Sometimes I forget that not everyone knows the same things I do. When one of my friends recently told me she was trying to make more plant based choices in her diet, she asked for a list of brands to look for while shopping. That question prompted my 15 meatless brands blog post. When I looked at my YouTube statistics recently I noticed my review of the Gardein Holiday Roast was one of my more popular recent videos. All I did was cook it on camera. This all got me thinking that I need to approach everything I consider ‘common knowledge’ as a future blog post. Or as Gary Vaynerchuk says “document don’t create”. So today begins the reinstatement of meatless food reviews and recipes! Starting with a review of the Trader Joe’s Meatless Meatballs.
Trader Joe’s Meatless Meatballs
When I was a kid one thing I loved was spaghetti and meatballs. Back then our meatballs came in a can with gravy. You can find so many meatless products now that pretty much just about anything meat based has a vegan alternative. Meatballs are no exception. Since being vegan I’ve tried a lot of different meatless meatballs but these from Trader Joe’s are pretty tasty so let’s dive in.
This bag of meatless meatballs is found in the freezer section of Trader Joe’s. Sometimes they are with the other meatless products, and other times they put them with the other meat based meatballs, so you might have to look around. I’m pretty sure they switch things around just to confuse me. Each bag costs around $3 and contains 5 servings. I LOVE the pic on the bag of the little mini sliders, cute!
Nutrition, Cost & Macros
One thing I liked about these is that for a mock meat they are relatively low in ingredients. This obviously is a processed food, but really by processed food standards this wasn’t too bad. A serving size is 6 pieces, which breaks down as:
- 140 calories
- 7g fat
- 7g carbs
- 14g protein.
For those counting macro’s the breakdown is 38% protein, 19% carbs and 43% Fat. This makes it a little high on the fat BUT think about the overall meal. You’re probably going to serve these over spaghetti and vegetables which will balance out the macros a little better. At around $2.99 for 5 servings the cost isn’t too bad either (that’s 60 c a serving).
Taste & Texture
So I can only really compare these to the meatballs I had as a child. I’ve not eaten meat for over 20 years. Having said that I really liked the taste and texture of these meatless meatballs from Trader Joe’s. When oven baked they do go a little drier than when microwaved so bear that in mind for the dish you’re creating. I personally LOVE that they are quick and easy to microwave. Just one minute, and done!
Spaghetti & Meatless Meatballs
As I said I LOVE that these are quick and easy to cook in the microwave and so the way I use them a lot is the traditional spaghetti and meatballs. This balances out the macro’s nicely. 99% of the time I serve mine on a mixed green salad to add a boost of micronutrients. Or I’ll just add a big serving of broccoli, green beans and spinach. If you’re feeling fancy add some vegan parmesan/mozzarella or boost the protein and B vitamins with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast.
Spaghetti Squash and Meatless Meatballs
If you are looking for a low calorie meal then switch out the spaghetti for spaghetti squash. If you’ve not tried spaghetti squash, you should. And soon! It’s amazing. It’s got a similar taste and texture to spaghetti but without the calories and with all the micronutrients. As you can see this is one of my favorite ways to have meatless meatballs.
Recently another favorite way to serve these has been in a meatless meatballs sub, or with vegan mac’n’cheese. As they cook quickly and have a decent macro breakdown. to which I can add extra carbs. I grab these a lot when I’m cooking at home. In all I was impressed with the Trader Joe’s meatless meatballs and would definitely recommend them.
Questions
- Have you tried any meatless meatballs?
- What meatless products would you like to see me review?
- Have you tried spaghetti squash?
Morning Routine: 5 steps to healthy habits
Ttrockwood
These are a freezer must have for me! I use a few broken up into crumbles for taco fillings, or cut in halves added to a soup, but most often just ontop of a big salad since i love hot/cold and soft/crunchy combos
Di Hickman
yep I’ve started getting a little more adventurous with them! I’ve actually been getting other brands and comparing them too. So many different brands doing ‘meat’balls now and they all have different subtle flavors
Gayl
My daughter told me about these too and I’m dying to try them! So glad that the options for vegans is improving.
Di Hickman
Agreed! There are so many exciting options available now!
Hollie
I make my own
Walnuts as base
Nutritional yeast
Chia egg
Seasonings
Di Hickman
Those sound good Hollie!
Pauline
I love Trader Joe’s and the meatless meatballs are one of my favorites!
