16 Trader Joe’s Meals That Are Cheaper Than Takeout (2024)

Save money and skip takeout. Instead of ordering out, make a menu of meals at home — courtesy of Trader Joe’s.

From savory Mexican-inspired options to spicy Asian selections, TJ’s has the global culinary creations you crave. Don’t worry about splurging on these high-quality foodie finds; you’ll save money with these ready-to-heat-and-eat meals and stop wasting money on takeout.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $7.99

Spice things up in the kitchen with this prepared refrigerated meal. The pre-cooked white meat chicken is smothered in Monterey Jack and Cojita cheese and topped with a tangy green chile sauce. For under $8, you’ll get four mildly spicy stuffed enchiladas.

Price: $7.99

This 18-ounce pack includes more than just chicken. The Greek-style meal includes orzo pasta mixed with spinach, kalamata olives, and rich feta cheese. Each pre-cooked entree serves two — for under $8.

Price: $5.49

Fill up with this hardy 16-ounce meal for two.

Trader Joe’s beef shepherd's pie is a classic made with creamy mashed potatoes, a variety of veggies, and savory gravy. You aren’t likely to find a similar stick-to-your-ribs takeout pie anywhere else for under $5.50.

Price: $4.99

Heat this microwavable pre-cooked vegan mix of beefless bulgogi, seasoned vegetables, and rice.

The Korean-inspired sphere of plant-based ingredients has just the right amount of sweetness, saltiness, and tangy taste. Make this a meal on its own, or create a combo with your favorite vegetarian recipe.

Price: $3.99

There’s a reason why Trader Joe’s Kimbap is a viral sensation. The seaweed-wrapped cooked rice roll is packed with perfectly seasoned tofu, sauteed greens, pickles, and root vegetables. Warm the frozen feast in the microwave. Eat it as-is, or cool it down first.

Price: $4.99

An all-time fan favorite, this Mandarin chicken meal is a true bargain at under $5. The sweet citrus sauce gives the crispy chicken bites a flavor you’ll crave. Add steamed rice or stir-fry veggies after you warm the frozen entree in the oven.

Price: $5.49

Feed your family for under $5.50. The lightly breaded fish crisp to the perfect crunch in the oven. If you’re in the mood for seafood, this one-pound box of sticks is a bargain buy to try tonight.

Price: $4.29

Are you a fan of the seasoned marinated chicken? But are you looking for a vegetarian version? Trader Joe’s has this aromatic option for a just-right price. And bonus, you’ll get fragrant cumin rice with this Indian meal.

Price: $3.79

Rice isn't always a side dish. This Japanese version has plenty of seasoned fried tofu, hijiki seaweed, and edamame — making it an ideal vegetarian dinner option.

The lightly salted soy flavor gives this popular pick a tangy taste. Microwave the frozen meal, heat, and serve, or warm the rice on the stove in a skillet.

Price: $3.99

This cheese-packed Indian entree is a veggie lover's delight. Made with plenty of healthy spinach and seasoned with curry and chili, this under-$4 frozen meal is full of spicy goodness.

Price: $3.49

Spicy sriracha meets seafood in this Trader Joe’s bargain buy. Unlike expensive takeout shrimp dishes, this ready-to-heat-and-serve frozen find is less than $3.50. The 11.3-ounce pack includes shrimp, Asian-style veggies, brown rice, and red rice.

Price: $2.99

Make breakfast with ease. Before you spend extra on a takeout egg entree, check out this Trader Joe’s quiche. A buttery crust holds an egg and Swiss cheese custard center. Chopped spinach, Button and Oyster mushrooms, and nutmeg add to the quality quiche’s tangy taste.

Price: $3.49

Turn your grilled cheese game up a notch with this Mexican-inspired meal. Each affordable box includes two mozzarella-filled golden corn griddle cakes, which are less than $2 per arepa. Heat in the oven or warm the ooey, gooey cakes on a skillet.

Price: $2.49

The Taiwanese green onion pancakes are a classic Trader Joe’s favorite. Each pack of this savory selection comes with five pre-cooked pancakes. All you need to do is heat and eat. Top the thin, crepe-like cakes with soy sauce or add a spicy sriracha.

Price: $5.99

Takeout pizza could cost two, three, or even four times the price of this deep-fried option.

Trader Joe’s “pizza fritta” is made by the brand’s Italian supplier in Naples. The authentic fried crust is topped with burrata, provolone, Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella, fresh pesto, and roasted garlic.

Price: $4.49

The deep-fried, flaky triangular pastry is a popular Indian restaurant menu option. Instead of paying for pricey takeout samosas, try the Trader Joe’s version. TJ’s packs this under-$5 meal with chicken, veggies, and spices.

Trader Joe’s has all the affordable lunch and dinner options you could ask for. Unlike pricey takeout from a restaurant, you won’t have to dip into your savings just to eat these prepared meals.

Along with mains and full meals, Trader Joe’s also offers low prices every day so you can save money on essentials. Whether you want to fill your freezer with frozen fruit or stock up on cereal, you can find everything you need while keeping your budget in check.