Vegan Sweets

Hold the Dairy! Vegan Chocolate Mini Cones $3.99

I have to be honest, neither of my kids will eat ice cream (shocking, I know). That doesn’t stop me from stocking the freezer with these perfect little bites of dairy-free goodness on the regular—for me and anyone that wants to indulge in the best non-dairy ice cream treat.

Oat Chocolate Bars $2.99

I need to end every night with just a little chocolate, and it turns out that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree—my whole fam loves these oat-based chocolate bars as end-of-day snack. You get three small bars in a pack and I keep my pantry stocked with them for when someone needs a chocolate pick-me-up.

Make It a Trader Joe's Vegan Meal

Trader Joe’s Gnocchi $1.99

Who says eating plant-based can’t be a little indulgent? I love these eggless gnocchi for a quick lunch with some jarred marinara or tossed with a little pesto. 

Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley $1.99

When I have a can or two of chickpeas on hand, I feel pretty confident that I can pull together a nutritious meal. These seasoned chickpeas can level up any meal and they are perfect straight from the can to top salads or lightly mashed with a fork to fill a sandwich. The ingredients are simple, too. It’s just chickpeas, oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower $3.49

This cauliflower rice is the perfect base for a vegan burrito bowl, or I love using it to fill roasted sweet potatoes for a quick plant-based meal. Add some canned beans for protein and you have a complete budget-friendly meal.