24 Best Trader Joe's Frozen Food Under $5
Shopping at Trader Joe's comes with its own set of challenges if your goal is a well-rounded grocery haul. What's not difficult, however, is spotting countless items you'll want to toss straight into your cart. Whether it's easy meals, quick snacks or a decadent new dessert you've been eyeing, the popular neighborhood grocer does an incredible job making its best finds affordable and undeniably appetizing.
And it wouldn't be a discussion about Trader Joe's without including the frozen food aisle. It's here that your quick snack and easy meal dreams come to life, with an array of worldly flavors, nostalgic favorites and cozy comfort foods all in one place. In honor of the freezer aisle housing some of TJ's most popular creations, we've rounded up the best Trader Joe's frozen foods under $5 to help inspire your next grocery haul.
While we can't promise that you'll love every item on this list, we can say each one is either great on its own, easy to customize or more than worth its under-$5 price tag. Because when you're swimming in a sea of tempting freezer finds, it's always nice to have a little bit of direction to help land on your next go-to. Follow along to see which ones stand out and let us know what you'd add to the list.
Related: 31 Things You Should Always Buy at Trader Joe's (If You Can Find Them)
24 Best Trader Joe's Frozen Food Under $5
1. Sweet Potato Fries, $2.79
As a longtime fan of sweet potatoes, I rarely turn down an opportunity to indulge. One of those menu items that's just too hard to pass up at a restaurant and way too easy to recreate at home, sweet potato fries strike the perfect balance between crispy comfort food and a slightly better-for-you alternative to classic fries.
In the case of Trader Joe's Sweet Potato Fries, this $3 bag delivers when cooked properly. Made with golden-orange sweet potato spears, these fries are steam-blanched and par-fried before freezing to lock in flavor and color. The outside crisps up nicely when cooked in the air fryer or oven, while the inside stays creamy with a slight bite, making them a reliable pick for just about any meal.
2. Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches, $4.99
If you're anything like me, ice cream sandwiches are one of those desserts that never get old. And when I'm looking for a nostalgic mix of cookies and creamy ice cream, I know I can turn to Trader Joe's to satisfy my cravings.
Trader Joe's Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches live up to the name, delivering a near-perfect balance of texture and flavor for just $5. Sold in a four-count box, each sandwich features chewy chocolate chip cookies packed with creamy vanilla ice cream and rolled in mini chocolate chips, creating a soft, slightly crunchy bite that holds together well straight from the freezer.
Just beware, they're entirely too easy to eat, so you may need a little restraint unless you plan on finishing the whole box in one sitting.
3. Jumeokbap, $4.99
Whenever I step into Trader Joe's, I'm usually scanning for something new I've seen floating around online. That's exactly how I stumbled upon Jumeokbap, a Korean-inspired rice snack that quickly took the internet by storm.
Sold as three individually wrapped rice rectangles filled with plant-based bulgogi and seasoned vegetables, Trader Joe's Jumeokbap can be heated and ready to eat in just a couple of minutes in the microwave. At $4.99, it's an easy grab for a quick snack reminiscent of classic onigiri. It's also a great addition to a light lunch or even a low-effort dinner, with a soft, savory bite that works just as well on its own as it does with a dipping sauce or side.
Related: The 15 Best Korean Groceries to Buy at Trader Joe's, According to a Korean-American Recipe Developer
4. Strawberry Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones, $3.99
Available in a variety of flavors and perfect for a quick snack, saying no to any one of Trader Joe's Hold the Cone! offerings are a seriously difficult decision to make. And while I've never been the biggest champion of strawberry ice cream, it's Trader Joe's Strawberry Hold the Cone! that brought this wonderful flavor to the top of my list for its subtle sweetness and elevated bite.
Trader Joe's Strawberry Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones take the classic bite-sized treat and give it a fruity twist, with each mini cone lined with a chocolatey coating and filled with strawberry ice cream made with real purée. They're finished with a chocolate-dipped top for a balanced, slightly crunchy bite that's entirely too satisfying not to indulge.
