10 Best Frozen Foods at Trader Joe's, According to Our Editors

From sweet desserts to easy appetizers, these frozen foods will quickly become a staple in your freezer.

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Trader Joe’s frozen food section is full of treasures for busy shoppers and culinary enthusiasts alike. The frozen aisles have an expansive assortment of options, which can be equally enticing and overwhelming. To help you navigate this icy destination and uncover some hidden gems, our editors have weighed in with their go-to selections. From delightful bites and everyday essentials to fruity desserts, here are 10 palate-pleasing picks that are sure to elevate your frozen-food game. 


Related: The Best 5-Ingredient Recipes Made from Trader Joe's Products, According to Employees

10 Best Frozen Foods at Trader Joe's

Mushroom & Black Truffle Flatbread

Whether relished as an appetizer, a light meal or a gourmet snack, Senior Nutrition and News Editor Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia likes to serve this flatbread for a crowd. She says, “Whenever I have friends over, I usually serve this flatbread. Everyone always loves it, and every time, someone has asked me where it’s from.” With an umami-forward flavor, it’s easy to understand why people love it.

Organic Brown Rice

The organic brown rice is a grocery staple for many of our editors, and rightfully so. Brown rice is a whole grain, and it’s packed with protein and fiber.  Associate Food Editor Alex Loh raves about the product, ”I don’t know how I waited so long to try it!” She suggests using it as the base for grain bowls and stir-fry, or keep the rice as is and jazz it up with some fresh herbs and citrus for an easy side. Try it in recipes like our Lemony Chicken & Kale Brown Rice Bowl or Shrimp and Pea Pod Stir-Fry.

Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

This easy meal balances the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice. Loh swears by this item when she needs “a warm and comforting dinner on nights when [she’s] too tired to cook.” If you’re looking to add some veggies on the side, keep an eye out for our next recommendation.

Mushroom Medley

The versatility of the mushroom medley allows for endless possibilities in the kitchen. The medley includes oyster mushrooms, slippery jack mushrooms and champignons. Haddad-Garcia always keeps a bag on hand, whether she’s cooking them for a delicious side or pairing it with the brown rice to create a fancy risotto for dinner with friends.

Handsome Cut Potato Fries

Loh prefers to throw these fries in the air fryer, so they are nice and crispy with a fluffy interior. If you love an easy meal of salad and fries, this item is the perfect option to keep on hand—check out our favorite Trader Joe’s salad kits. Or serve these crispy fries alongside one of our burger recipes for a winning combination. 

Asparagus Risotto

Don’t skip out on the asparagus risotto when searching the frozen aisle. Senior Food Features Editor Carolyn Malcoun says, “This one surprised us all. It’s super creamy!” The flavorful rice can be enjoyed as is for a main dish or served as a side to grilled chicken.

Cheese & Green Chile Tamales

These savory and spicy green chile tamales are always stocked in Malcoun’s freezer. She says, “I keep them on hand for quick dinners and lunches, too. This filling in particular is super rich and creamy.” The filling includes green chiles, Monterey Jack cheese and a red chile puree. 


Related: The 9 Things I Buy From Trader Joe's for Quick Dinners, According to a Food Writer

Japanese Style Fried Rice

For Updates Editor Abigail Abesamis Demarest, the Japanese Style Fried Rice is an “all-time fave for a quick and tasty meal.” Whether served plain or jazzed up with an egg or leftover veggies, you can’t go wrong with this item.

Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones

This delightful treat proves good things come in small packages. For Senior Commerce Editor Brierley Horton, M.S., RD, they are “the perfect dessert for my sweets-obsessed kids.” With flavors like chocolate, peppermint and coffee, you’ll find something that the whole family will enjoy.

Gone Berry Crazy!

TJ’s has elevated a classic combination with these chocolate-covered strawberries. The dark chocolate coating pairs well with the sweet, juicy fruit. Horton prefers the strawberry version over the frozen chocolate-covered bananas as a satisfying end to any meal.

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