5 Cheap Trader Joe’s Lunches If You’re Trying To Eat Out Less
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
The bad news? Restaurant lunches can seriously set you back these days. The good news? Our handy neighborhood Trader Joe’s can get you fed for under $6 with minimal cooking required!
These five lunches use frozen items, precooked proteins and ready-to-eat ingredients that come together in mere minutes.
Falafel Bowl With Rice and Hummus
- Cost: Around $4.50 per serving
Trader Joe’s frozen falafel costs between $3.49 and $4.99 per package with 10 to 12 pieces. Combine it with frozen brown rice, any hummus flavor and fresh cucumbers for a Mediterranean lunch bowl.
Air fry the falafel at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until crispy. Microwave the rice for two minutes. Layer rice, falafel, hummus and sliced cucumbers in a container. Add tomatoes or pickled onions if you want extra flavor.
Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry
- Cost: Around $5 per serving
Trader Joe’s organic baked teriyaki tofu comes premarinated and fully cooked (and fully delicious!). Pair it with frozen stir-fry vegetables and frozen brown rice for a complete lunch.
Heat the stir-fry vegetables in a pan for six minutes. Cut the tofu into cubes and add it to the pan for the last two minutes. Microwave rice separately. Combine everything in a bowl and add soy sauce if needed.
Butter Chicken With Basmati Rice
- Cost: $4.49 per serving
This frozen meal won Trader Joe’s 2026 Customer Choice Awards for frozen dinners. The rice and chicken come covered in a tomato and onion sauce with garlic and ginger.
Microwave for 10 minutes and eat straight from the container. You could even add edamame to the bowl to boost protein and vegetables.
Mini Vegetable Samosa Lunch
- Cost: Around $4 per servingÂ
Trader Joe’s mini vegetable samosas come filled with peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils and onions wrapped in phyllo dough. Air fry them at 400 degrees for seven to eight minutes until crispy.
Pack four to five samosas with a side of hummus or cucumber salad. The samosas work cold or hot so you can eat them at room temperature if you don’t have access to a microwave. We’re getting hungry just typing this!
Korean Gochujang Rice Cakes
- Cost: Around $5 per servingÂ
Trader Joe’s Korean-inspired rice cakes come with spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. The soft rice cakes heat in the microwave in three minutes.
Add tofu, chicken or even the Trader Joe’s addictive Beefless Bulgogi for extra protein. The dish works as a standalone lunch or pairs with a small side salad.Â
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of March 24, 2026. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
More From GOBankingRates