At just under $5, they're an easy dessert to keep on hand, whether you're serving a group or just looking for a quick sweet treat that won't totally derail your routine.
5. Hashbrowns, $2.99
A no-brainer pickup, no matter where you're shopping, hashbrowns of all shapes and sizes are always a top priority when I'm stocking up on grocery staples. Perfect as a quick addition to breakfast, a midday snack or even a late-night bite, hashbrown patties are a truly elite food that Trader Joe's has more than dialed in.
Sold in a 22.5-ounce box with 10 patties for just $2.99, Trader Joe's Hashbrowns are made with real Idaho-grown potatoes and are fully cooked, ready to heat in a skillet or bake in the oven. I personally like to pile a patty onto a homemade breakfast sandwich in the morning, or for a quick snack, toss them in the toaster oven, sprinkle with sea salt and dip in ketchup. You can also get creative, break them apart and mix them into scrambled eggs or enjoy them on the side of a larger breakfast spread.
6. Tandoori Naan, $2.99
What makes bread so special is its rich place in food cultures around the world. As one of the simplest forms of sustenance, it can be transformed in countless ways, and naan is a perfect example of that versatility.
Trader Joe's Tandoori Naan is a frozen Indian-style flatbread made with unbleached wheat flour, milk and yeast, designed to be kept frozen and heated straight from the package. Each 12-ounce bag includes four pieces of naan that are soft, chewy and lightly charred, with a texture that becomes warm and pillowy when baked in the oven or quickly heated in a skillet or toaster oven.
Best served warm, this is an easy freezer staple for pairing with curries and soups or for using as a base for wraps, flatbread pizzas or simple quick bites.
7. Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi, $3.69
What's not to love about cheese-stuffed potato pockets doused in tomato sauce? Nothing, that's what. But when you flip the script and put both cheese and sauce inside, you've got Trader Joe's Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi.
Sold in a 16-ounce bag for just $3.69, this frozen pasta-style dish is made with small potato gnocchi, rich tomato sauce and mozzarella. Designed to be cooked straight from frozen, it can be prepared in a skillet or microwave, resulting in a soft, pillowy bite with a savory, cheesy center. It works well as a quick main dish or side, and with a little extra sauce, veggies or garnishes, you've got the basis of a solid Italian-style dinner.
8. Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes, $2.49
One of the best $3 finds under the Trader Joe's roof, Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes have easily become one of my favorite grocery pickups. They're super easy to prepare, requiring just a little vegetable oil in a pan and a few minutes on each side over medium heat, resulting in a deliciously fluffy side that pairs well with a wide range of Asian-style cuisine and beyond.
Each bag comes with five frozen Taiwanese Green Onion Pancakes, made from layers of dough and chopped green onions. With a flaky, crispy exterior and chewy interior once cooked, they come pre-formed and ready to heat. Serve on the side with a vegetable stir-fry, use for dipping sauces, pair with eggs or incorporate into a variety of quick, tasty meals.
9. Fancy Berry Medley, $4.49
Every freezer needs a solid selection of frozen fruit. Whether it's an easy way to keep produce from going bad too quickly or simply a matter of convenience, frozen fruit comes in handy in a wide range of scenarios.
In the case of Trader Joe's Fancy Berry Medley, this easy-to-grab $5 bag is packed with an assortment of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Perfect for blending into smoothies, thawing and mixing into a fresh breakfast spread or enjoying straight from the freezer as a quick snack, this versatile bag is an easy addition to any well-rounded grocery haul. While you can often find a fresh version of this mix in the produce section, there's no beating the convenience and price point of the frozen offering.
10. Extra Fine French Green Beans, $2.49
One of the earliest vegetables I remember enjoying as a kid, green beans have always held a special place in my heart. They can be entirely too bland or cooked to perfection, depending on how much effort you put in, and there are plenty of easy ways to upgrade a good batch. That said, it's the texture and firmness that really determine whether they hit the mark.
