Your sad desk salad needs to step aside. Instead of dropping nearly $20 on a fast-casual bowl near your office or begrudgingly reheating last night’s leftovers, might we suggest a more affordable and delicious premade option from Trader Joe’s?

Between its freezer cases and deli section, this beloved grocery chain offers dozens of ready-made options for quick lunches and dinners. With shockingly accessible prices and flavor profiles that consistently live up to expectations, Trader Joe’s instant meals have won over home cooks and food experts alike.

However, among the many meals you’ll find at Trader Joe’s, some are decidedly better than others, and with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Which is exactly why we turned to professional chefs to find out what they’re grabbing from this grocery store’s shelves.

From portable, handheld bites to piping-hot dumplings perfect for chilly weather, bookmark these chef-recommended picks for the busiest days ahead.

Mandarin Orange Chicken

You may have already tried this Trader Joe’s staple — the Mandarin Orange Chicken is well-loved by loyal TJ’s customers — but if you haven’t yet, consider this a sign to grab a bag of the crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken.

Jason Hall, vice president of culinary operations for Tao Groupa restaurant conglomerate responsible for hot spots ranging from New York City to Singapore, calls it a true “classic” from the freezer aisle. This item rings in at around $5.50 for a four-serving bag and can be quickly turned into dinner with a side of rice and some steamed vegetables.

Spicy Lentil Wrap

Plant-based shoppers are in luck because this legume-filled wrap consistently gets rave reviews online. Located in the store’s deli section, the Spicy Lentil Wrap is typically priced between $4.50 and $5, meaning it probably costs less than most iced lattes.

Executive chef of Mojave Gold in Yucca Valley, Beren Ekine-Huett, recommends the grab-and-go wrap because “it’s super simple, filling, and packs just enough heat to keep it interesting.”

Each refrigerated container contains two lavash wraps stuffed with shredded cabbage, a mildly spicy red pepper paste, lentils, and bulgur wheat, served with a creamy, spiced tahini sauce on the side.

Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings

Although the Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings at Trader Joe’s are a popular recommendation, Hall says you should still make sure to try the Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings.

These cozy bites are affordable — about $3.50 per six-dumpling serving — and are made with a slightly thick wheat wrapper. Trader Joe’s notes that each dumpling contains five percent ginger, which the chain says adds a “sizable kick of pungent, spicy heat.”

If neither the pork nor chicken dumplings appeal to you, TJ’s also offers vegetarian soup dumplings. In general, Hall notes that “the frozen dumplings at Trader Joe’s are great. You can do a quick steam, then add some great sauces,” like chili crunch.

Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

If you’re cutting back on takeout this year, you’re certainly not alone. While we’ll always advocate for supporting your local restaurant scene when possible, the Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice from Trader Joe’s is a convenient freezer staple that will help you stick to your budget on weeknights while still enjoying chicken bathed in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.

Hall deems the microwavable Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice one of Trader Joe’s “undisputed champions,” but we’ll let you be the judge. Each frozen meal retails for about $4.50 per serving, and if you have an extra $3 to spare, it can’t hurt to grab a box of Tandoori naan too. The chef recommends that you “add some frozen peas, fresh mint, and yogurt, and it’s a really great meal.”

Spring Rolls with Tofu

After a long day of tasting flavor-packed recipes at work, Ekine-Huet typically ends her day with a quick meal from Trader Joe’s. The seasonal spring rolls — packaged with a cashew sauce for dunking — are one of her favorite veggie-forward staples.

When she’s craving something cozier, the vegetarian chili, found nearby in the deli case, fits the bill. “If I’m getting home late from the restaurant, I want something that’s warm, light, and comforting,” the chef emphasizes. “Trader Joe’s vegetarian pre-made and frozen meals are my go-to.”