The $0.99 Trader Joe's Find I Always Add to My Cart

It's one of the most versatile items in my fridge.

To feed my family of four, I usually stock up on at least two 32-ounce containers of plain Greek yogurt every week. I am always tucking it into dishes or serving it alongside meals for a bit of extra protein. (It’s around 10 grams per serving for the other mamas who think that their kids, at times, only subsist on air!).

Even though I buy the large tubs, I can't resist adding a few single-serve cups to my cart as well. Trader Joe's petite packages of plain whole milk Greek yogurt are tasty and versatile, and help make our favorite meals and snacks feel like a breeze. At 99 cents each, they provide too much value to pass up.

Greek Yogurt Is My Favorite Meal Prep Sidekick

Made with whole milk and strained of excess liquid for an ultra-creamy texture, this yogurt has a signature tangy flavor and level of richness that immediately upgrades anything you stir it into.

I use it to make a fuss-free, healthy-ish ranch dressing or a sauce for meat and roasted vegetables by simply adding lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Everything gets stirred into the little yogurt cup and served as-is. A single cup is the perfect amount to feed to my family as a sauce and, as a bonus, there are no extra dishes.

On its own, its thick texture makes it a great dip for quesadillas or burritos. And, my favorite, it also happens to be the perfect amount for my go-to banana muffin recipe—no measuring cup needed!

How I Use Trader Joe's Plain Greek Yogurt for Snacks and Desserts

If the kids or I need a post-soccer snack stat, these cups are the ideal grab-and-go solution, especially with a squeeze of honey and a sprinkle of fresh berries or granola.

My kids didn’t even know about flavored yogurt until recently. Because they’re used to the tangy plain stuff, I often divide a container of this Greek yogurt between two bowls, add a little flavored yogurt to each, stir it together, and serve it topped with crushed cookie pieces for a fun snack or dessert.

I’m sure they’ll eventually want the real deal, but until then I feel good about keeping the protein content high and sugar lower for them.

In case you’re wondering, adults love this too! From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, these 99-cent cups are firmly rooted in my meal-prep and snack situation. They're essentially the yogurt version of the Little Engine That Could—and this mama's sleeper MVP for busier-than-usual days.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.