Some people hike mountains. Some people run marathons. Me? I spent a whole Saturday combing through every snack aisle at Trader Joe’s, determined to find the best vegan nibbles that didn’t just pass as “pretty good for plant-based”—but stood out as “delicious, period.”
Trader Joe’s has built a cult following among vegans for good reason. It’s one of the few grocery chains that consistently churns out creative, affordable, and (let’s be honest) weirdly addictive plant-based snacks.
But with new products dropping often and old favorites rotating out like seasonal candles, it can be hard to know what’s worth tossing into your cart.
So I taste-tested nearly two dozen options—salty, sweet, crunchy, chewy, the whole spread—and these are the seven I’d buy again in a heartbeat. Plus, I’ll share a few tips for navigating the vegan snack section like a seasoned TJ’s regular.
Crunchy chili onion peanuts: A bold, spicy surprise
You know that moment when your taste buds do a double take? That was me in the car after ripping open this bag. These peanuts are coated in a savory blend of garlic, chili oil, and umami-rich seasonings that somehow taste like a mashup of bar snacks and Sichuan street food.
They’re not for the spice-averse, but if you like heat, these are next-level. I’ve been sprinkling them on rice bowls and using them as a crouton swap in salads. They’ve got crunch, flavor, and serious snack-appeal.
Planet perk: Peanuts are a low-impact crop, making them more sustainable than many animal-based protein sources.
Banana & almond butter granola bites: Sweet, chewy comfort
These soft clusters taste like a cozy afternoon baked into a bite. Made with just a handful of recognizable ingredients—bananas, oats, almond butter, a touch of maple syrup—they feel less like “junk food” and more like something your friend made for you after a hard week.
They’re great for tossing in your bag before errands or as a pre-yoga pick-me-up. Bonus: They’re gluten-free and have zero added preservatives.
Try this: Warm a few bites in the microwave and mash them into a bowl of dairy-free yogurt.
Spicy mochi rice nuggets: A crunchy curveball
You either love mochi rice nuggets or you don’t. I wasn’t expecting to fall into the first camp, but here we are. These little puffs are like the lovechild of a rice cracker and a kettle chip—light, crisp, and oddly satisfying.
The spicy version adds a kick that lingers just long enough to keep you reaching for the next handful. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and highly snackable.
Kitchen hack: Crush and use them as a crunchy topping for a vegan poke bowl.
Vegan white cheddar puffs: Childhood nostalgia, reinvented
Remember Pirate’s Booty? This is like the vegan version’s older, wiser cousin. These airy corn puffs are dusted in a white cheddar-flavored seasoning that’s tangy, salty, and surprisingly satisfying. No weird aftertaste. No gummy texture.
They’re also baked, not fried—if that matters to you. I found them dangerously easy to polish off in one sitting, so portion with caution.
Why it matters: Swapping dairy-based snacks for vegan ones like this reduces methane emissions and water usage linked to cheese production.
Almond butter filled pretzel nuggets: The ultimate salty-sweet duo
If you’ve ever dunked a pretzel into almond butter mid-snack-craving, this is your shortcut. These nuggets are crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and perfectly balanced between salty and sweet. They also travel well—no melting, no stickiness.
Parents, take note: These were the first snack my friend’s picky 8-year-old reached for (and finished) during our taste test picnic.
Ingredient win: Unlike many stuffed snacks, these skip palm oil and hydrogenated fats.
Thai banana fritters: Dessert meets street food
These aren’t your typical “banana chips.” Coated in rice flour and sesame seeds, then fried until golden, they’re inspired by Thai street food snacks—and they deliver. Crispy on the outside, chewy in the middle, with just enough sweetness to feel indulgent but not cloying.
I love serving these with coconut whipped cream or alongside a scoop of mango sorbet.
Heads-up: They’re a freezer item, so check the frozen dessert section—not the snack aisle.
Everything but the bagel-seasoned nut duo: Classic flavor, vegan twist
Trader Joe’s knew what it was doing when it launched the “Everything But the Bagel” seasoning—and this snack proves it still slaps. A mix of almonds and cashews dusted in garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seed, these are savory without being greasy.
They’re also packed with protein and fiber, making them a smarter option for long workdays or plane travel.
Sustainability tip: Nuts use less land and water than animal proteins, and buying them in reusable containers cuts down on plastic waste.
Trader Joe’s vegan snack strategy: A few things I learned
After taste-testing for hours (and drinking more seltzer than I care to admit), a few themes stood out:
1. Read the label—vegan doesn’t always mean obvious
Some snacks are accidentally vegan (hello, chile-spiced dried mango), while others have tiny amounts of dairy hiding in seasonings. TJ’s does a good job of marking vegan options, but a double-check never hurts.
2. The freezer section has hidden gems
Most people overlook the freezer aisle when searching for snacks, but I found some of my top picks there—like the banana fritters and even jackfruit cakes that double as a snack-meal hybrid.
3. Texture makes or breaks it
Plant-based or not, a snack lives and dies by texture. Trader Joe’s seems to understand this. The best picks had crunch, chew, or creaminess dialed in just right.
4. Don’t sleep on global flavors
TJ’s shines when it leans into international inspiration. The chili peanuts and banana fritters added a lot more excitement than your standard trail mix or popcorn.
The big picture: Why snack choices matter
At first glance, swapping one snack for another might not feel like a big deal. But those choices add up—especially when you make them multiple times a week. Here’s why it’s worth caring:
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Environmental impact: According to the UN, food production accounts for over 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions—and animal-based products have the largest footprint. Choosing plant-based snacks is a small but meaningful way to reduce that impact.
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Health benefits: Many of Trader Joe’s vegan snacks are made with whole ingredients, fewer additives, and better fats than typical processed fare.
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Accessibility: Trader Joe’s helps normalize plant-based eating—not just in urban centers, but across suburban and smaller-town locations.
Final bites
Whether you’re fully plant-based or just snack-curious, Trader Joe’s offers an easy, low-risk way to experiment. The prices are friendly. The flavors are bold. And the snacks? They’re pretty unforgettable.
Next time you’re roaming the aisles with your little red cart, give a few of these a shot. You might find your new go-to. Or at the very least, discover that vegan snacking can be a whole lot more exciting than carrot sticks and hummus.
