If you’re following the Weight Watchers plan, Trader Joe’s is a godsend full of tasty treasures that will keep you well within your daily points. From pre-made foods to inspired sides and dips, you’ll find everything you need to make your next meal delicious and diet-friendly. I always put these twelve must-have items in my cart whenever I’m on a Trader Joe’s run, and once you try them, I’m sure they’ll have an important place on your shopping list, too.
1. Fancy Shredded Lite Mexican Blend
With three Weight Watchers points per serving, this scrumptious cheese blend is an absolute godsend, and a little sprinkle goes a long way. I use it to amp up everything from omelets to casseroles and, of course, tacos and quesadillas. Since a three-point serving is a quarter cup, you’ll never feel like you’re depriving yourself. Since it’s pre-shredded, you simply have to pop open the bag and level up your weeknight dinners- no muss, no fuss, and a million times better than take-out.
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 80
- Weight Watchers Points: 3
2. Organic Chunky Homestyle Guacamole
You’ll get three generous tablespoons of chunky, flavorful guacamole for only one Weight Watchers point. Plus, since avocados are bursting with good-for-you fats and fiber. I like to pop it on a slice of whole wheat toast for a delicious and filling weekday breakfast, but you can toss a dollop on top of your tacos or use it as a dip, too. One of my favorite things about this product is that it’s full of hearty pieces of ripe tomato and zingy onions for a homemade, fresh taste.
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Weight Watchers Points: 1
3. Premium Salmon Burgers
If you’re dog-tired after work and need a quick meal, these salmon burger patties will do the trick nicely. They’re the perfect treat to get you through your week at just two points per patty. Each burger is packed with healthy omega-3 fats, premium Alaskan salmon, and a touch of carrots and celery for that additional nutritional boost. I like to enjoy mine with a garden salad for extra nutrition and fiber.
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty
- Calories: 100
- Weight Watchers Points: 2
4. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
This sweet and salty snack is the ideal antidote to the 3 p.m. blues, and I always have some at my desk for a quick, protein-packed pick-me-up. You can enjoy ten pieces for five points, making them a smart alternative to the vending machine. In addition to the fab taste and satisfying crunch, you’ll benefit from a hefty dose of peanut butter, which can keep you full well until dinner time. There’s a reason why these powerhouse snacks are a Trader Joe’s cult classic.
- Serving Size: 10 pieces
- Calories: 150
- Weight Watchers Points: 5
5. Stir Fry Veggie Blend
The next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, reach for this stir-fry veggie blend instead. Full of antioxidant-rich broccoli florets, crisp napa cabbage and bok choy, and emerald-colored snow peas, it’s a winner at zero Weight Watchers points. I like to pair mine with rice and a sprinkle of soy sauce for a calorie-conscious meal that’s ready in minutes.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 20
- Weight Watchers Points: 0
6. Chocolate Hummus
I used to be wary of dessert hummus, but then I tried this rich chocolate hummus from Trader Joe’s. You can enjoy two tablespoons of hummus for just two points, and it has the consistency of the most decadent chocolate mousse you’ve ever tasted. I like it with graham crackers and strawberries, but you can experiment with other types of fruits and crackers, too. Plus, the chickpea base keeps you full and happy with no sugar crashes.
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Weight Watchers Points: 2
7. Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
It’s not an exaggeration to say that riced cauliflower revolutionalized my stir-fries. Not only is the texture of finely minced cauliflower super enjoyable and perfect with stir-fried veggies, but it also packs a pretty amazing nutritional punch. Plus, you can enjoy a full cup for just one Weight Watchers point. This mix is full of cauliflower, peppers, peas, and a delicious tamari and sesame sauce that amplifies the flavor and provides plenty of umami in every delicious bite.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 50
- Weight Watchers Points: 1
8. Organic Vermont Maple Syrup
I’ve found that it pays to splurge on good maple syrup, and this three-point option from Trader Joe’s is one of the best. You’ll get one tablespoon of densely layered, pure maple taste, ideal for baking, drizzling over a bowl of morning steel-cut oats, or even adding to your coffee for a sweet, nuanced kick. Of course, it’s also the perfect companion to a stack of fluffy pancakes.
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Weight Watchers Points: 3
9. Uncured Turkey Bacon
This turkey bacon is completely calorie guilt-free and super versatile at one point per slice. You can fry it up or bake it in the oven for that satisfying crunch without the excess fat. Plus, since it is expertly spiced and cured, you get plenty of flavor bang for your calorie buck. I like to have a package of this bacon in my freezer at all times so I can treat myself and the kids to a gourmet weekend breakfast while still sticking to my diet.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 35
- Weight Watchers Points: 1
10. Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
This meal is the ultimate weeknight shortcut, and you can get it on the table in a matter of minutes. These versatile little wontons are just one point per four-piece serving and are packed with tender chicken, bright cilantro, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce. I like to bake mine in the oven for a crispy exterior, but you can also pop them in the microwave if you’re in a rush.
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 50
- Weight Watchers Points: 1
11. Frozen Mashed Potatoes
These frozen mashed potatoes excel on two fronts: they’re only three points per one-cup serving, and they’re an ultra-easy side for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking. Every bite is rich, buttery, and full of comforting flavor. I like to serve them with a marinated and roasted chicken breast and some veggies for a complete, homestyle meal that comes together in a flash.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Weight Watchers Points: 3
12. Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Blend
This seasoning blend is my culinary secret weapon, and I’ve found that it’s infinitely useful beyond adding flavor to homemade bagels. At zero Weight Watchers points per quarter teaspoon serving, it’s a fantastic way to spice up your popcorn or potatoes or add life to a zesty marinade. Plus, since it’s several spices in one, it’s a great shortcut ingredient that yields amazing results.
- Serving Size: ¼ teaspoon
- Calories: 5
- Weight Watchers Points: 0
Make sure that you put these Trader Joe’s diet-friendly items on your shopping list. They’re easy ways to make easy meals memorable and fast snacks for those mid-day slumps. Sticking with your diet and enjoying delicious meals that are light years better than takeout is a snap when you follow a smart shopping strategy at Trader Joe’s.
