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Review: Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala

June 10, 2019 //  by Di Hickman//  28 Comments

Trader Joe’s is a little treasure trove of vegan goodness. It seems like each week they have something new and exciting to try. One such gem of a staple on our grocery list is Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala. As huge fans of Indian cuisine this began as a once in while meal, to a menu staple. While I don’t advocate convenience foods on the regular. Wednesday night is my late night teaching yoga and when I get in late and just need SOMETHING to eat quickly. This is my go-to.

trader joe's vegan tikka masala

So let’s look at the nutritional stats real quick. At 430 calories for the whole container it’s not too bad calorie wise. There is a whopping 20g of protein too.And people ask me “where do you get your protein?”.

trader joe's vegan tikka masala
trader joe's vegan tikka masala

The package looks rather unappetizing, as most frozen meals do. But just 6 minutes in the microwave and you have a piping hot entree to rival any Indian restaurant at a fraction of the price.

Out the packing & onto the plate

Usually I pair mine with a bunch of broccoli or other green veggies so I can offset the 810 mg of sodium. My top tip for adding the veggies is to defrost the frozen veggies in the fridge during the day so they don’t take as long to cook. This is why menu planning is important!

The protein chunks are a combination of wheat gluten and soy. They are pretty good for a meat substitute. The coconut milk and cashews in the masala sauce makes it rich and flavorful providing all the taste with none of the cruelty.

trader joe's vegan tikka masala
tkka

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal then I highly recommend the Trader Joe’s Tandoori Garlic Naan. It’s in the bakery section (the frozen garlic naan isn’t vegan). My top tip is to freeze the bread, and pop one in the toaster while the Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala is in the microwave. Lovely warm naan to coordinate with the Tikka Masala! Don’t let the name fool you, this bread isn’t too spicy or garlicy, the flavors are subtle.

Trader Joe's Vegan Tikka Masala
trader joe's garlic naan

Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala – Review

Taste wise this Tikka Masala will remind you of all the flavors of India. It’s not too spicy, so is perfect for anyone not used to the tangy flavors of Indian cuisine. For me, I love it. It’s got the spices, flavor and creaminess I adore in masala sauces. The chunks aren’t too soft, or too chewy. They are the cinderella of meat substitutes! And the rice is perfectly soft and fluffy. At a total of 6 minutes cooking time is WAY quicker than it would take to cook it myself.

Trader Joe's Vegan Tikka Masala
Trader Joe's Vegan Tikka Masala

All in all, two big thumbs up from me. And a huge satisfied smile on my face. Seriously, I have this on menu plan rotation for Wednesday nights when I get home at 8.30pm from work. It’s a godsend! Quick, tasty, delicious and at under $4 so much cheaper than calling for take-out on the way home! Highly recommend.

Questions

  • Have you tried this dish from Trader Joe’s?
  • Are you a fan of Indian Cuisine?
  • Garlic or plain naan?
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Djebe Laws

    June 12, 2019 at 2:46 pm

    I have been preparing my shopping list for my biweekly trader Joe trip and i have something new to add to my list

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:11 am

      I’m spoiled in that TJ is literally on my way home from work 3 nights a week. if I forget anything I can pop in after work!

      Reply
  2. Tonya Morris

    June 12, 2019 at 10:22 am

    This looks SO good! I’ve been looking for some new grocery items to pick up at Trader Joe’s and I think I just found one!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:10 am

      Oooooh Tonya I could do a whole post on what to buy at TJ’s!

      Reply
  3. Christa

    June 11, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    I love the Trader Joe’s garlic naan but haven’t tried the vegan tikka masala yet. I’m going to pick it up next time I’m there!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:10 am

      The frozen naan? It’s delicious, but not vegan unfortunately so we stick with the fresh naan in the bakery section (also good, and WAYYY fluffier)

      Reply
  4. Neely Moldovan

    June 11, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    Oh gosh this sounds so good! I need to snag it next time Im there!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:09 am

      Try it and let me know how you like it!

      Reply
  5. aisasami

    June 11, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    This looks so delicious and I would try it if there was a Trader Joe’s in Japan. I love Indian cuisine! I tell my friends about this new product though!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:09 am

      Definitely do, if they are in the states Trader Joe’s has a lot of stores here.

      Reply
  6. NAti

    June 11, 2019 at 12:41 pm

    Wow, this meal looks so good I would never have guessed it was frozen meal by looking at the picture!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:08 am

      Thanks. Yeah it’s one meal that actually looks like the photo on the box LMAO!

      Reply
  7. Elizabeth O

    June 11, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    I’ve tried it and it’s not bad. I usually mix my sauces with fresh vegetables and that adds a layer of taste to the dish.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:08 am

      Yep. We’ve had it without veggies and it’s NOT the same. It NEEDS veggies IMO. Also the naan bread adds nice flavor to it also.

      Reply
  8. Holly

    June 11, 2019 at 7:40 am

    This looks delicious. I love Trader Joe’s. They have such a great selection of frozen meals.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:07 am

      They do! Honestly I do the bulk of my shopping there.

      Reply
  9. Joline

    June 11, 2019 at 4:53 am

    That looks delicious! I can get lost for hours just wandering the aisles at Trader Joes. There’s so much to discover. I’ll grab this next time we’re there.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:07 am

      Oh I agree. They pack so much in their stores! It’s full of hidden gems!

      Reply
  10. pooja Malkani

    June 11, 2019 at 2:30 am

    Frozen meals have been my choice and never hear of Trader Joe but would love to try it out. The meal looks amazing and mouth-watering

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:06 am

      Yep so many great options in the frozen aisles.

      Reply
  11. Karen Monica

    June 10, 2019 at 10:08 pm

    I love Indian cuisine but I have never tried a dish from Trader Joe’s. I must say that it looks very delicious.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:06 am

      Yep it’s a great quick and easy dish for times when you haven’t got anything prepared.

      Reply
  12. Stephanie

    June 10, 2019 at 6:55 pm

    I’ve never been to a Trader Joe’s before because there isn’t one close to us. This meal looks delicious, though, so I would definitely pick it up if I get a chance to get to a store.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:05 am

      Awww boo. Seriously it’s an amazing store!

      Reply
  13. Angela Tolsma

    June 10, 2019 at 6:13 pm

    I haven’t been to Trader Joes in forever, but they definitely have some of the best frozen meals out there. This one looks good!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:05 am

      Trader Joe’s is amazing. If we ever move they better have a store near us!

      Reply
  14. Dan

    June 10, 2019 at 3:23 pm

    Looks good. I am a big broccoli fan. My girlfriend is a big rice fan. This combines the best of both worlds!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 7, 2019 at 9:03 am

      Broccoli and rice are two of our favorites also!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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