Are Trader Joe’s Lentils Good?

Honest Review from a Busy Mom

Before trying them myself, I genuinely asked the same thing most moms wonder—Are Trader Joe’s lentils good enough to make life easier in the kitchen? This post is my real-life answer after using them on repeat.

My Honest Take on Trader Joe’s Lentils

As a mom who works from home, manages school pickups, and tries to make healthy meals in between everything else, I’m always looking for convenient, healthy staples. That’s how I first discovered Trader Joe’s lentils, and over the years, they’ve earned a permanent spot in my fridge.

This article is for every busy mom wondering: Are Trader Joe’s lentils good? Are they worth buying regularly? Can they really help simplify weeknight meals?

I’ll walk you through what types are available, how I use them in everyday recipes, what I love (and don’t love), and whether they’re actually good for your family’s health.

Types of Trader Joe’s Lentils You Can Find

Trader Joe’s offers a few lentil options in different formats. Depending on what you’re looking for—quick prep, dry for batch cooking, or ready-to-eat—there’s something for every need. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Steamed Lentils (Refrigerated Section)

These are fully cooked, lightly seasoned, and ready to eat. They come vacuum-sealed and are perfect for salads, warm dishes, or even blended into dips.

2. Organic Dry Green Lentils (Pantry Aisle)

These are classic green lentils that require soaking or boiling, but they’re great if you like to cook in bulk and season them your way.

3. Prepared Meals and Soups

Trader Joe’s also includes lentils in some of their ready-made meals like lentil soups, lentil salads, and even Indian-inspired lentil curries.

Among all these, my personal favorite is the steamed lentils—they’re versatile, fast to use, and family-approved.

Are Trader Joe’s Lentils Good? Here’s What I Think

If you’re asking yourself, Are Trader Joe’s lentils good in all their varieties?, I’ve personally tested most of them—here’s what I found

Let’s get to the point: Trader Joe’s lentils are genuinely good.

Not just in taste, but also in terms of convenience, price, and nutrition. As a mom constantly trying to keep meals balanced without spending hours in the kitchen, I rely on ingredients that work with me. Trader Joe’s lentils absolutely do.

They’re flavorful without being overpowering. The steamed version, in particular, has a mild seasoning with a slight tang, which blends well into salads, soups, and warm grain bowls. The texture is soft but holds its shape, which is great when you want to serve something that doesn’t fall apart on the plate.

I’ve tried many store-bought lentils, but Trader Joe’s lentils stand out because they strike a great balance between taste, nutrition, and prep time.

How I Use Trader Joe’s Lentils at Home

I’ve experimented with many store-bought lentils over the years, but if you’re wondering Are Trader Joe’s lentils good for real-life, everyday meals?, the answer is absolutely—they’re part of my go-to meal rotation now.

In our household, Trader Joe’s lentils are part of the weekly rotation. Whether I’m building a quick lunch, making a protein-packed dinner, or adding something extra to a soup, they’re my go-to for many recipes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:

Tossed cold in a Mediterranean-style salad with feta, cucumber, tomatoes, and olive oil
Sautéed with garlic, onion, and spinach for a warm, quick meal
Mixed into tomato-based soups to add thickness and protein
Mashed with spices and breadcrumbs to make quick veggie patties for the kids
Used as taco filling when I run out of meat or need a vegetarian option

Because they’re already cooked, they’re a perfect shortcut for nights when I didn’t plan anything—Trader Joe’s lentils let me pull something together in under 10 minutes.

Health Benefits of Trader Joe’s Lentils

One of the reasons I often get asked Are Trader Joe’s lentils good for your health? is because of how easy they are to use while still being incredibly nutrient-dense. Lentils in general are loaded with:

Plant-based protein
Fiber (great for digestion and keeping everyone full longer)
Iron and folate, especially important for growing kids and busy adults
Low fat, no cholesterol, and naturally gluten-free

The steamed lentils from Trader Joe’s have around 180 calories per serving, with 9g of protein and 6g of fiber. That makes them an excellent source of clean energy and a smart addition to almost any diet, especially if you’re trying to eat more plant-based meals without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor or satisfaction.

Are There Any Downsides to Trader Joe’s Lentils?

