If You're Addicted to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi, Here's What You Need to Know About How Healthy It Is (2024)

From Good Housekeeping

We're in the middle of a cauliflower renaissance right now. The cruciferous veggie is showing up in pizza crust, transforming into rice, and even masquerading as "steak". Its latest move: cauliflower gnocchi, a gluten-free, lower-calorie, lower-carb version of your favorite Italian potato dumplings. Trader Joe's started selling a frozen version last year, and it's taking over on Instagram as people use the lil' nuggets as a swap for pasta, tater tots, and home fries. #Cauliflowergnocchi appears on 9,000 posts and counting.

But is this modified gnocchi (pronounced NYOK-kee) really that healthy for you? Here's what you need to know:

What's in Cauliflower Gnocchi?

Trader Joe's claims their product contains about 75% cauliflower, as well as cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt. That makes it gluten- and egg-free, compared to traditional gnocchi recipes that call for mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs.

The ingredients in homemade cauliflower gnocchi recipes vary, but this version from Simply Recipes also uses potato starch and cassava flour in addition to pureed cauliflower florets, olive oil, and salt in order to bind everything together.

Is Cauliflower Gnocchi Healthy?

Yes, cauliflower gnocchi can be a healthier choice because it uses a vegetable that's less starchy than potatoes, says Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

"Non-starchy veggies are lower in carbs but often higher in fiber, which can help you stay fuller, longer," she says. "You’ll still get the benefit of satisfying that taste you crave." Case in point: One serving of Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi has less than half the carbs (22g vs. 52g) and twice the fiber (6g vs. 2.6g) compared to the potato kind.

Packaged cauliflower gnocchi can contain a surprising amount of sodium - 1 cup of the Trader Joe's version has 20% of your daily value - but don't let that dissuade you from trying it.

"If you’re enjoying the taste and filling up on the higher fiber content, you may eat less overall, and therefore, consume less sodium overall," London says. "Plus, sodium becomes less of a concern the more we’re able to add vegetables in their less-processed form." She recommends mixing in spinach, tomatoes, kale, or broccoli florets with your gnocchi to make it even more filling and nutrient-dense.

Cauliflower gnocchi also works for many people following specific diets. It's within the parameters of a Whole30, vegan, or a plant-based eating plan, but keto adherents should probably skip gnocchi in general because it's higher in carbs.

Here's exactly what you'll find in one serving of Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi:

Cauliflower Gnocchi Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup

  • Calories: 140

  • Total Fat: 3g (4% DV)

  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g (3% DV)

  • Trans Fat: 0g

  • Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV)

  • Sodium: 460mg (20% DV)

  • Total Carbohydrate: 22g (8% DV)

  • Dietary Fiber: 6g (21% DV)

  • Total Sugars: < 1g

  • Protein: 2g

  • Calcium: 4% DV

  • Iron: 6% DV

  • Potassium: 4% DV

By comparison, potato gnocchi has about twice the calories and carbs, not to mention less fiber. However, it does contain slightly more protein, iron, and potassium:

Potato Gnocchi Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup

  • Calories: 250

  • Total Fat: 1.5g (2% DV)

  • Saturated Fat: 0.4g (2% DV)

  • Trans Fat: 0g

  • Cholesterol: 37mg (12% DV)

  • Sodium: 18mg (1% DV)

  • Total Carbohydrate: 52g (17% DV)

  • Dietary Fiber: 2.6g (10% DV)

  • Total Sugars: < 1g

  • Protein: 7.7g

  • Calcium: 1% DV

  • Iron: 15% DV

  • Potassium: 9% DV

How Do You Make Cauliflower Gnocchi?

Traditionally, gnocchi is boiled for a few minutes like pasta, but Trader Joe's recommends sautéing their gnocchi in a stovetop pan - a no-thaw method that yields crisper results. You can still boil or microwave them if you want more tender dumplings, and some home chefs have even cooked them in their air fryers or roasted them in the oven for extra crunch.

The gnocchi works as a base for tomato sauce or pesto, a side for chicken or seafood, and a sub for really any potato dish. As a low-carb, high-fiber base, the possibilities are pretty much endless.

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If You're Addicted to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi, Here's What You Need to Know About How Healthy It Is (2024)

FAQs

If You're Addicted to Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi, Here's What You Need to Know About How Healthy It Is? ›

"Non-starchy veggies are lower in carbs but often higher in fiber, which can help you stay fuller, longer," she says. "You'll still get the benefit of satisfying that taste you crave." Case in point: One serving of Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi has less than half the carbs (22g vs. 52g) and twice the fiber (6g vs.

