There are few things that all college students can agree on. Now more than ever, they’re divided on politics, the pandemic and the vaccine, even pop-culture. However, there is one thing that most if not all young adults can agree on—it’s that the Trader Joe’s frozen meals are incredible.
Not only do these frozen meals taste amazing, but they’re extremely easy to prepare and they’re cheaper than most on-campus dining options. After a long day of classes, extracurriculars, or work, there is nothing easier than popping a frozen meal in the oven, microwave, or air-fryer if you’re feeling fancy. These are some of the best frozen options:
- Atlantic Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter- $4.99
The Atlantic Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter is phenomenal— there is truly no better product. It comes individually packaged with three frozen butter cubes filled with lemon flavoring and various herbs. This one doesn’t really need any extra seasoning, but if you’re feeling adventurous it can be paired with the Everything But the Elote seasoning for a fun flavor combo. Seafood is so expensive, so this is an option that’s much cheaper and easier to prepare.
- Fried Ravioli- $3.99
The Fried Ravioli is one of the yummiest appetizers Trader Joe’s has to offer. When made in the oven or in the air fryer, it crisps up on the outside to reveal a creamy cheese filling on the inside. It pairs really well with any type of pasta sauce, and doesn’t need any extra seasoning (though some red pepper flakes would make it even more delicious).
- Gnocchi alla Sorrentina- $2.99
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is one of the superior gnocchi options at Trader Joe’s, and is super easy to make as well. It comes with the sauce too so there isn’t anything you need to add to your meal unless you want some spice or more cheese. For healthier options, there is a Kale Gnocchi as well as a Cauliflower Gnocchi.
- Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese- $2.99
The Diner Mac ‘n Cheese is one of the simplest meals at Trader Joe’s- it doesn’t get much simpler than noodles and cheese- but it is so yummy and filling. It only takes five minutes in the microwave to heat up and it’s perfect for when you’re in a time crunch. There are also other versions such as the Butternut Squash Mac ‘n Cheese for Fall and the Hatch Chile Verde Mac ‘n Cheese for a little more flavor. There is also a gluten-free option!
- Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry- $2.99
The Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry is a great option if you’re looking for something healthier, as most frozen meals are not normally the healthiest. There are plenty of veggies that would normally take an unnecessarily long time to cut up. This one is especially delicious with some chicken or tofu mixed in for protein. Ginger sauce or hot sauce works well if you need a little more kick!
Every single meal listed in this article costs five dollars or less, which is really helpful to populations such as college students who may not have access to more expensive options, or can’t always afford the on-campus dining options.
That being said, there has been some discourse about Trader Joe’s locations, and why there aren’t more affordable grocery stores open in communities that need more affordable options. Even though Trader Joe’s is cheaper than Whole Foods, it doesn’t exempt the chain from the same habits of isolating low-income communities in “food deserts”. According to Food Empowerment Project, food deserts are “geographic areas where residents’ access to affordable, healthy food options (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) is restricted or nonexistent due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance,” It’s important to remember that there is privilege in having access to a grocery store like this, and it’s important to recognize where our food comes from and why some people don’t have access to it.
To help combat this issue, we can work to donate these products to food pantries and organizations that help distribute food to those in need. There is also a feature on Trader Joe’s website to request a location in any specific city, though obviously there are no guarantees. There are also petitions circling platforms such as Change.org that are fighting to install grocery stores with cheaper options, like Trader Joe’s, in food deserts.
Ultimately, it’s a good resource for students who are on a budget because many colleges and universities are located in areas that do have Trader Joe’s locations. Colleges and universities are places where people from various economic backgrounds are in one place, and in the case of American University that place is a busy, expensive city that has a variety of grocery store options. And out of those options, Trader Joe’s frozen meals consistently prove to be cheap, easy to make, and delicious.