Winter can be especially tough on seniors living on a fixed income like Social Security. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s has plenty of high-quality private-label foods that are nutritious and won’t break the bank.
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For those who are retired and want to stock their kitchen before winter ends without going over their budget, these five Trader Joe’s items are worth buying.
Organic Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Price: $3.49
Nothing feels better than drinking a hot bowl of tomato soup on a chilly winter night (or even a cool spring day). The Trader Joe’s organic tomato and roasted red pepper soup costs under $4 for a carton and is shelf-stable, meaning you can keep several in the pantry without worrying about them going bad. It’s a velvety smooth concoction with a tasty tomato base. You can serve it as is, or add vegetables and beans to make it even heartier.
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Steamed Lentils
- Price: $3.29
If you want to maintain muscle mass and heart health in your golden years, make sure you’re eating enough protein-rich foods like lentils. These Trader Joe’s steamed lentils are vacuum-sealed and fully cooked. You can toss them into a salad or sauté them with some garlic and spinach.
Unexpected Cheddar Cheese
- Price: $3.99
The unexpected cheddar cheese has been a longtime cult favorite at Trader Joe’s. It’s a smooth, aged cheddar that unexpectedly crumbles like a fine Parmesan. Because the flavor is pretty sharp and complex, a little goes a long way. It is great to serve with crackers as an afternoon snack or when you don’t feel like cooking on those cold nights. As with most cheeses, you’ll want to let it breathe at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to serving.
Greek Chickpeas With Cumin and Parsley
- Price: $2.79
Canned goods are a senior’s best friend since they make meal prepping super easy, but these aren’t your average mushy beans. Marinated in oil, cumin and parsley, these chickpeas are a deconstructed version of the Mediterranean mezze mainstay. You can simply crack open the tin and eat them over rice or with a piece of toast.
Mandarin Orange Chicken
- Price: $5.49
Voted a “Customer Choice” favorite year after year, the Mandarin orange chicken at Trader Joe’s is a budget lifesaver. If you love juicy chicken in a crispy breading with a sweet and spicy orange sauce, you’ll enjoy this entree. This bag provides about four servings for just $5.49. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in an oven or air fryer.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Trader Joe’s Items Smart Seniors on Social Security Should Stock Up On Before Winter Ends