Trader Joe's Extra Fine French Green Beans easily hold up as a solid frozen veggie worth tossing in your basket. Known for their thinner, more delicate shape compared to standard green beans, they're blanched and flash-frozen to help preserve their bright color and fresh-picked texture, then packaged in a bag that goes straight from freezer to pan or a steam basket.
When cooked, they turn tender with a light snap and a clean, mild flavor, making them an easy side dish that pairs well with everything from simple weeknight meals to more elevated dinners alike.
11. Asian Style Vegetables with Stir Fry Sauce, $3.99
As a big proponent of frozen veggies, I rarely turn down an intriguing Trader Joe's variety. When I first brought home TJ's Asian Style Vegetables with Stir Fry Sauce, I had my concerns, since not every stir-fry bag turns out the way you imagine. However, it quickly became an item I'd seek out on repeat trips for its affordable price point, depth of flavor and ease of use.
Sold in a 16-ounce bag for $3.99, this stir fry features a colorful mix of vegetables, including snap peas, broccoli, green beans, carrots, bell peppers, baby corn, water chestnuts and mushrooms, paired with a separate soy-based sauce packet you add at the end. The vegetables cook quickly while staying crisp and bright, and the sauce brings everything together with a savory, lightly sweet finish. It works well as a simple side over rice or noodles, but can easily be turned into a more complete meal with your favorite protein.
12. Teeny Tiny Maple Butter Tarts, $4.49
There's just something about bite-sized desserts that makes them dangerously easy to love, and Trader Joe's Teeny Tiny Maple Butter Tarts are no exception. These limited-time treats are typically available only during fall and winter, delivering all the cozy, maple-forward flavor you'd expect from a classic butter tart in a perfectly snackable form.
Sold in a box of 12 for just $4.49, each tart features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a rich maple syrup mixture that turns gooey and caramel-like once warmed. They're designed to be heated in just a few minutes in the oven or air fryer, making them an easy dessert to serve after dinner, bring out for guests or keep on hand for a quick sweet fix. Small in size but big in flavor, if you blink, they'll disappear faster than you expect.
13. Morning Buns, $4.99
Every so often, Trader Joe's drops a frozen bake-at-home treat that feels like something straight from a bakery, and Morning Buns are exactly that kind of find. Flaky, buttery and lightly sweet with a signature cinnamon aroma, they strike a satisfying balance of sticky, sugary and indulgent while still being surprisingly easy to make.
Sold in a box of four for just under $5, Trader Joe's Morning Buns are made with laminated croissant-style dough that you proof overnight, then bake into golden, layered pastries with a soft, pull-apart interior. The cinnamon-sugar filling melts into a light, caramelized base as they bake, while a hint of orange zest adds a subtle brightness that keeps them from feeling too heavy.
Best enjoyed straight out of the oven, this sticky treat works just as well as a slow weekend breakfast centerpiece as it does a quick grab-and-go snack with coffee.
Related: The Brazilian Way To Make Coffee 10x Better
14. English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich, $4.99
In my opinion, there's no turning down a good breakfast sandwich. And while I'll always prefer one of a homemade variety, when it comes to quick and easy options, Trader Joe's English Muffin Breakfast Sandwiches easily hit the spot. It also doesn't hurt that they bear a striking resemblance to a McDonald's Egg McMuffin.
Sold in a box of two for just $4.99, each sandwich features a toasted-style English muffin layered with a pork sausage patty, scrambled egg and cheddar cheese. Designed to be heated straight from frozen in either the microwave or air fryer, they come out soft and hearty with a slightly crisp exterior and a warm, melty center.
While they're quick enough for busy mornings, they also work just as well as a midday or late-night bite when you want something filling without putting in much effort.
