10 Tasty Latin-Inspired Foods to Try from Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe's has a reputation for unique, healthy and tasty foods and every once in a while they add a Latin-inspired item that piques our interest
Image: traderjoes.com
With more than 500 locations across the U.S., it’s likely you’ve at least seen one if not walked the aisles grabbing some of their most popular items like cauliflower gnocchi and Everything but the Bagel seasoning, and maybe also a bouquet for yourself. Since it’s Latinx Heritage Month we wanted to highlight some of the foods that they’ve added that represent our cultura and likely are made up of healthy ingredients, in true Trader Joe’s fashion. Read on to learn about 10 Latin-inspired foods you might want to throw in your cart during your next Trader Joe’s haul. wp_*posts
Pumpkin Empanadas
Your Instagram feed is probably flooded with pumpkin related anything: coffee, food, candles. Trader Joes has decided to jump on the pumpkin wagon with pumpkin empanadas. Empanadas are very popular throughout all of Latin America and you can fill them with meat and cheese or make them sweet for a nice dessert. These particular empanadas are sweet with a bit of a kick with flavors like clove, cinnamon, and ginger.
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Everything But The Elote Seasoning
If you haven’t tried the Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend from Trader Joes, we suggest you get on that ASAP but be warned it’s addictive. You can put it on anything: popcorn, dips and salsas, pancakes. Yes, we said pancakes. Trader Joes created an elote-jalapeño cornbread pancake and while that’s a lot of words we never imagined would be stringed together, we’re definitely curious. Though nothing compares to your local elotero, this might be a good alternative for when that craving hits with spices including chile pepper, cheese, chipotle, and cumin.
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Spicy Cheese Crunchies
Hot Cheetos are irreplaceable and a staple in many Latinx households but it’s also worth giving these baked crunchies a try. Trader Joe’s version has 40 fewer calories, 4 grams less fat, 40 milligrams less sodium, and an extra gram of protein per serving. It also uses natural spices such as paprika and turmeric because it’s Trader Joe’s.
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Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl
The Cuban Style Citrus Garlic Bowl has Cuban staple: rice, beans, plantains. This bowl is so tasty and easy to make, you can take it to work for lunch or a quick-and-easy dinner. Inspired by the vibrant culture and flavors of Cuba, this bowl is filled with red bell peppers and tumeric to give it that pop of color and variety in textures.
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Mexican Style Roasted Corn
This Mexican Style Roasted Corn is equivalent to the elotero man’s corn in a cup. The meal includes a savory citrus-and-garlic infused mojo criollo sauce plus turmeric rice, and chunks of plantains and beans. If you’re craving a quick and easy meal that’s also a comfort food, this is your dish!
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Mexican Style Riced Cauliflower
Just about every Latin meal has a side of rice and with cauliflower rice rising in popularity, they made a Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower. With a blend of cumin, cayenne, jalapeños, bell peppers, tomatoes, and lime this dish is a flavorful and low carb alternative for your favorite meals that feature arroz. Top it with your preferred protein for a burrito bowl or eat it as is if you want something light and tasty.
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Organic Thick and Chunky Salsa
You know when you go to a restaurant serving Latin American fare chances are you’ll get several salsa options like pico de gallo, aji verde, and tomatillo salsa to name a few. This salsa is made with big chunks of tomato, onions, jalapeños, and garlic and has just the right amount of heat. They suggest adding it to chicken for a slow-cooker meal so it’s more than just a snack option.
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Everything And the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip
This Everything and the Elote Greek Style Yogurt Dip takes the spice and turns it into a dip for a versatile option that is perfect with tortillas and veggies. The yogurt is infused with garlic, parmesan, chipotle, and sweet corn and it’s also a tasty option for wraps and sandwiches to easily add a lot of flavor.
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Mexican Style Corn & Quinoa Salad
They clearly can’t get enough elote, but what’s not to love? Corn smothered in mayonnaise and cheese, yum! But okay, we want to be a little healthier so we opt for the Mexican Style Corn and Quinoa Salad from Trader Joes. It’s got all the incredible flavors of an elote but with grains and antioxidants such as kale, quinoa, brown rice, and tomatoes. Top it off with their poblano cilantro dressing to make it complete.
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Spicy Porkless Plant-Based Snack Rinds
Chicharrones are another go-to snack for many Latinx and these chips are actually one of their top selling items and for good reason. Instead of questioning how a plant-based chicharrones alternative replace the original we suggest you try these with an open mind. They’re made of rice meal, pea protein, and pea flour and seasoned with paprika, cayenne, and a bit of habanero pepper powder so the flavor is there and they’re vegan and gluten free. Give it a try – it’s popular for a reason!
