Aldi Vs Trader Joe's: Which Chain Wins In The Prepared Meals Department?

Aldi and Trader Joe's have long gone head-to-head, each with devoted fan bases. While there are some things Aldi does better than Trader Joe's, there are other areas where Trader Joe's shines. If we are only considering the prepared meals department, there is one clear winner. We found that Trader Joe's prepared meals lineup is extensive, ranging from ready-made salads and wraps to frozen entrees across a range of cuisines.

"I like them both. But for me Trader Joe's has better 'pre-made' items like pastas and stuff and Aldi's is more for grocery stuff like flour, rice, eggs, etc." one Redditor said. "The frozen aisle at TJ's is vastly superior to Aldi in my opinion," another commenter said. In another thread, a different Reddit user pointed out that Trader Joe's often offers several versions of the same cuisine in its frozen aisle compared to Aldi's more pared-down, basic selection.

Whether you are short on time or don't really like to cook, Trader Joe's has you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You have options like egg bites and protein smoothies, alongside favorites like the Hatch chile mac and cheese and salsa verde chicken enchiladas. If you prefer cooking from scratch, Aldi is your best bet for fresh and affordable ingredients, and you won't have to deal with the dreaded Trader Joe's parking situation.

Whether you want a grab-and-go meal you can eat straight out of the packaging or a frozen option that is ready in minutes and makes meal prep easier, Trader Joe's selection is hard to beat. In our ranking of 13 Trader Joe's prepared foods, which strictly focused on ready-to-eat fresh items, the Waldorf salad took the top spot as a hearty, balanced, and tasty meal option. Other favorites included the Buffalo-style chicken wrap, cheddar cheese and uncured bacon egg bites, and the tarragon chicken salad wrap.

If you want something just as easy but warmed up, our list of the 11 best Trader Joe's frozen microwave meals is packed with savory, globally inspired options, including our top ranked options such as Mandarin-style orange chicken bowl, vegan Thai green curry, and butter chicken with basmati rice. If none of these call to you, there are rows upon rows of frozen food aisles with plenty of other options, far more than Aldi offers.

No matter what you are craving, Trader Joe's has a prepared option for you, whether that's a frozen vegetarian meal, frozen pizza, or pre-made salad kit. The selection will make you want more freezer space than you have. That does not mean Trader Joe's is the best overall since Aldi still offers better prices, often better and cheaper produce, and proteins like ground beef. You will probably end up shopping at both to get everything you need.