Latin Food at Trader Joe's That's Better Than Takeout (For a Fraction of the Cost)

Skip the pricey takeout menu items and save money at Trader Joe’s . TJ’s has your favorite Latin-inspired food — and it won’t break the bank just to fill your shopping cart.

From sides and salads to sweet desserts, you’ll find the best deals on products straight from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and other countries in Central or Southern America. And don’t worry about sacrificing quality for cost. These tasty foodie finds rival restaurant-quality options while keeping your grocery budget in check and putting more money in your wallet .

Editor’s note : Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Chimichurri Rice With Vegetables

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Price: $3.29

This Peruvian-style side is a spicy selection filled with cilantro, peppers, ginger, garlic, and creme fraiche. Pair the veggie-packed rice with grilled chicken, steak strips, or Argentinian red shrimp.

At $3.29, this freezer find is a steal. You’ll pay over $5 just for a 2.3-ounce bottle of McCormick’s Chimichurri seasoning blend — and you won’t even get the rice or savory vegetables.

Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower

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Price: $3.79

Cayenne pepper, cumin, lime, jalapenos, tri-colored bell peppers, and tomato concentrate give this frozen riced cauliflower a distinctly Latin taste. This under-$4 vegan side is an affordable alternative to takeout and a creative way to sneak more veggies into your family’s diet. So go ahead and swap out plain rice for this cauliflower-based culinary creation.

Roasted Corn

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Price: $2.79

This frozen fire-roasted corn is an easy-to-use ingredient that adds a Latin vibe to any Mexican-inspired meal. Simply cook the corn and mix it into a fresh tomatillo salsa, sprinkle it over a quinoa salad, or use it to top fajitas.

Compare Trader Joe’s low $2.79 price for 16 ounces to Walmart's $3.97 price for a smaller 12-ounce bag of Birds Eye frozen fire-roasted corn.

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Tres Leches Cake

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Price: $7.99

Don’t stop your Latin feast at the main course. Trader Joe’s Tres Leche Cake is a decadent dessert that comes frozen and ready to eat. A rich blend of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy creamy give this traditional treat a fresh flavor. Of course, the generous portion of whipped cream layered on top of the soaked sponge only adds to this pick’s appeal.

Horchata Ice Cream

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Price: $3.79

Trader Joe’s turned this traditional Latin American drink into a dreamy ice cream. Cinnamon, brown rice flour, and sea salt give the frozen horchata-inspired dessert a distinctive flavor. But that’s not all. Horchata-flavored cookie pieces add a crunchy texture and an extra pinch of sweetness.

You won’t find gourmet ice cream at this price elsewhere. You’ll pay $3.79 for the pint-size of this Trader Joe’s exclusive — but similar flavors of Ben and Jerry’s cost $4.99 at Target.

Brazilian Style Cheese Bread

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Price: $4.99

It’s warm, toasty, and filled with cheesy goodness. The Brazilian-style bread ball is the perfect snack on a cool autumn day. Pop the ready-to-heat-and-eat dough into the oven and serve these savory spheres as-is or with a drizzle of salsa.

Each 11-ounce box comes with 12 individual pieces for less than $5.

Papas Rellenas

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Price: $4.99

Ground beef, mashed potatoes, and a blend of zesty seasonings rolled in breadcrumbs and fried? Yes, please. This Latin American pick crisps into a golden croquette when cooked. Serve the papas rellanas as a main course, side, or even as a snack. Place this popular Trader Joe’s find on a bed of the brand’s chimichurri rice or smother it with salsa verde.

Corn and Cheese Arepas

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Price: $3.49

These cheese-filled griddle cakes are a play on the Venezuelan classic. If you’re a fan of grilled cheese, this Latin American recipe is a creative alternative you’ll crave. Each box includes two arepas.

Heat the cakes on a griddle, in a skillet, or in the oven. Top the toasty corn muffin-like rounds with guac, sour cream, or Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar.

Chicken and Chimichurri Empanadas

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Price: $4.49

Empanada enthusiasts will enjoy this chimichurri-infused blend of dark meat chicken and veggies wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. Each 7.75-ounce box is only $4.49. This is a fraction of the cost you’ll pay for takeout and less than the price at other stores. Target sells a 5.6-ounce pack of mini Good and Gather empanadas for $5.99.

Giant Peruvian Inca Corn Snacks

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Price: $1.99

Trade your regular popcorn for this Peruvian puffed corn treat. Check out the ingredients list, and you’ll see that this popular pick doesn’t contain added chemicals or preservatives, making it a healthier snacking option.

Traditional Style Fat-Free Refried Beans

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Price: $1.19

Add this traditional Latin American side to tacos, burritos, dips, and more. At $1.19 for 16 ounces, this bargain is almost unbeatable. You’ll pay $1.99 for the same size can of Old El Paso’s fat-free refried beans at Target.

Jicama Sticks

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Price: $3.49

Swap out carrots or potatoes for this Central American root veggie. Trader Joe’s makes your life easier with the 9.5-ounce pack of ready-to-cook sticks. Just chop or slice the jicama and add it to your favorite recipe.

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Organic Acai Puree

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Price: $3.99

Blend a zesty smoothie or turn plain yogurt into a tasty treat. These puree packets are easy to thaw and use in everything from breakfast bowls to desserts. Compare Trader Joe’s $3.99 price tag to $6.19 for Samazon’s acai smoothie packets at Target.

Argentinian Red Shrimp With Ginger Garlic Butter

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Price: $7.99

Prepare a seafood feast without a trip to a specialty store. The Argentinian shrimp has a savory, spicy flavor with ginger-garlic butter, honey, chili flake, cayenne, and Togarashi-style seasoning marinade. Cook the shrimp on the stove, in the oven, or grill a few on the barbecue.

Chicken, Cheese, and Green Chile Pupusas

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Price: $4.79

Think of this foodie find as a flat stuffed tortilla pancake. But instead of a dough center, the pupusas are filled with chicken, cheese, and chili peppers. You’ll get three in every $4.79 pack. At this price, you can afford to add a jar of Trader Joe’s salsa, sour cream, or another tasty topping.

Bottom line

Trader Joe’s has high-quality Latin-inspired products at affordable prices. Whether you’re planning a party or are just looking for a creative dinner option, these bargain buys are can’t-miss deals you need to try.

The savings don’t stop at the cash register. Use the top rewards credit cards to earn cash back, travel points, or other perks on eligible grocery purchases.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).