10 “Healthy” Foods at Trader Joe’s That Nutritionists Say to Avoid
Trader Joe’s has mastered the art of looking healthy. The clean labels and feel-good names make it easy to think you’re making smart choices. However, dietitians point out that a handful of these “better-for-you” options contain more sugar, salt, or saturated fat than people expect. This guide highlights products that require a closer review of the fine print before being added to the cart.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins
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Nutrition experts flag them for their high sugar levels, which rival those of desserts. One muffin contains 31 grams of sugar, which can send energy levels up and down before the morning settles in. They also deliver minimal protein and leave many feeling hungry again soon after. Dietitians recommend pairing breakfast with a combination of complex carbs and protein for steadier energy.
Mandarin Orange Chicken
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This is a cult favorite for good reason: it’s crispy, tangy, and quick. One cup has about 330 milligrams of sodium. The dish offers solid protein, but the salty-sweet sauce contains more sugar than many expect, and that combination often goes unnoticed by shoppers focused on flavor and convenience.
PB+C Snack Duo
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The peanut butter theme can make this snack appear nutritious, yet dietitians urge a second look. A serving contains 22 grams of sugar, most of which is added. The combination of sugar and saturated fat may actually increase hunger rather than alleviate it, due to its impact on hormones associated with appetite.
Organic Coconut Milk
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Coconut milk is often used in soups, curries, and baked dishes. The catch is the saturated fat load. A quarter cup supplies around half the recommended daily value, and recipes often call for far more than that. Dietitians explain that frequent use can lead to elevated cholesterol levels over time.
Sweetened Green Mango
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Yes, fruit is fruit—but not when it’s rolled in sugar. Trader Joe’s sweetened green mango comes with added sugar that pushes it out of the “healthy snack” category, according to dietitians. It’s still technically fruit, but the sugary coating bumps it closer to candy.
Organic 3‑Cheese Pizza
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Frozen pizza makes dinner simple, and this one features three familiar cheeses. Dietitians step in with a reminder that the serving size accounts for only a third of the pie. The small faction already carries 680 milligrams of sodium. Eating the entire pizza can account for most of a day’s recommended intake.
Gluten‑Free Double Chocolate Muffins
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The gluten‑free label can make these muffins appear more nutrient‑minded. Dietitians note that the profile still leans toward dessert, with 23 grams of sugar and limited protein. Foods rich in refined sugar can influence cravings later in the day, which is why nutrition experts frame these as an occasional treat.
Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Quiche
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Eggs often sound like a safe bet, and the broccoli suggests a veggie boost. The nutrition panel tells a different story. One quiche can account for up to 60 percent of a day’s recommended saturated fat intake. Sodium and cholesterol also stack up.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
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This entrée features a glossy sauce that many enjoy, although dietitians note its high calorie and sugar content. One cup reaches 500 calories with 23 grams of added sugar and 8 grams of saturated fat. The sodium level is also quite high.
“This Strawberry Walks Into a Bar” Cereal Bars
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The bar provides very little fiber and only 2 grams of protein. Those numbers don’t support steady energy during a rushed morning. Plus, the added sugars make the bar more of a quick bite than a sustaining option.