14 New Vegan Holiday Products at Trader Joe’s You Need to Know About

Do you go as gaga for new Trader Joe’s products as we do? Well, we’re not sure that’s humanly possible, but with more plant-based options than ever appearing on the shelves of TJ’s, shoppers like us are flocking there for our vegan fix. Lucky for us die-hard fans, the holiday season’s new items have debuted, which is why we’re stocking up on affordably priced Thanksgiving essentials, vegan whipped cream, and fancy beverages. There are few things as fun and mood-setting as leaving this cult favorite grocer with bags of scented pinecones, dairy-free nogs, and all the appetizers and snacks to host one incredible holiday party.

Is Trader Joe’s vegan-friendly?

Trader Joe’s is well known for its private label and Trader Joe’s exclusive goods. Over the years, the grocer has debuted its own creamy, vegan almond milk chocolate bars; dairy-free vegan salmon cream cheese complete with konjac-based salmon, capers, lemon juice, dill weed, and other flavorings; ultra-affordable vegan meat loaded pizzas (just $6!); and carries over 70 delicious plant-based products that we can’t get enough of. 

Plus, the grocer was one of the first brick-and-mortar retailers to offer Boursin’s Dairy-Free cheese spread and was one of the first to launch its own plant-based version of turkey burgers. 

The grocer also has big plans for the future with product developers at Trader Joe’s working to add vegan seafood to the chain’s offerings. Amy Gaston-Morales, category manager of Deli, Frozen Meat, Seafood, Meatless, and Fresh Beverage at Trader Joe’s revealed, “We don’t have options yet within our stores for a plant-based seafood product but there are crab cakes out on the market or scallops or tuna replacements. So we’re really looking more at the seafood to make sure that we’ve covered all the proteins that customers are familiar with and bringing in the best versions of those.” And with this year’s launch of Trader Joe’s Vegan Salmonesque Spread, the chain is right on track. 

In addition to seafood options, the grocer has also announced major plans to reduce its plastic usage by selling more produce (such as apples, potatoes, and pears) as loose items instead, replacing plastic wrappers on flower bouquets with renewable materials, eliminating non-recyclable plastic and foil pouches from its tea packages, and replacing styrofoam trays in produce packaging with compostable trays. While it remains to be seen if the chain will follow through on its plastic reduction message, doing so would eliminate more than 1 million pounds of plastic from its stores. 

Vegan holiday products at Trader Joe’s

While we can’t wait to see what’s next from the cult-favorite grocery chain, we’re turning our focus for now to its incredible nutmeg-spiced, cinnamon-scented, chocolate-dipped goods. Here are our picks for the can’t-miss Trader Joe’s finds of the moment:

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1 Oat Nog

When O’Nog begins appearing on store shelves, we know the holiday season is here. This creamy, lightly spiced, festive beverage is perfect for serving at your holiday parties.

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2 Vegan Gingerbread Loaf

This perfectly moist, ginger- and cinnamon-spiced loaf is found in the baked goods section of the store. Slice up and serve with a hot cup of tea for the ultimate night in. 

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3 Mini Peppermint Marshmallows

We’re topping our hot chocolates with these adorable, mini, gelatin-free vegan marshmallows this holiday season. Toss them into chocolate cookie dough, pre-baking, for a delicious vegan hot chocolate cookie. 

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4 Pumpkin-Flavored Joe Joe’s

Everyone’s favorite Trader Joe’s cookie has gotten a fall makeover. These seasonal cookie sandwiches are plant-based and totally irresistable. 

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5 Pumpkin Oat Beverage

This lightly spiced oat milk has all the flavors of pumpkin spice season and is delicious for whirling into seasonally inspired smoothies and shakes.

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6 Everything But The Leftovers Seasoning

This seasoning will make everything taste like a holiday feast. We’re using it to roast veggies, season tofu, and spinkle onto vegan chicken strips before tossing into a salad. 

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7 Gingerbread Oat Latte

Trade in your normal latte for this seasonal oat milk cold brew latte with wintery spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Each sip brings a heady caffeine buzz with gentle heat and soothing creaminess from the thick oat milk.

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8 Breaded Turkey-Less Stuffed Roast with Gravy

Simplify your holidays by picking up this ready-made turkey-less roast for your meaty main, which comes complete with rich vegan gravy.

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9 Scandinavian Tidings Gummies

These soft and chewy fruit gummies in the shape of Christmas trees, stars, and ornaments, are totally gelatin-free, making them suitable for vegans. 

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10 Gingerbread Cake & Cookie Mix

Simply swap in a vegan egg replacer, and you’ve got another easily veganized seasonal baking mix. Make it even better by topping with Trader Joe’s new vegan Coconut Whipped Topping!

Trader Joe’s

11 Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips

When a snack craving hits, you’ll be glad you picked up a bag of these herbed potato chips. And even if there are no leftovers that make it through your Thanksgiving feast, these chips will still bring the spirit of leftovers to your post-holiday snacking.

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12 Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s

Everyone’s favorite Christmas-inspired cookies are back on shelves, and we can’t wait to dip them in almond milk, bake them into seasonal desserts, and eat them straight from the box. NOTE: The gluten-free version is not vegan.

Trader Joe’s

13 Sparkling Pomegranate Punch 

This bubbly beverage is bright, richly fruity, and perfectly suited to refresh your holiday spirits. 

Trader Joe’s

14Cranberry Sauce

Fresh-made cranberry sauce has never been this easy. Pick up this holiday staple during your next grocery run to wow your dinner guests.