Top Trader Joe’s Picks for a College Student with a Microwave and a Budget
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The bustling shoppers. The crowded shelves. The employees that may or may not be flirting with you. Trader Joe's can be a little overwhelming. But, their low prices and tasty meals are hard to resist. When I used to go with my mom, I would follow her every move as she expertly navigated the aisles. However, as a college student, the time will come when you have to face Trader Joe's on your own. For this specific undertaking, allow me to present my top Trader Joe's picks for a college student with a microwave and a budget:
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Butter Chicken & Garlic Naan
Guys. This one is my favorite. I am particular about my eating habits, but this is one meal that I would (very) happily eat multiple days in a row. I cannot recommend this meal enough. The sauce is perfectly seasoned and never has questionable pieces of chicken–which I know to be a common fear among college students including myself. (AH! Chewy chicken!) With the addition of the garlic naan, which I recommend you use as a vessel to eat the butter chicken, the meal is perfectly filling, warm and comforting. The best part; the meal usually only costs me $7 with both items.
P.S. If you really like spice, try the Fiery Curry similar to this. But be forewarned, it KILLED me.
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2. Lemony Arugula Basil Salad Kit
This salad kit is big enough for 2-3 meals and is truly delicious. It features a dressing that is fresh, light and flavorful. The arugula is never wilted, which is a big pet peeve of mine, and is peppery and perfect. A crunch of almonds makes for the perfect texture. I love having this salad with turkey meatballs because they are super easy to heat and cut up. Plus, the flavors surprisingly go well together. The ingredients usually add up to $9, divided into $4.5 for each healthy, fresh and filling meal.
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3. Penne Arrabiata
As a New Jersey transplant living in Georgia, pasta is a big comfort food for me. You can get two bowls of straight comfort out of this bag of pasta. It has a little bit of spice, is easy to heat up, and is simply delicious.
Pro tip: pair this with any leftover turkey meatballs from your salad for a more healthy and filling meal!
4. Honorable mentions: Snacks!
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups mini bag: 99 cents
Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels mini bag: 99 cents
Chili and Lime Rolled Tortilla Chips: ~ $3
Ghost Pepper Chips: ~ $3
I hope this guide makes facing Trader Joe's alone just a little bit easier, but keep in mind that you really can’t go wrong, as most things are cheap and delicious. Just don’t make the same mistake my roommate did and buy raw orange chicken with no way to cook it–make sure things are microwaveable!
Strike Out,
Alex Keezer
Editor: Caroline Kostuch
Athens