The Trader Joe’s frozen aisle is a great place to find budget-friendly, nutritious snacks, lunches and ready-made breakfasts. These options can stand alone or serve as a side to classic scrambled eggs. Unlike many other frozen-food choices or fast-food options, these picks are all lower in sodium and added sugar.
Why it made the cut: These waffles are made with whole-wheat flour and fruit juice concentrates. They’re naturally sweet, too, which means you don’t need to pack on the added sugar with toppings like maple syrup. One serving (two waffles) contains just 6 grams of sugar, 5 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and 5 grams of fiber for 240 calories.
Why it made the cut: Similar to hash browns, these fun pancakes add a little variety to your morning meal. They would be great served with scrambled eggs and are the perfect way to add a fiber-rich veggie to breakfast. Each two-piece serving contains 7 grams of protein and only 2 grams of sugar. They don’t have a long list of ingredients, either.
Why it made the cut: This organic smoothie bowl features heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich berries, chia and flaxseeds. It clocks in at just 260 calories and contains 9 grams of fiber, making it a filling, satisfying breakfast. It’s also the perfect way to enjoy a smoothie at work because there’s no blender required.
Why it made the cut: With only five ingredients, this 150-calorie frozen oatmeal is about as close to homemade as you can get. It has 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein to keep you full all morning long. You can also add some frozen berries or a spoonful of nut butter to amp up the nutrients and flavor.
Why it made the cut: These tiny pancakes contain 8 grams of filling protein and 220 calories per serving (11 pancakes). They’re perfect for busy mornings for both adults and kids alike. They can also serve double duty as a mid-morning snack paired with peanut butter and banana slices.
