The Best Trader Joe's Spread, According To A Dietitian

A creamy spread can take a dish from average to delicious in a matter of minutes. And thankfully, it's pretty easy to pop into a supermarket like Trader Joe's and experiment with a variety of spreads at the same time. On the flip side, it's important to be mindful when selecting the right spread. According to Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN of Bucket List Tummy, consumers need to think about added sugars, saturated fat content, and sodium while picking up a ready-made dip. As Schlichter told Mashed, these add-ons can help prolong an item's shelf life and are unavoidable sometimes.

To ensure that you are taking care of your health while enjoying your favorite dip, Sclichter suggests controlling your portion sizes. That's one of the best ways to make sure that you're not going overboard. She said, "it's also good practice to note the saturated fat and serving size because if you're having more than the recommended serving size, fat and calories will increase." Eating dips with something that's high in protein can be a great option, too. But which Trader's Joe's spread are best for your body? Sclichter offered insight into which dips she recommends most often.

Thankfully, there are quite a few options that are worth looking into if you're on the hunt for something healthy and nutritious. As dietician Sarah Schlichter told Mashed, Trader Joe's has plenty of interesting dips. She said, "Some of the healthier options to include as a side or as a topping include Herbed Tahini Spread (healthy fats to add flavor to many dishes) and Avocado Tzatziki Dip (flavorful and some healthy fat without excess calories)." Schlichter also noted that, while she often advises clients to "spot protein when looking at nutrition labels," spreads rarely provide a large amount, so it's best to pair your dip with foods that are naturally protein-rich.

Per Trader Joe's, the Herbed Tahini dip is versatile and can work well for dolmas, falafel, carrots, steamed rice, in salads, and more. Meanwhile, the Avocado Tzatziki option is ideal for salads, vegetables, chips, and even with pita bread. Even an expert like Schlichter knows that ready-made dips are a godsend on busy days and are even affordable in some ways. She said, "Aside from saving time, they can also be very budget-friendly, because rather than buying all of the ingredients necessary to make a dip, you can just buy the dip itself." The dietitian believes that they can be a healthy addition to anyone's diet. The key is to include plenty of variety in your dish to make it a well-balanced meal.