Di Hickman
Trader Joes rocks!!!!
Karina Pacheco
Ahhhh!! We love Trader Joe’s and I can’t believe that it’s been almost a month that I haven’t shopped there. I need to go and find these meatless meatballs 🙂
Di Hickman
Yep LOVE Trader Joes. I like finding new things they have there.
Katriza
I need to try these, they look delicious and I have quite a few friends that don’t eat meat so now I will have something great to make them when they come over!
Di Hickman
For sure! Super easy to keep in the freezer and 1 minute microwave to steaming hot and ready to use!
Jennifer
I might be a little leary of trying a meatless meatball. I really do love my meat. However, you made them look extremely tasty!
Di Hickman
Taste just like meat honestly!
Amber Nelson
This looks interesting. Meatless meatballs? How could it be meatless? At any rate, I would be willing to give it a shot!
Di Hickman
Hey everything is available meatless these days!
Blythe Alpern
I love Trader Joes, but find some of their frozen or prepared items are hit or miss. I’ve skipped buy many of their meatless options because the ingredient list is either too long or filled with preservatives. I wish they would remove things like sugar and caramel coloring. I think I’ll opt for having my spaghetti squash with other options for now.
Di Hickman
For sure some things have a dictionary of ingredients. These though weren’t too bad. I find unless you’re making things from scratch it’s impossible to avoid added sugars etc these days,
CourtneyLynne
Omg can we say yum!!!! Next time I’m at Trader Joe’s I will have to grab a bag of meatballs!
Di Hickman
Definitely do, super useful as they cook so quick!
Rachel Catherine
There are some meatless products I really love. There are others I really hate. I’ll have to give these a try and see what camp they fall into.
Di Hickman
Oh it’s definitely hit and miss. These are hit for us though!
Jennifer (JenuineMom)
Mm, these looks really good! We love meatballs, and this is a great healthy alternative. Plus, Trader Joe’s rocks!
Di Hickman
trader Joes does rock!!!
Angela Ricardo
I love discovering and checking out new things. As a military wife who could barely handle her busy schedule I am truly glad I came across your post. They all look delicious plus healthy too! I will definitely try it out.
Di Hickman
Yep definitely part of a healthy meal plan!
Brittany
I love Trader Joe’s food! It’s all so tasty but you know it’s healthy too. I don’t have to worry about what my kids are eating. I know it’s good for them 🙂
Di Hickman
Well not everything at TJ is healthy, they sell cookies and candies lol!
jalisa
I’ve never had anything that was meatless but they sure do look like something I may be willing to try. For the price they also seem like something that is worth the price.
Di Hickman
Definitely worth it for the $$
Krystel | Planning The Magic
I’ve never tried any of these things but I do have a Trader Joes nearby. Would love to try some meatless meatballs.
Di Hickman
Check out their meatless section for a meatless monday meal!
Amie @ Busy Bliss
We don’t do meatless meals very often, but my kids love meatballs. I don’t even think they would know the difference with these meatless meatballs.
Di Hickman
It’s been 20+ years since I ate meat, but they taste similar to me!
Connie S.
I agree that these are very good and I truly doubt that your kids will notice any difference. 🙂
I like them best when I heat them right in the marinara sauce.
About the picture on the bag — they do make a very nice meatball slider! For these too, I like them heated right in the marinara sauce, and I like to put a small basil leaf (or a sprig of a few tiny leaves, the way they are pictured) inside each slider.
These were very good find for me.
Kristin
We have tried to have more meatless dinners at our house, so I definitely want to try these. My kiddo looooves meatballs!
Di Hickman
Meatless Mondays it s a great way to start.
Reesa Lewandowski
I need to pick this up for my brother who is a vegetarian! I can never pass up a trip to Trader Joe’s!
Di Hickman
Yep, hope he enjoys them!
Lydia
As much as I would love to try these, I don’t think I could eat a meatless meatball. I would keep on comparing them to a real meatball, lol! These look pretty good though
Di Hickman
It’s been 20+ years since I’ve eaten meat so I can’t really compare now. I always think it’s not about comparing but letting them stand alone as an alternative.
Heather
Yes! These are amazing! My mom has gotten them before. Unfortunately I don’t live anywhere near a Trader Joe’s – but I still cross my fingers one will get within driving distance soon 🙂
Di Hickman
Oh I hope so! Trader Joes rocks!
