12 Trader Joe’s Breakfast Items Cheaper (And Tastier) Than the Drive-Thru

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While some people prefer savory protein-packed items in the early hours, others have a bit more of a sweet tooth.

Luckily, fans know one of the best Trader Joe's hacks is stocking up on their affordable pre-made breakfast items.

These 15 budget-conscious Trader Joe's breakfast options will have you starting your day on the right foot and are great alternatives to eating out first thing in the morning.

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

Price: $4.49

A savory, well-rounded breakfast is as easy as an eight-ounce Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage Breakfast Burrito. Sage and thyme are sprinkled into chicken sausage, potatoes, scrambled eggs, onions, and white cheddar cheese.

This soft flour tortilla-wrapped beauty is a fan favorite and is under $5.

Price: $2.99

The idea that you can enjoy a buttery, fluffy, egg with broccoli and cheddar inside a flaky pastry crust is such a delight, especially when it's as easy as three minutes in the microwave.

Trader Joe's six-ounce quiche is a delicious and affordable start to the day.

Price: $3.79

Looking for a fun breakfast item on the go? The Spinach & Kale and Cheddar Cheese & Uncured Bacon Egg Bites are an absolute mouthful.

Each protein-packed package comes with two cups of fluffy, decadent eggs whipped with cottage cheese and butter and mixed with their respective toppings.

Price: $5.49

Those who stick to a gluten-free or protein-rich diet will appreciate the Eggwich Breadless Breakfast Sandwich.

Instead of using a biscuit or other bread item to hold the ingredients together, turkey sausage and American cheese are layered between two scrambled egg patties.

Price: $3.49

If you're looking for a tasty breakfast beverage with a big impact, the Banana & Almond Butter Protein Smoothie is a great option.

At $3.49, this 16-ounce smoothie has 14 grams of pea protein and a smooth finish.

Price: $3.99

Trader Joe's sells some pretty convincing vegan "sausage" patties. Soy protein and wheat gluten and combined to create the patties, and a blend of herbs and spices is added to the formula to give it a balanced, savory flavor.

These patties are great on biscuits, English muffins, breakfast burritos, and more.

Price: $3.49

There's nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg in the kitchen in the mornings, and with Trader Joe's delicious Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix, you can have just that.

Add eggs, oil, and water to complete the recipe, and pop it in the oven for a cozy breakfast.

Price: $4.49

Korea is known for serving fresh hotteok, which are fluffy pancakes stuffed with sweet filling and normally eaten for dessert, but it turns out they also make for a fantastic breakfast.

You can find the Cinnamon Filled Korean Pancakes in the freezer aisle for a warm and gooey donut alternative.

Price: $5.99

If you're looking for a no-cook option, a giant, beautiful, crunchy-sugar-topped blueberry muffin is a great option for a sweet treat to start your day.

The sour cream in this gluten-free recipe makes these muffins extra moist and fluffy, and they come in four-packs at Trader Joe's for just $1.50 each.

Price: $5.99

Another great take-and-bake option is Trader Joe's four-pack of almond croissants. Filled with a creamy marzipan filling and topped with crunchy almonds, these croissants are just $1.49 each.

They're ready in just 20 to 25 minutes in a conventional oven, or you can cook them in the air fryer for an even faster breakfast.

Price: $5.79

Another budget-friendly find is Trader Joe's Tortilla Española. This is known as a Spanish omelet, which is similar to a frittata, and is made with a base of fluffy eggs topped with potatoes and thinly sliced onions.

Each box comes with six servings of this delicious breakfast option.

Price: $3.49

Are you a cereal junkie? Trader Joe's carries a peanut butter chocolate cereal that truly rivals your favorite name-brand counterparts in taste and crunch.

This option is just $3.49 for 10 ounces, and is both gluten-free and kosher.

Fifty-nine percent of grocery store customers in the United States are fans of Trader Joe's. It's easy to see why, as you can save more on groceries and treat yourself or your family to a really great breakfast or brunch quickly and easily.

While pre-made breakfasts are a great go-to item for busy mornings, you can also make breakfast at home to maximize your savings.