May 21, 2026 12:46 pm EDT
|

When my partner and I ended our engagement, I suddenly had to figure out how to grocery shop for one instead of two.

I already struggle with meal planning, and now that I’m single, I also have to be more intentional about portions, waste, and budget.

Luckily, Trader Joe’s has cured my grocery shopping stress thanks to its frozen foods, portion sizes, and grab-and-go meals. Plus, the store’s affordable prices have been a godsend during this new season of my life.

Here are nine Trader Joe’s staples that make cooking for one less of a headache.

Prices may vary by location.

Trader Joe’s selection of tinned seafood is perfect for hosting on a budget.

I never leave Trader Joe’s without at least two cans of white albacore tuna in water. It’s incredibly versatile and can be prepared with just about anything.

Whether I’m making a tuna and avocado flatbread or a tuna hand roll, this fish is my secret for low-effort, anti-inflammatory meals with minimal cleanup.

Another tinned seafood I love is Trader Joe’s lightly smoked mussels. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a quick and easy way to upgrade a snack board when hosting.

The pan-fried mini chicken-cilantro wontons are a game changer.

Trader Joe’s pan-fried mini chicken-cilantro wontons are my current lunchtime hyperfixation.

I’ve been a fan of these for years, but even more so now that I’m on my own, since the standard serving size is four pieces, which is perfect for me. Plus, they only take around 10 to 15 minutes to pan-fry.

I always keep Trader Joe’s cacio e pepe in my freezer.

Even though I sometimes forget that it’s hiding in the back of my freezer, the Trader Joe’s spaghetti cacio e pepe always ends up being a dinnertime lifesaver.

Whether I’ve had a late night at work or am just not in the mood for making dinner for myself, this frozen pasta — with its creamy sauce and black-pepper seasoning — is my go-to for a quick, delicious meal.

I love Trader Joe’s gyro slices.

I’m half Armenian, and try to stick to a Mediterranean diet, so lamb is one of my go-to sources of protein.

One of my favorite ways to eat lamb is in a gyro, and the Trader Joe’s frozen gyro slices make it so easy to enjoy.

I love to pair these beef and lamb slices with red onion, feta, and garlic-cucumber tzatziki dip, then combine them all into a sourdough pocket bread.

The sweet chili sauce brings flavor to any meal.

Although I’m normally not a fan of spice, I’ve been adding Trader Joe’s sweet chili sauce to just about everything.

Whether it’s leftover chicken, canned tuna, or even kimbap, this sauce adds the perfect amount of zest to every dish. And, this is coming from someone with a nearly nonexistent tolerance for spice, so you’ll just have to trust me.

Trader Joe’s reduced-fat mac and cheese is delicious.

If I were left alone with a box of mac and cheese, it’d be gone in about three seconds.

Luckily, Trader Joe’s reduced-fat mac and cheese, which has 45% less fat than the store’s regular version, helps me enjoy one of my favorite comfort foods in moderation without feeling deprived of my craving.

Plus, I don’t even need to boil any water and can just heat it up in the microwave.

The Unexpected cheddar is the perfect snack for one person.

I love Trader Joe’s Unexpected cheddar, and now that I’m shopping for one, the single-serve version has only deepened my appreciation for this product.

Pairing this cheese with Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel-seasoned crackers creates the perfect mid-day savory treat. However, it’s just as tasty on its own.

Trader Joe’s Atlantic salmon with lemon-herb butter is a single shopper’s dream.

In my opinion, nothing is more satisfying than an individually packaged single-serving item.

Not only is Trader Joe’s Atlantic salmon with lemon-herb butter delicious, but it’s also the perfect single serving, preventing excess waste or leftovers that are unlikely to be eaten again.

Another bonus: this salmon tastes like a restaurant-quality dinner, in the comfort of my own home, for only $6.

This pad see ew is proof that tofu can be great.

I love Thai food, and Trader Joe’s offers flavorful, convenient options I can enjoy without ordering takeout.

I particularly enjoy the store’s pad see ew, which is made with tofu.



Read the full article here

Share.
Leave A Reply

Exit mobile version