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I'm a vegan who used to work at Trader Joe's. Here are 8 high-quality items I can't believe I've found there.

Kelsey Brown   

I'm a vegan who used to work at Trader Joe's. Here are 8 high-quality items I can't believe I've found there.
Trader Joe's garlic-spread dip is one of my favorite vegan items at the store.Kelsey Brown
  • I'm a vegan and former Trader Joe's employee who shops for items that fit my dietary restrictions.
  • Trader Joe's kale, cashew, and basil pesto and garlic-spread dip are amazing in sandwiches.

I worked at Trader Joe's for about three years, and now, the chain is one of my go-to stores for great vegan foods.

Over the past few years, Trader Joe's has seemed to deepen its dedication to vegan delicacies, adding new, creative products to its shelves.

Here are eight vegan Trader Joe's products that feel high-end.

Trader Joe's vegan kale, cashew, and basil pesto can be used as a spread or a sauce.

Trader Joe
I put Trader Joe's vegan kale, cashew, and basil pesto on sandwiches or pasta.      Kelsey Brown

My favorite pesto is this simple blend of kale, cashews, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The plant-based spread pairs well with many foods and rivals homemade versions.

Whether you're using it on a veggie sandwich or as a pasta sauce, this pesto will elevate your meal.

I can't stop buying the vegan Caesar dressing.

I can
I usually serve Trader Joe's vegan Caesar dressing on top of a simple salad.      Kelsey Brown

I almost always pick up a bag of kale and a bottle of Trader Joe's vegan Caesar dressing.

This creamy, tofu-based dressing has simple ingredients but complex flavors, like hints of mustard and capers. It's savory and light, with strong white-miso and tangy-lemon flavors.

It's delicious in a simple salad with red onion, roasted chickpeas, croutons, and avocado.

I use Trader Joe's vegan heavy-whipping-cream alternative in so many ways.

I use Trader Joe
I add Trader Joe's vegan heavy-whipping-cream alternative to everything from baked goods to soup.      Kelsey Brown

I was excited to discover a dairy-free vegan heavy-whipping-cream alternative, and have since been using it in baked goods.

Its rich creaminess can also turn a regular soup into a luxurious dinner.

Korean beefless bulgogi reimagines a classic cultural dish to fit different dietary needs.

Korean beefless bulgogi reimagines a classic cultural dish to fit different dietary needs.
Trader Joe's Korean beefless bulgogi is sweet and savory.      Kelsey Brown

Trader Joe's Korean beefless bulgogi is made of 100% soy protein that's textured to replicate beef.

The meaty beefless bulgogi and classic soy-sauce-based marinade create a delicious savory, sweet, and salty combination.

Trader Joe's vegan Thai green curry is a quick meal that doesn't skimp on quality.

Trader Joe
Trader Joe's vegan Thai green curry is so tasty.      Kelsey Brown

This frozen, microwavable Trader Joe's meal packs a surprising flavor punch similar to restaurant-quality curry.

To me, the curry has a mellow, enjoyable spice. It already has vegetables and tofu sheets, but I like to bulk it up with additional carrots and broccoli.

No matter how it's served, the garlic-spread dip is delicious.

No matter how it
Trader Joe's garlic-spread dip pairs well with veggies.      Kelsey Brown

This garlic-spread dip is a classic Trader Joe's item for a reason.

The aromatic spread is perfect for elevating a sandwich or standing alone as a dip with crackers or veggies.

Japanese-style fried rice has been my go-to frozen meal for years.

Japanese-style fried rice has been my go-to frozen meal for years.
Trader Joe's Japanese-style fried rice is made with edamame, tofu, and hijiki seaweed.      Kelsey Brown

This Japanese-style meal is my favorite fried rice because it tastes like a dish you'd get at a restaurant. Even before I was vegan, this was my rice of choice.

I especially enjoy how the rice has a chewy texture balanced with hijiki seaweed, tofu, and edamame.

Trader Joe's vegan spinach-and-cashew ravioli comes together in just a few minutes.

Trader Joe
I like the flavor of the creamy spinach-and-cashew filling.      Kelsey Brown

I love how convenient all of Trader Joe's prepackaged ravioli is, but the vegan spinach-and-cashew version is top-tier.

The creamy cashew-and-spinach filling is delicious and pairs excellently with Trader Joe's vegan kale, cashew, and basil pesto. Just boil these for a few minutes and enjoy them however you like.

Click to keep reading Trader Joe’s diaries like this one.

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