This $3 Trader Joe’s Protein Is the Secret to Easy Meals

Finding a protein that’s nutritious, versatile, affordable, and actually delicious is a tall order, which is why I didn’t expect to come across my grocery unicorn in a humble package of steamed lentils. I was first introduced to this game-changing $3 ingredient by a former test kitchen manager, but it wasn’t until I started hunting for satisfying protein sources to lower my grocery bill that I realized the true value of these simple legumes from one of the most popular supermarkets.

Packets of Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentilsavailable in the refrigerated produce section of the beloved grocery chain, feature French lentils simply seasoned with salt and essential oils — the packaging lists cloves, laurel, thyme, pepper, and garlic essential oil — and steamed to tender perfection.

Thanks to their delicate base flavor and sturdy texture, these little legumes pair well with a wide variety of dishes and can be stirred into soups, saladsand pastas, or scooped onto grain bowls. Best of all, they’re ready to enjoy straight from the bag, either hot or cold, with no simmering or draining required, making them a major lifesaver when I need something quick and substantive to eat but can only put forth minimal effort.

These earthy lentils don’t just tick the boxes for convenience and flavor; they also pack plenty of protein at an incredible price. This is great news for me, a nearly-pescatarian who avoids cooking seafood in my studio apartment, and for almost everyone who could use affordable fiber and protein in their life.

Each package of Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils costs $3.29 and contains five half-cup servings. Each serving provides 10 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber and comes out to just $0.66 per portion. Depending on how I’m using the lentils, I sometimes get six or servings from the package, stretching my dollars even further.

Because the legumes are already cooked, I’ve found it’s best to add them toward the end of the cooking process when incorporating them into other dishes — like a soup or pasta sauce — to retain the best texture.

There are countless ways to incorporate this protein into everything from breakfast to dinner. I’ve added a spoonful of lentils to jammy eggs for a one-two punch of morning protein, piled them on my midday toast with hummus and vegetables, and tossed them with roasted squash, caramelized onions, and a shower of chopped parsley for a cozy vegetarian dish that doubles as a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution. After one momentous day when I managed to incorporate steamed lentils into all three of my meals and thoroughly enjoyed every bite, the question has become, “Whatcan’tI pair with these little legumes?”

As someone who is never jazzed about washing another pot or pan after a long day, having steamed and seasoned legumes within arm’s reach at any given time has been extraordinarily helpful for my sanity, satisfaction, and protein intake. And at less than $1 per serving, Trader Joe’s Steamed Lentils have shown me that cost efficiency and convenience don’t have to compete with each other.