Trader Joe's Whole30 On A Budget - Paleo Gluten Free (2024)

Paleo Gluten Free Eats Team

X

We need your help!

This site and certain third parties would like to set cookies and access and collect data to provide you with personalized content and advertisem*nts.

If you would like this personalized experience, simply click accept. If you would like to opt-out of this data collection, please click "decline" to continue without personalization.

This is my whole30 shopping trip to Trader Joe’s on a budget. This week’s meal plan, prices, shopping list, and brands I shopped for. Easy, accessible, and healthy!

Budget friendly whole30meal plan at trader joe’s

Ughhhh… Just moving out. And buying food. It can be stressful!! I realized I’m eating like half what I ate at home just so I can save money (okay, maybe not half ;). But still!!! I am sorry if you are offended because I am talking about money on the blog today, but I think this could be super helpful for you, so keep reading 🙂 .

This goes out to all my college friends out there 🙂 Hahaha. #budgetbutwanttobehealthy

Today I shopped for groceries at Trader Joe’s. This is what I picked up + how much it cost me + what I am going to make with it!

  • Frozen cod pieces (enough for 4-6 meals!) $4.75
  • Organic chicken breast (3 large breasts) $13.84
  • Ripe avocados (3) $5.37
  • Bagged avocados (4) $3.79
  • Plantain chips $1.69
  • Raw green beans $2.99
  • Canned wild salmon (boneless and skinless) $2.99

pin it for later!
Tips + what I took away from this shopping trip

First of all, canned salmon is expensive!! And I eat it regularly, so… yea

Also, Green beans are a great budget friendly snack! I got a large bag for $2.99. That should last me around five days.

Number three: Be prepared! I forgotmy list and meal plan with me, so I was a bit at a loss when it came to remembering what I had to purchase. But I eventually figured it out and didn’t buy ANYTHING I didn’t need (key people! key.) Oh, I also bought lunch for on the go, because I knew I was going to be working from a coffee shopand walking around town. So lunch was a must.

Lunch on the go was:

  • 2 pieces Applegate roasted turkey breast
  • handful of plantain chips
  • handful of fresh green beans
  • 1/2 avocado sprinkled with sea salt
  • Plus a steamed milk from Woods Coffee, because when working… yea.

Oh! Another tip I forgot to mention about this shopping trip: bring my recyclable grocery bag!!! Because here in Bellingham you have to pay for paper bags, so bringing along a grocery bag helps out… like 5 cents. 😂😂

What I am going to make

So, with these finds I am going to make up some yummy whole30 recipes!

Salmon-With the salmon I am planning on mixing it up with mayo, green onions, and bell pepper. Then stuffing avocado halves with it! Lunch. Check! Update: here’s the recipe!

Chicken- I am planning on making shredded chicken salad lettuce wraps with the organic chicken breast. Simply roast the chicken breast then shred, add mayo, apple chunks or grape halves, then some fresh cracked pepper, sea salt, and chopped celery. Yummm. All of that wrapped up in a lettuce leaf will do just fine 🙂 .

Cod- That fresh cod is going to make some mean spicy fish tacos!!!!

Avocados-Makin me some baked avo egg boats!

Green beans and plantains are for snacking.

Stay tuned for ALL THESE RECIPES! I can’t wait to share the whole process and recipes on the blog later this week. Stay in the loop and make sure you get these recipes by signing up for my email list (this is the only way you are guaranteed to get the recipes 😉

other recipes you can make withthese ingredients

Zesty herb salmon burgers with lemon asparagus and tzatzikisauce

Creamy avocado pesto zucchini noodles

Greek chicken salad

Homemadecrispy plantain chips

Also, I am planning on adding other ingredients I already had in the fridge to these items to make up my complete week’s meal plan. The main ingredientsI already had were- eggs, lettuce, mayo, red peppers, and sweet potatoes.

Lastly, I would love to hear what you thought of this post, because I would like to know if you guys are interested in me doing more like this…?? I am thinking of including recipes and weekly meal plans/shopping lists. Thoughts? THANK YOU! xx

Trader Joe's Whole30 On A Budget - Paleo Gluten Free (2024)

FAQs

Trader Joe's Whole30 On A Budget - Paleo Gluten Free? ›

Whole30/Trader Joe's FAQ's:

Cauliflower gnocchi is not totally in the spirit of Whole30 because it's a recreation of pasta, but they are technically compliant. Is Trader Joe's pesto whole30? Trader Joe's Vegan Cashew Kale Pesto is compliant! It's one of our favorite pestos.

Is Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi Whole30 approved? ›

Whole30/Trader Joe's FAQ's:

Cauliflower gnocchi is not totally in the spirit of Whole30 because it's a recreation of pasta, but they are technically compliant. Is Trader Joe's pesto whole30? Trader Joe's Vegan Cashew Kale Pesto is compliant! It's one of our favorite pestos.

