Losing weight doesn’t have to mean giving up great food! It is possible to please your taste buds and shrink your waistline. The key is to find nutritious meals that you’ll actually enjoy eating. And when it comes to nutrition, protein is one of the most important components. As dietitian Danielle McClellan—better known on TikTok as @danielle_the_dietitian—says in a recent video, “protein keeps you full, helps you build muscle, makes fat loss easier, and meeting your goal can be enjoyable too.”
If you shop at Trader Joe’s, there’s no shortage of great protein-packed meals. McClellan took to TikTok to highlight five of the best choices. Find her top picks—from burgers to salty snacks—below.
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1. Sous Vide Turkey Breast Tenderloins
Turkey breast tenderloins? Sign us up! According to McClellan, these are "a delicious and easy protein option. I love the amount of protein you get—20 grams—for only 100 calories." The possibilities are practically endless when it comes to turning these into a meal. Since they've been slow-cooked sous-vide, all you need is a quick sear or a minute in the microwave to bring it to serving temperature. Slice 'em up and add them to any dish your heart desires, from wraps to stir fries.
2. Chili Lime Chicken Breast
"This chili lime chicken breast is also an easy high‑protein option. I put this on tortillas, in a bowl with rice and beans, or into a salad,” McClellan raves. Whether you're adding them to weeknight tacos, tossing them into grain bowls, or mixing them into tasty Southwestern chopped salads, you can't go wrong with this summer-forward meal packed with 23 grams of protein.
3. Premium Salmon Burgers
Shedding pounds doesn't have to mean shedding your love of burgers. Go the salmon route! This fatty fish is great for your weight loss efforts. "I love these salmon burgers because it’s hard to find ones that are lower in fat. I put these on a whole‑wheat bun to get just 200 calories and 30 grams of protein," McClellan says. In addition to using a bun, you could tuck these burgers into lettuce wraps or even crumble them over a salad.
4. Teriyaki Chicken
It's best to limit your intake of sugary sauces for your health—but this teriyaki chicken is a good compromise. "It’s hard to find a protein option in a sauce that’s lower in fat and carbs, but this teriyaki chicken was one of the best options I found. Serve over rice with some broccoli on the side," McClellan says. A one‑cup cooked portion clocks in under 200 calories with 21 grams of protein. Not bad at all! Keep a bag in your freezer for those nights when the drive‑through is calling to you.
5. Chile Lime Flavored Pork Rinds
Pork rinds may feel like a gas‑station guilty pleasure, but McClellan gives this salty snack a pass: "Lastly, I don’t know who needs to hear this, but pork rinds are a good source of protein." Trader Joe’s chile‑lime variety packs in about 18 grams of protein per ounce—and satisfies your cravings for something crunchy without risking your health like many inflammatory options. This is one snack you can keep stocked in your pantry guilt-free.
Bottom Line
So there you have it: getting your protein without overloading on calories is possible—and it can be tasty, too! With Trader Joe's on your side, you can make strides toward your weight loss goals. And if you want to throw some sweet treats from the bakery into your cart... we wouldn't judge.
