7 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods for Busy Days

7 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods for Busy Days

1 7 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods for Busy Days

Trader Joe’s is full of frozen food gems that make life easier when you’re too busy to cook from scratch. Some of them are surprisingly delicious and can be ready in minutes with just an oven or microwave. Here are 7 of my top picks you can rely on when time is short.

Prices may vary by location—New York City tends to be slightly higher than other areas.!

1. Trader Joe’s Vietnamese Pho (Beef Noodle Soup) ★★☆☆☆

Alt="A picture of the Vietnam pho package at Trader Joes"

Found in the Asian section, this frozen pho comes with noodles and beef already included. The broth is light but flavorful. The noodles are on the softer side, so toppings like bean sprouts, scallions, or lime juice make it more satisfying. Great for a quick lunch when you don’t have time for takeout.

Alt="A picture of the Vietnam pho cooked and it looks not tasty"

2. Mini Frozen Pizzas (Plain & Peperoncino) ★★★★☆

Alt="A picture of Banbino pepperoni pizza package at Trader Joes"

Alt="A picture of Banbino formaggio pizza package find at Trader Joes"

These square mini pizzas are a freezer staple. Each box comes with four pizzas, and they bake in about 15 minutes. The Peperoncino version has a little extra kick and is my favorite. They’re perfect for busy workdays—you can get things done while the oven does the work.

Alt="A cooke Banbino pepperoni pizza. It looks small and easy to eat"

3. Potato Patties ★★★☆☆

Alt="A picture of Potato pancake found at Trader Joes"

These look a bit unusual—almost like Japanese “hanpen”—but they’re tasty. Made from potatoes, they’re vegetarian-friendly and versatile. Try them with soy sauce, ketchup, or your favorite dip. Just be sure to serve with soup or a drink since they can feel a little dry.

Alt="A picture of cooked Potato pancake and a seaweed soup on the side "

4. Breaded Fish Nuggets ★★★★☆

Alt="A picture of the package of fish nuggets found at Trader Joes"

Crispy and satisfying, these frozen fish fillets cook in about 15 minutes in the oven. Great for lunch boxes, snacks, or quick dinners when you’re craving something fried but don’t want to deep-fry at home.

5. Japanese-Style Fried Rice with Hijiki ★★★★

Alt="A picture of the packageJapanese-Style Fried Rice with Hijiki found at Trader Joes"

This fried rice is packed with hijiki seaweed, edamame, and carrots. It’s seasoned well and makes a healthy base for a quick meal. Pair it with a boiled egg or miso soup for a balanced lunch.

6. Korean Pancakes (Vegetable Pajeon) ★★★★

Alt="The package of fish nuggets found at Trader Joes"

A long-time Trader Joe’s favorite, these savory Korean pancakes are crispy and full of flavor, especially with plenty of scallions inside. Bake at 400°F for about 5 minutes, or a little longer if you like extra crunch. They make a great snack or appetizer.

Alt="The cooked Korean Pancake on a cute plate. It looks crispy"

7. Korean Beef Bulgogi ★★★★★

Alt="The package of Korean pancake found at Trader Joes"

Price: $12.99 –

This was a pleasant surprise to find at Trader Joe’s! The flavor is authentic and rich, just like Korean BBQ. The portion is generous—enough for two meals. Perfect for a stress-free dinner after work: just bake it in the oven and pair with lettuce wraps or kimchi for a complete meal.

Alt="Grilled Korean BBQ ready to eat picture"

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s frozen foods can be a lifesaver when you’re busy. Some are instant favorites, others are just “okay,” but they all help cut down cooking time. Keep a few of these in your freezer and you’ll always have a backup plan for hectic days.