The 6 Best Vegan Trader Joe's Products That Cost $6 or Less

If you've ever toyed with going vegan, you may be worried about whether you can afford it. Oxford University researchers found that a vegan diet can actually reduce your food budget by as much as one third, assuming you're eating whole foods and you're not dining out. But plant-based meat substitutes can be over 300% more expensive than regular meat.

Fortunately, Trader Joe's has plenty of convenient and affordable tasty vegan products. Here are the six best Trader Joe's products for less than $6.

1. Vegan Enchilada Casserole ($5.99)

Check out the Vegan Enchilada Casserole if you're seeking an easy comfort food and a one-dish meal. It's stuffed with several veggies, including zucchini, onions, and poblano peppers, then topped with a red chile sauce plus a mix of shredded vegan cheeses. One package contains two-and-a-half servings, but if you're making a meal for two, you may want to pair it with rice and beans or a salad.

2. Japchae Korean Glass Noodles & Vegetable Stir Fry ($3.49)

The Japchae Korean Glass Noodles & Vegetable Stir Fry makes for an easy microwaveable lunch to keep on hand. It consists of sweet potato glass noodles paired with flavorful vegetables like onion, spinach, and bell peppers mixed with soy sauce. If you're seeking a little extra kick, consider topping it off with your favorite vegan Sriracha sauce. 

3. Soy Chorizo ($2.99)

Even meat lovers rave about Trader Joe's vegan Soy Chorizo, which tastes a lot like real chorizo. It's made from soy protein and seasoned with paprika, red pepper, garlic powder, and vinegar. The Soy Chorizo is perfect for tacos, breakfast burritos, or as an addition to breakfast potatoes. 

4. Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto ($3.99)

Trader Joe's Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto packs all the flavor of traditional pesto sauce (which usually includes Parmesan cheese) with a bit of extra texture courtesy of the kale. TJ's vegan pesto is tasty when paired with crackers, veggies, or bread. It also makes for a delicious pizza sauce. You can top it with Trader Joe's Vegan Feta Cheese Alternative ($4.29).

5. Pulled Jackfruit in Smoky BBQ Sauce ($2.99)

Jackfruit is a popular meat substitute because its texture is similar to shredded chicken and pork. So if you're craving barbecue but sticking to a vegan diet, look no further than Trader Joe's Pulled Jackfruit in Smoky BBQ Sauce. Use it in barbecue sandwiches or tacos, or serve it over rice.

6. Hold the Dairy! Vegan Chocolate Mini Cones ($3.99)

Eating vegan doesn't mean you can't scream for ice cream. Trader Joe's has a few different vegan ice cream options, but the Hold the Dairy! Vegan Chocolate Mini Cones are among the best. The ice cream is made from coconut milk and vegan chocolate and served in a tiny crunchy wafer cone. There are 12 mini ice cream cones per box, so there's plenty for the whole family.

How to save money at Trader Joe's

Shopping at Trader Joe's could save you money on groceries, given that the prices are pretty reasonable. There are a few caveats, though: Trader Joe's doesn't offer sales, discounts, or coupons. And the portions are often relatively small, so if you're feeding a large family or you like to buy in bulk, you're probably better off with a warehouse club, like Costco or Sam's Club.

If you're shopping at Trader Joe's, though, here are a few money-saving strategies:

• Use the Fearless Flyer. Trader Joe's features new products, recipes, and various shopping tips in this little newsletter. You can use it to plan meals ahead of time.
• Stick to a shopping list. It's easy to spend your entire grocery budget loading up on snacks at Trader Joe's. To curb impulse buying, make a list before you go to the store.
• Return any items you don't like. Part of the fun of shopping at Trader Joe's is trying new products, but every so often, you'll encounter a dud. If a product doesn't live up to your expectations, don't be afraid to return it, as Trader Joe's is known for its generous refund policy.

No matter where you do your grocery shopping, consider using your favorite credit card and paying off the balance in full each cycle. The best grocery credit cards offer as much as 6% cash back, which can add up to serious rewards over time.