I’m vegan and used to work at Trader Joe’s. Here are 8 high-quality items that I can’t believe I found there.

Trader Joe’s Garlic Dip is one of my favorite vegan items at the store.Kelsey Brown

  • I’m a vegan and former Trader Joe’s employee who purchases items that fit my dietary restrictions.

  • Trader Joe’s Kale, Cashews, Basil Pesto, and Garlic Dip are amazing in sandwiches.

  • I get the beefless Korean bulgogi and Japanese fried rice when I need a quick meal.

I worked at Trader Joe’s for about three years and now the chain is one of my favorite stores to buy great vegan foods.

Over the past few years, Trader Joe’s has seemed to deepen its commitment to vegan deliciousness, adding creative new products to its shelves.

Here are eight Trader Joe’s vegan products that seem high-end.

Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto can be used as a spread or a sauce.

A hand holds a circular container of vegan kale, cashew and basil pesto at Trader Joe's.  The pesto is bright green

I put Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto on sandwiches or pastas.Kelsey Brown

My favorite pesto is this simple blend of kale, cashews, basil, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. The plant-based spread pairs well with many foods and rivals homemade versions.

Whether you use it on a vegetarian sandwich or as a pasta sauce, this pesto will enhance your meal.

I can’t stop buying the vegan Caesar dressing.

Three bottles of Trader Joe's vegan Caesar dressing on a shelf at Trader Joe's.  The bottles have green labels

I usually serve Trader Joe’s Vegan Caesar Dressing on a simple salad.Kelsey Brown

I almost always grab a bag of kale and a bottle of Trader Joe’s vegan Caesar dressing.

This creamy tofu-based dressing has simple ingredients but complex flavors, like hints of mustard and capers. It’s flavorful and light, with strong flavors of white miso and tangy lemon.

It’s delicious in a simple salad with red onion, roasted chickpeas, croutons and avocado.

I use Trader Joe’s vegan alternative to heavy whipped cream in so many ways.

Two cartons of Trader Joe's Heavy Whipped Cream, a dairy-free alternative to low-fat buttermilk and oat cream

I add Trader Joe’s vegan heavy whipped cream alternative to everything from baked goods to soup.Kelsey Brown

I was excited to discover a dairy-free vegan heavy whipped cream alternative and have been using it in baked goods ever since.

Its rich creaminess can also transform an ordinary soup into a luxurious dinner.

Korean beef-free bulgogi reinvents a classic cultural dish to meet different dietary needs.

A hand is holding a brown box with a photo of a beefless Korean bulgogi with green onions on it

Trader Joe’s Beef-Free Korean Bulgogi is sweet and savory.Kelsey Brown

Trader Joe’s Korean Beef-Free Bulgogi is made with 100% soy protein and textured to replicate beef.

Meatless bulgogi and classic soy sauce marinade create a delicious salty, sweet and savory combination.

Trader Joe’s Vegan Thai Green Curry is a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on quality.

A hand is holding a green and blue box with a photo of Thai green curry with tofu, vegetables and rice on it

Trader Joe’s Vegan Thai Green Curry is so tasty.Kelsey Brown

This frozen, microwaveable Trader Joe’s meal delivers surprising flavor similar to restaurant-quality curry.

To me, curry has a nice, mild spice. It already has veggies and tofu sheets, but I like to top it off with extra carrots and broccoli.

No matter how it’s served, garlic dip is delicious.

A black shelf at Trader Joe's with a stack of three garlic spreads and a container with a purple border and lettering with an illustration of two heads of garlic

Trader Joe’s Garlic Dip goes well with vegetables.Kelsey Brown

This garlic dip is a classic Trader Joe’s item for a reason.

The aromatic spread is perfect to enhance a sandwich or on its own as a dip with crackers or vegetables.

Japanese-style fried rice has been my favorite frozen meal for years.

A hand holds a brown and orange bag with a green label and a photo of fried rice with edamame, tofu and carrots

Trader Joe’s Japanese-style fried rice is made with edamame, tofu and hijiki seaweed.Kelsey Brown

This Japanese-style meal is my favorite fried rice because it tastes like something you would have at a restaurant. Even before I was vegan, it was my go-to rice.

I particularly like the soft texture of the rice, balanced by the hijiki seaweed, tofu and edamame.

Trader Joe’s Vegan Spinach and Cashew Ravioli comes together in just minutes.

A green box of Trader Joe's Vegan Spinach Cashew Ravioli on a black shelf at Trader Joe's

I love the flavor of the creamy spinach and cashew filling.Kelsey Brown

I love how convenient all of Trader Joe’s prepackaged raviolis are, but the vegan version with Spinach and Cashews is top-notch.

The creamy cashew and spinach topping is delicious and pairs wonderfully with Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew and Basil Pesto. Just boil them for a few minutes and enjoy them however you like.

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