Is TJ cauliflower gnocchi healthy? ›

Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi Nutrition

Compared with traditional potato gnocchi, Trader Joe's frozen cauliflower gnocchi shaves off almost 90 calories per cup (140 vs. 227) and has less than half the carbs (22 vs. 48) and 2 grams more fiber (6 grams).

Is gnocchi unhealthy? ›

Compared to pasta, pizza or other types of food made from refined flour, gnocchi made only with potatoes and water have a lower glycemic index, despite the fact that the primary nutrients are carbs. Therefore, gnocchi can be a healthier option if chosen carefully.

How many Weight Watchers points is Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi? ›

TJ's cauliflower gnocchi is an Instagram favorite. WW members embraced it in 2019 by tracking a one-cup serving more than 150,000 times. At just 4 PersonalPoints, it's a worthwhile way to spend your Budget.

Is cauliflower gnocchi processed? ›

Three ingredients are all it takes! And not to seem like we're knocking TJs—because we love that place—but their cauliflower gnocchi has quite a few more than three ingredients. It's a processed food, that's sort of part of the deal.

Is gnocchi OK for weight loss? ›

Due to the smaller and denser nature of gnocchi, it is more likely that you will end up eating bigger portions than if you chose regular pasta. Although all foods can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, if you are trying to lose weight opt for other options than gnocchi or pasta.

Is gnocchi better or worse for you than pasta? ›

pasta, neither is really the better option. Regular pasta is higher in protein and has small amounts of some nutrients, while gnocchi is lower in calories and carbohydrates. But because gnocchi is smaller and denser, it's likely that you'd end up eating bigger portions than if you were eating regular pasta.

Does gnocchi spike blood sugar? ›

Gnocchi is not just pasta—it's the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of both worlds, pasta and dumplings. However, due to its high carbohydrate content and potential impact of fat on blood sugar levels, dosing insulin for Gnocchi requires thoughtful consideration.

Is gnocchi hard to digest? ›

The famous pasta is usually made from potatoes, but could also be prepared from breadcrumbs, risotto, or even just flour. Many people argue that the potato-made gnocchi is a bit easier on the digestive system and all around the most delicious. Of course, this all depends on preference!

Is gnocchi a processed food? ›

But they aren't just fried chicken, crisps and ready meals: croissants, hummus, pesto, biscuits, breadsticks, gnocchi, cereal bars, ice-cream, fish fingers and curry paste are all UPFs.

Is Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi whole 30 approved? ›

Since this includes a non-grain-based flour, Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi is fair game on Whole30.

What are Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi made from? ›

Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi Ingredients

The ingredients in the cauliflower frozen gnocchi are very basic: cauliflower, cassava flour, potato starch, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt. That's it!

How many servings in a bag of Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi? ›

I think each of these make up 4 generous side-dish servings but 2 skimpy main dish servings. CAULIFLOWER GNOCCHI Trader Joe's says a 12-ounce (340g) bag is 2.5 servings. KALE GNOCCHI Trader Joe's says a 12-ounce (340g) bag is 2.5 servings. SWEET POTATO GNOCCHI Trader Joe's says a 14.1-ounce (400g) is 3 servings.

Is TJ's cauliflower gnocchi healthy? ›

Yes, cauliflower gnocchi can be a healthier choice because it uses a vegetable that's less starchy than potatoes, says Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "Non-starchy veggies are lower in carbs but often higher in fiber, which can help you stay fuller, longer," she says.

Why is cauliflower better for you than potatoes? ›

Nutritionally, cauliflower is lighter in calories and carbs than potatoes and is more nutrient-dense. That's why it's popular among the low carb and weight loss communities.

Is cauliflower gnocchi a carb? ›

You can make a light and fluffy gnocchi with cauliflower! Perfect for your keto diet or low carb diet with just 4 net grams of carbs.

How many calories are in Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi? ›

Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi (1 cup) contains 22g total carbs, 16g net carbs, 3g fat, 2g protein, and 140 calories.

Does Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi have gluten? ›

TJ's cauliflower version is gluten-free, like most gnocchi varieties, but it's also egg-free, making it uber allergy-friendly. TJ's cauliflower gnocchi is popular for its versatility, pleasant taste and texture, and convenience.

What is a healthy alternative to gnocchi? ›

Well, here are three gnocchi recipes that make a great meal without foregoing any health benefits.
  • Sweet potato gnocchi. There isn't a more obvious alternative to potatoes than sweet potatoes. ...
  • Cauliflower gnocchi. Cauliflower is one of the trendiest vegetables right now, second only to avocado. ...
  • Pumpkin gnocchi.
Jun 30, 2021

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