Is Trader Joe's everything bagel seasoning Whole30? ›

A few other of my fave Trader Joe's staples during a Whole30 include their spice blends, of course the “everything but the bagel” seasoning, along with the seasoning salt! I used to love Lowry's, but since that's out, this seasoning salt makes up for it!

Is Trader Joe's coconut aminos Whole30? ›

Organic Coconut Aminos

Another exception to the rules, here. The Whole30 allows coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. Use it with cauliflower rice to make a Whole30-compliant fried rice for a meal just as flavorful as your go-to take-out spot.

Is Trader Joe's chicken sausage Whole30 compliant? ›

Remember, any meat without ingredients is Whole30 compliant. At Trader Joe's, they have lots of options for this. They also have a few options that I consider great finds! They have two chicken sausages: Spicy Italian, which are pre-cooked, and Sundried Tomato, which are not.

Does Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi have gluten? ›

TJ's cauliflower version is gluten-free, like most gnocchi varieties, but it's also egg-free, making it uber allergy-friendly. TJ's cauliflower gnocchi is popular for its versatility, pleasant taste and texture, and convenience.

Is Trader Joe's cauliflower gluten-free? ›

These Cauliflower Slims could be a good option for someone who has an intolerance or allergy to gluten, or for someone aiming to eat a more low-carb diet, Ball says.

Are dill pickles Whole30 compliant? ›

Yes, both pickles and bananas are allowed on Whole30. Yet if they are a potential trigger food for you (for instance, the sweetness of bananas sets off a craving for other treats or makes you want to binge on the fruit), then you may consider including them on your “don't eat” list.

Can you eat cauliflower crust on Whole30? ›

If you want to make a pizza with an alternative flour or cauliflower crust, that's cool—but make sure to wait until your Whole30 is over!

Are rice noodles Whole30? ›

Grains are off limits on Whole30, meaning no rice, quinoa, oats, or pasta of any kind. These seaweed-based noodles are an excellent replacement for the grains we craved. Note: you do need to soften kelp noodles before enjoying in your favorite recipe.

Can you eat Chick-Fil-A on Whole30? ›

Chick-fil-A

They're off-limits because they contain ingredients like cornstarch, molasses, and soybean oil. Even the fruit cups contain added sugar, and the salads have ingredients like soybean oils and cornstarch.

What is Whole30 approved at Chick-Fil-A? ›

Whole30 at Chick-Fil-A

Stark says to make sure to order it without the bun and to say no to the lemon herb marinade or honey roasted barbecue sauce. You can keep the tomato and lettuce! “The market salad is probably the most solid option on the menu as it's composed mostly of lean protein, fruits and veggies.

Are Trader Joe's plantain chips Whole30? ›

If you want to be totally strict and by the Whole30 book, you're not supposed to substitute compliant foods for snacking or as alternatives to, say, pasta or baked goods, either. For example, Trader Joe's has excellent compliant plantain chips, but on a by-the-book Whole30, you're supposed to sustain from them.

Are Chick Fil A grilled nuggets Whole30 compliant? ›

Although they offer plenty of grilled chicken items, the Chick-fil-A ingredient list for their grilled chicken nuggets and grilled chicken patties does not comply with Whole30.

Why is rotisserie chicken not Whole30 compliant? ›

It seems like a rotisserie chicken should be a simple, “clean” option, but most contain all sorts of additives that just aren't suitable on whole30.

What coffee creamer is Whole30 compliant? ›

Add a Whole30-compatible creamer.

One community favorite is nutpods, with unsweetened flavors ranging from French Vanilla to Toasted Marshmallow. Or try Bubs MCT Oil Powder, using an electric frother to combine—the longer you froth, the creamier it becomes.

Is cauliflower gnochi Whole30? ›

Cauliflower gnocchi is OUT for your Whole30–the only “noodles” allowed are those that are 100% vegetable, noodles in shape only (not texture, flavor, or taste). These are meant to recreate pasta very directly, so it falls under the SWYPO rules.” What is this? So rock it outside of your Whole30.

Can you eat gnocchi on Whole30? ›

Read your labels; if there is any form of alternative flour or starch used in the pasta, noodles, or gnocchi, it's out for your Whole30 elimination. 100% green or yellow pea protein, like this Whole30 Approved version from Sprout Living, is compatible with the Original Whole30.

What are Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi made from? ›

Gnocchi is one of my very favorite foods and traditionally it's a soft dough made from potatoes, flour and eggs that's cut into delicious little dumplings then boiled or pan-fried. Trader Joe's version trades potatoes for cauliflower, all-purpose flour (not GF) for cassava flour (GF), and egg for, well, no egg.

Is Trader Joe's cauli gnocchi healthy? ›

Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi Nutrition

Compared with traditional potato gnocchi, Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi shaves off almost 90 calories per cup (140 vs. 227) and has less than half the carbs (22 vs. 48) and 2 grams more fiber (6 grams).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6362

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.