The Top 10 Things You Should Know Before Buying Trader Joe‘s Quinoa in 2024
As an ancient grain that has gained immense popularity in recent years, quinoa offers a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits, from its high protein content to ample vitamins and minerals. With so many options now available across grocery stores, let‘s explore why Trader Joe‘s quinoa deserves a spot in your kitchen this year.
1. Trader Joe‘s Carefully Sources Both Organic White and Red Quinoa
Trader Joe‘s offers certified organic white and red quinoa grown by trusted suppliers. Compared to most competitors, TJ‘s discloses more details about where they source their quinoa from – currently that‘s growers in Ecuador and Peru. By sourcing fair trade quinoa, TJ‘s also supports growers‘ livelihoods in these regions. Both the organic white and red varieties sold at TJ‘s offer fluffy, tender grains once cooked that work well in everything from quinoa tabbouleh salads to breakfast bowls.
2. A Good Source of Complete, Plant-Based Protein
One serving of cooked quinoa (1/4 cup) contains over 4g of protein, supplying all essential amino acids needed in your diet. Quinoa is especially valued by vegetarians and vegans due to being a complete plant-based protein. Compared to white rice which offers only 2g of protein per 1/4 cooked cup, quinoa from TJ‘s is an easy way to add more meatless protein to your plates.
3. Packed with Fiber & Key Vitamins
In addition to its stellar protein quality and quantity, quinoa shines when it comes to its vitamin and mineral content:
| Nutrient | % Daily Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Manganese | 28% |
| Phosphorus | 16% |
| Fiber | 15% |
| Magnesium | 15% |
| Folate | 14% |
With almost 15% of your daily fiber needs per cooked cup, quinoa can help improve digestive health and lower cholesterol. It also promotes bone strength with its ample magnesium and manganese.
4. An Affordable, Long-Lasting Kitchen Staple
Currently priced at $3.49 per 18 oz bag, Trader Joe‘s organic quinoa offers exceptional value compared to alternatives that can cost $6 per pound or more elsewhere! And with a lengthy shelf life of up to 3 years in the pantry, TJ‘s quinoa lets you stock up without worrying about waste. Once cooked, it will also last easily 5 days refrigerated, or 2 months frozen for simple meal prepping.
5. Quick & Easy to Prepare
One of the easiest grains to prepare, quinoa cooks faster than rice – in just 15 minutes! Simply combine 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid on the stove top. After letting it rest for 5 minutes off the heat, it‘s ready to eat as a fluffy, delicious side. Trader Joe‘s pre-washed quinoa skips any rinsing step too, making it even more convenient.
6. Ideal for Gluten-Free & Plant-Based Eaters
With all of TJ‘s quinoa certified gluten-free and vegan, it appeals to many specialty diets. It provides a nutty, protein-packed alternative to rice or couscous for those avoiding gluten. And for plant-based eaters, it‘s one of the most complete meat substitutes available.
7. Found in Unique Quinoa Snacks Too
Beyond plain quinoa, TJ‘s carries innovative quinoa snacks like their Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers and Quinoa & Black Bean Infused Tortilla Chips. Made with chia and flaxseed too, their burgers supply a hearty 9g of protein each. And the tortilla chips pack in 4g of protein per serving – over double traditional chips!
8. Look for Their Pre-Made Quinoa Salads
For grab-and-go convenience, check Trader Joe‘s refrigerated section for their flavorful pre-made quinoa salads. Available in global flavors like Mexican Style, Greek Style and Moroccan Style, they supply an easy 7-11g of plant-based protein per container. TJ‘s pre-made salads highlight quinoa‘s versatility beyond just side dishes.
9. An Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Crop
Compared to water-intensive rice production, quinoa is adapted to thrive in arid climates needing far less irrigation. As a drought-resistant Chenopodium plant that grows quickly with less fertilizer required, quinoa yields 3-6 times more usable product per acre than true grains. This makes it an eco-winner!
10. Ethically Produced Under Fair Trade Standards
By focusing on fair trade suppliers who emphasize sustainable farming methods, Trader Joe‘s quinoa supports growers‘ livelihoods in Ecuador, Peru and beyond. TJ‘s grower partners actively work to enrich their communities too – ensuring quality of life for all involved in quinoa production.
As one of the most nutrient-dense and eco-friendly plant proteins available, quinoa available at Trader Joe‘s makes an excellent pantry staple for 2024 and beyond. Affordable, quick-cooking and full of dietary benefits, TJ‘s organic quinoa can elevate everything from salads to bowls to snacks in your weekly meal planning.
