Samin Nosrat might be a James Beard Award-winning author, renowned chef, TV personality, and podcast host, but she still has time to browse the aisles of Trader Joe’s.
On a recent episode of her podcast Home Cooking, the Persian-American author of Salt Fat Acid Heat revealed two of her go-to products from the popular tiki-themed grocery chain—and they’re both vegan.
Samin Nosrat’s vegan Trader Joe’s favorites
Nosrat’s first Trader Joe’s must-have? The chain’s Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes. “It’s in the freezer section, and it is so good. It really is,” she told co-host Hrishikesh Hirway. “Even my Taiwanese friend, Emily Su, who was on our last episode, she approves—two thumbs up.”
Made with just a handful of ingredients, including wheat flour, scallions, and coconut oil, the pancakes have built a loyal following for their crispy, flaky texture and versatility. Nosrat enjoys them with scrambled egg, cilantro, sesame oil, and chili crisp. Scrambled tofu would make an easy vegan swap. “It’s a very good breakfast or dinner,” she said.
Fans online have recently wondered if the pancakes were discontinued after some stores ran out. “My friend introduced me to them and I became obsessed,” wrote one Reddit user. “Now all of a sudden I can’t find them in multiple stores and they don’t show up on the website.” Others, like Nosrat, have reported still finding them in the freezer aisle, though. In other words, keep checking if you’re hoping to try them.
Nosrat’s second favorite Trader Joe’s find is the chain’s ginger juice drink mix. “It’s in the tea area in these little packets, and you can mix it into hot or cold water,” she explained. “Because it’s freeze-dried ginger, you just dump it into hot water, and it tastes like you just steeped fresh ginger. It is so good, and it’s like $2 for a box of eight.”
Hirway agreed it’s worth seeking out, noting that Nosrat once bought him a box when he was sick, and now it’s a staple for him, too.
Illustration by Richard Bowie
Trader Joe’s vegan range
While you’re in Trader Joe’s seeking out Nosrat’s favorites, you may also want to check out some of the chain’s seasonal vegan fall offerings, from pumpkin bagels and pumpkin gnocchi to pumpkin spice coffee.
The grocery store giant has also rolled out two new vegan desserts. Its Vanilla Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert made with coconut milk is already in stores, while a vegan Italian affogato is expected to arrive in November.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