Theresa
Meatballs are the one thing I could never eat the vegetarian version of, on any occasion! I love the real thing.
Di Hickman
Good thing we all have options 🙂
Cara (@StylishGeek)
I had no idea that Trader Joe’s offered meatless meatballs. Love it! I am definitely going to my nearest branch and buy some! I love this! Thanks for your post and yummy recipe!
Di Hickman
You’re welcome! Trader Joes rocks!
Ashley @ Far Beyond Love
My husband (vegetarian) loves those! I cook them up in tomato sauce and serve them as meatball subs. In fact, we just had them for the superbowl last weekend. So good!
Di Hickman
Yep! I’ve had them in subs! Delicious!
Charlotte
You can’t beat a bit of spaghetti and meatballs! I love these as a healthier alternative as well. Thanks for including the macros too, makes my life easier!
Di Hickman
you’re welcome!!!
Debra Schroeder
Oh, meatless meatballs. They’d be perfect for meatless Monday. Looks like I’ll be stopping by Trader Joe’s…
Di Hickman
yes great for meatless mondays!
Dawn McAlexander
I do like meatless meatballs. I have tried them before and I liked them a lot. I haven’t had a chance to check out Trader Joe’s but this gives me a good reason to go there!
Di Hickman
Go try them Dawn! Tasty and quick!
Marisa
Oooh! I never heard of these but they look good! I’m sure that are super healthy! Thanks for sharing!
Di Hickman
Not super healthy, a little high in fat but for sure with the pasta it balances out! Zero cholesterol!
Tabitha Shakespeare
These look just like regular meatballs! It’s great that they’re affordable and quick and easy to make!
Di Hickman
For sure! Quick and easy is my cooking style 😉
Brandi Puga
I really enjoy meat i must say, however i am interested to see how these taste! Your presentation was beautiful!
Di Hickman
Thanks Brandi!
Krystle Cook
These look like regular meatballs and so I would definitely have been fooled if you didn’t tell me. Looks good to me!
Di Hickman
For sure! Many of the products now look a little too much like the “real” thing!
Robin Rue
I have never tried meatless meatballs but they look interesting. I would definitely give them a go!
Di Hickman
They taste great I’d definitely recommend!
Courteney Noonan
These look so yummy! I love trying meat-free alternatives but I’ve never eaten meatless meatballs before. I’d love to try them 🙂
Di Hickman
meatless monday is a great chance to try them. So many options too
Ana
I love that they can be microwaved in 1 minute. Even if they get a bit dry you could plonk them in sauce!
Di Hickman
Honestly I’ve food microwaving to be the best option so they stay moist. Two thumbs up for taste and convenience!
HilLesha
I love Trader Joes! The closest one is over 100 miles away and I always try to stop by whenever I’m Louisville, Kentucky to see what new stuff they have. These meatless meatballs would be the perfect option for me since I’m a vegetarian!
Di Hickman
Oh man that sucks they are so far away! Good thing is they are frozen so you can stock up!
Debra
I would be willing to try these, I love trader joes and have loved everything I have tried there!
Di Hickman
I’ve only had two things so far I’ve not liked from Trader joes. But yes lots of hits!
Jessi
these actually look pretty good. I do eat meat, but I have a lot of friends who do not so I try to accommodate them when they come over for dinner.
Di Hickman
Really handy to have in the freezer for when your friends come over for sure!
Mandy Carter
I love spaghetti squash! And I have never been disappointed with a trader joes item so I am sure they are delicious.
Di Hickman
Oh I’ve been disappointed with a couple of things from Trader joes! The hot peppermint chocolate drink, and their vegan cheese are two memorable ones
CoCo
What a great alternative to traditional meatballs and love how you paired it with spaghetti squash! Such a healthy option!
Di Hickman
Love spaghetti squash for the days when I’m running close to my calorie goal!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I haven’t seen these! I love Trader Joe’s and all their yummy things. It’s wonderful how companies are branching out and creating tasty meatless creations.
Di Hickman
Meatless products are on the rise. 400% increase in the last year alone!
Janel
They certainly look like meatballs. If only they weren’t soy based I might be open to try them.
Di Hickman
Soy allergy? Try beyond meat, those are wheat based
karen
I have never tried meatless meatballs, but I do consume meat. I appreciate that there are these options for vegans or vegetarians. Especially when the cooking options and prep is so easy!
Di Hickman
Super easy! 1 minute in the microwave!