I worked at Trader Joe's for 2 years. Here are 11 of my favorite items to buy for easy meal prep.

<p class="ingestion featured-caption">After working at Trader Joe's for two years, I know which items are worth buying.Susanna Maize</p><ul class="summary-list"><li>As a <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trader-joes-fan-favorite-foods-worth-it-or-not-former-employee-2022">former Trader Joe's employee</a>, I know the store inside and out.</li><li>I rely on <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-trader-joes-frozen-dinners-reviewed-photos-2022-1">Trader Joe's products</a> for quick, nutritious meals that I can make ahead of time.</li></ul><p>After <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-trader-joes-products-for-quick-easy-meals-2024-10">shopping at Trader Joe's</a> for over 20 years — and working at my local store for two of those — I know the chain inside and out. </p><p>The retailer, which makes an <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/typical-trader-joes-shopper-demographic-younger-married-earning-80k-income-2021-9">estimated $16.5 billion in sales each year</a>, is my go-to spot for picking up budget-friendly meals I can make in my small apartment kitchen.</p><p>Here are some of my favorite items to buy for quick meals I can throw together without much thought.</p>