15. Crustless Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwiches, $3.79
When it comes to nostalgic childhood snacks, it doesn't get much better than the famed Uncrustables sandwiches. And even though the fan-favorite brand has had a stranglehold on the market for decades, Trader Joe's has quietly slipped in a reliable alternative that offers simpler ingredients with the same recognizable flavor and shape.
Sold in a box of four for $3.79, Trader Joe's Crustless Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwiches are a frozen, ready-to-eat snack made with soft white bread, salted peanut butter and strawberry jam. Sealed and crustless in a familiar round-style format, these sandwiches are designed to be thawed before eating, whether sitting in the fridge or at room temperature until they reach a soft, chewy texture that closely resembles a classic PB&J. Convenient, portable and easy to keep stocked in the freezer, this is an ideal grab-and-go snack, simple lunch option or nostalgic bite whenever the craving hits.
16. Spicy Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta, $4.79
I'm always on the lookout for something easy to make that is a full meal without the need for too much upgrading. Trader Joe's Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta perfectly fits that mold and quickly became a new favorite of mine after trying it for the first time this year.
Sold in a 16-ounce bag for $4.79, this Korean-Italian-inspired pasta comes together in minutes, whether cooked on the stovetop or in the microwave. As it heats, the frozen sauce pucks melt into a smooth, creamy coating that clings to the large spiral noodles, giving every bite a hearty, satisfying texture. This dish works perfectly on its own as a standalone meal, but can easily be leveled up with add-ins like vegetables or protein, or garnishes like Parmesan cheese and chili crisp, for a more filling dinner.
17. Rigatoni alla Contadina, $4.49
In terms of easy freezer comfort meals that come together in minutes, Trader Joe's has a pretty solid track record of turning a simple bag of pasta into a full dinner with minimal effort. Rigatoni alla Contadina has long been a favorite of mine, something I grab literally every time I stop in for essentials. While it's not currently listed on TJ's website, don't let that deter you; I consistently find it in stock no matter the season.
Sold in a 16-ounce bag, it comes with frozen sauce pucks and a blend of asparagus, broccoli and green peas. As it cooks, the pucks break down into a rich, creamy sauce while the pasta stays pleasantly al dente, giving each bite a balanced mix of pasta, vegetables and creaminess. It works best as a quick, standalone meal, but can easily be bulked up with grilled chicken, black pepper and a dusting of Parmesan cheese.
18. Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese, $3.49
Clinging to a very special place in my heart, mac and cheese will forever be my go-to comfort meal. And while Trader Joe's is no stranger to a good mac and cheese concoction, I've found a new favorite in the grocer's Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese.
Available in a 12-ounce portion for just under $4, this cheesy freezer staple heats fast, with a sauce that becomes smooth and velvety, coating the pasta evenly while bits of chile melt into the cheese. With a subtle spice in every bite, this one is perfect as a quick lunch, an after-school meal or an easy dinner on its own. It can also be upgraded with added protein, extra cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce for even more heat.
19. 3 Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Pasta, $3.79
Growing up, my mom would make artichoke dip, which was my first introduction to the super versatile vegetable. I couldn't get enough of her dip's rich flavor and creamy base, which is exactly what had me interested in the prospect of Trader Joe's 3 Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Pasta.
Made with orecchiette-style pasta and a creamy blend of Swiss, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, along with spinach and artichoke pieces throughout, this $4 freezer find truly knocks it out of the park. Its rich, creamy coating, al dente pasta and hearty, savory vegetables make it a worthy repeat purchase, one that doesn't take up too much space in the freezer either.
Designed to heat quickly in the oven or microwave, it works well as an easy meal for one or as a side dish for a larger spread.
20. Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings, $3.49
I'm never one to turn down soup dumplings, and Trader Joe's consistently delivers a variety of frozen offerings worth trying. Admittedly, I'll always recommend friends try their local Chinese restaurant when looking for freshly made soup dumplings, but if you're looking for something that can live in your freezer until you're ready to eat, TJ's does not disappoint.
Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings are a frozen, microwaveable take on classic Chinese xiao long bao-style dumplings, filled with seasoned chicken and a small amount of savory broth that turns soupy as they steam. They come in a tray of individually portioned dumplings designed to be cooked straight from frozen in just a couple of minutes, making them an easy grab for a quick snack, light lunch or simple appetizer.
Best enjoyed hot, they deliver a tender wrapper with a juicy, flavorful center, often paired with soy sauce or chili oil, or eaten as-is straight from the tray.
21. Kimbap, $3.99
At one time, a prized possession that shoppers would turn out in hordes to buy as many as they could at once, Trader Joe's Kimbap has a cult following for a good reason. Designed to be a quick snack that nearly serves as a small meal, this tasty Korean-inspired $4 freezer find is a must-try for anyone who loves sushi, as it's basically a larger, ready-to-eat version of a classic seaweed rice roll.
Trader Joe's Kimbap features sesame-seasoned rice, tofu and a mix of vegetables including burdock, carrot, spinach and pickled radish, all wrapped in a sheet of seaweed. Sold in an 8.11-ounce package for $3.99, it's designed to be heated in the microwave and comes pre-sliced into bite-sized pieces. Ready in just a couple of minutes, the result is a soft, slightly chewy roll with a savory, lightly seasoned flavor that's perfect as a quick snack, light lunch or freezer staple you reach for daily.
22. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers, $3.99
Trader Joe's Chicken Gyoza Potstickers have become one of my go-to freezer staples, especially after using them as the base for a viral dumpling bake that took the internet by storm late last year. While that recipe leans into a more elevated, saucy preparation, these potstickers are just as solid on their own when you want something quick, filling and low-effort straight from the freezer.
Available in a 16-ounce bag for $3.99, these are fully cooked dumplings filled with chicken, cabbage and onion, and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger powder. Meant to be heated from frozen in a skillet, steamer or microwave, I prefer pan-frying for best results, as the bottoms crisp up beautifully while the wrappers stay soft and chewy. Even better, they work well as a midday snack, an easy dinner or a base for a more creative meal, whether served with soy sauce or chili crisp or added to soups and stir-fry-style dishes.
23. Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice, $4.49
When I used to work in retail not far from a Trader Joe's store, Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice was a staple in my lunchtime rotation. You can never go wrong with tender chicken, creamy sauce and fluffy rice, which is why this classic dish hits the spot for most shoppers.
Trader Joe's Butter Chicken is an Indian-inspired frozen meal featuring tender chicken in a mild, creamy tomato-based curry sauce, served with basmati rice. Ready to eat in just a few minutes, it delivers a rich, savory flavor with a lightly spiced, buttery sauce that coats both the chicken and rice for an easy, complete meal. Simply keep it in the freezer between meals and pop it in the microwave for a few minutes when it's time to eat.
24. Handheld Chicken Pot Pies, $4.49
First of all, if Trader Joe's Handheld Chicken Pot Pies don't become a permanent offering, I might just have to start a protest. Whoever came up with the idea to take one of my personal favorite comfort foods and turn it into an on-the-go snack deserves an award. Take notes, Hot Pockets, if these were around when I was a kid, I would have lived on them.
Sold in a nine-ounce box with two pot pies inside for $4.49, Trader Joe's Handheld Chicken Pot Pies take the classic comfort food and turn it into portable, empanada-style pastry pockets. Each one features a flaky crust filled with a rich chicken pot pie mixture made with dark meat chicken, peas, carrots and potatoes, designed to stay thick, creamy and mess-free when you bite in.
You can heat them quickly in the oven, air fryer or microwave, with results that are warm, savory and satisfying, whether you're grabbing a quick lunch, snack or semi-light comfort dinner.
Up Next:
Related: The 12 Best Baked Goods To Buy at Trader Joe's (and 3 To Skip), According to a Superfan
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 3:25 AM.