While I truly enjoy Trader Joe’s lentils, there are a couple of small things worth mentioning:

Slight vinegar tang in the steamed lentils: some people love it (I do), but others might find it unexpected. You can rinse them briefly to mellow the flavor.
Soft texture: they’re not mushy, but they are fully cooked and tender. If you prefer lentils with more bite, the dry version might be a better choice.

That said, these are minor trade-offs for the amount of time and effort they save in the kitchen.

Even though I think the answer to Are Trader Joe’s lentils good? is yes, it’s fair to point out that some textures or flavors might not be for everyone.

Are Trader Joe’s Lentils Kid-Friendly?

Yes—and this surprised me at first. I started adding small spoonfuls of the steamed lentils to my kids’ pasta, and they didn’t even notice. Over time, they’ve started eating them in wraps, soups, and even on their own.

Lentils can sometimes be a hard sell for little ones, but Trader Joe’s lentils are mild enough that they work well with kid-approved seasonings and sauces. A quick tip: add a little cheese or blend into marinara sauce if you’re easing them into it.

Do Trader Joe’s Lentils Save Time for Busy Families?

Without a doubt. Having Trader Joe’s lentils on hand means I always have a backup protein ready. They’ve saved me on days when I forgot to defrost meat or when I needed something fast after soccer practice.

They’re also easy to portion and store. I’ve frozen half a pack in small glass containers for later use, and they reheat beautifully.

I used to wonder Are Trader Joe’s lentils good for picky eaters or kids? and after multiple test runs, I can say yes—with a few clever tweaks, they work.

How Do Trader Joe’s Lentils Compare to Other Brands?

Compared to other pre-cooked lentils from major grocery chains, Trader Joe’s lentils are:

More affordable (under $3 for a ready-to-eat pack)
Better seasoned (without too much salt or artificial flavoring)
More accessible (available in most Trader Joe’s stores across the country)

Plus, Trader Joe’s packaging is minimal and easy to store, which is always a bonus for fridge organization.

Easy Recipes Using Trader Joe’s Lentils

If you’re still wondering Are Trader Joe’s lentils good for real meals, not just side dishes?, let me show you exactly how I use them during the week. These are simple, family-approved recipes that take under 20 minutes—because no one has time for complicated on a Wednesday night.

Here are a few ways I turn a humble pack of Trader Joe’s lentils into something hearty, healthy, and satisfying:

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Toss Trader Joe’s steamed lentils with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta, parsley, and a splash of lemon juice and olive oil.
Why I love it: It’s fresh, protein-packed, and perfect for lunchboxes or meal prep.

My Greek Red Lentil Soup is cozy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Even though it’s made with red lentils, you can totally adapt it using Trader Joe’s lentils for a shortcut version that works on a busy weeknight.

Lentil Veggie Wraps

Sauté Trader Joe’s lentils with garlic, onion, bell pepper, and taco seasoning. Wrap in a whole wheat tortilla with shredded lettuce and avocado.
Kid tip: Add a little shredded cheese to win them over.

5-Minute Lentil Soup Shortcut

Add a handful of steamed lentils to a boxed tomato soup, toss in some spinach, and simmer for 5 minutes. Instant protein upgrade.
Why it works: It transforms a basic pantry soup into a real meal.

Quick Lentil Patties

Mix Trader Joe’s lentils with breadcrumbs, grated carrot, egg, and spices. Form into small patties and pan-fry.
Serve with: Yogurt sauce or inside a bun as a veggie burger.

Warm Lentil & Grain Bowls

Layer cooked brown rice or quinoa with warm lentils, roasted veggies, and a tahini dressing.
Why I make it: It’s filling, easy to customize, and perfect for cleaning out the fridge.

Want More Flavor? Try This Roasted Red Pepper Version

Looking for a soup that brings even more depth and warmth? I highly recommend this delicious twist: Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup with Roasted Red Pepper by Bold Bites Hub. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients and pairs beautifully with grilled cheese or a simple side salad. Definitely worth a try if you’re craving something cozy and flavorful.

Final Verdict: Are Trader Joe’s Lentils Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier, cut down on meal prep, or just try something new that won’t complicate your weeknights, Trader Joe’s lentils are a smart buy.

They’ve become one of those things I pick up every time I’m at the store. They’re practical, versatile, healthy, and budget-friendly—pretty much everything I’m looking for as a mom trying to simplify family meals without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.