Trader Joe’s Fall Favs Are Back, and More Popular Than Ever

design: Revati Mahurkar

Run, don’t walk to TJs.

by LAUREN SMETANA ★ OCTOBER 31, 2023

If you are a fan of fall, then you must be familiar with roaming the Trader Joe’s aisles for their famous seasonal treats. Every year in early September, the popular grocery chain releases their highly anticipated fall items, ranging from pumpkins and cinnamon brooms to delicious apple cider donuts and butternut squash mac & cheese. Having tried my fair share of these items, there are still plenty of treats that I have had my eye on that I would like to test out. So without further adieu, here is my review of Trader Joe’s fall favs.

Must Haves

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

As a New Jersey native, I take my bagel and spread selection very seriously. With that being said, the pumpkin cream cheese spread paired with a mini plain bagel definitely met its expectations. With hints of cinnamon and pumpkin puree, this will definitely make for a seasonal, flavorful, and fun breakfast. 

Pumpkin Brioche Twist

This was certainly a creative twist–no pun intended–on brioche. It was fluffy and flavorful without being overly sweet. It would also make for a delectable french toast, and pairs great with the pumpkin cream cheese!

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

If you’re looking for a meal that will give you the ultimate fall sensation, I would recommend this Mac & Cheese, paired with your choice of seasonal vegetables. The butternut squash is accompanied by various spices and cheeses that mesh perfectly together. 

Autumnal Harvest Soup

The tomato and vegetable soup season is upon us, and I’m so here for it. If you want a rich and tasty meal that transports you straight back to your childhood, then this soup is without a doubt the way to go. Paired with a sandwich or bread of your choice—to dip of course—this is the perfect warm meal as we enter chilly autumn days.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix

If you are any fan of Gilmore Girls, then you know pumpkin pancakes are worth all the hype… I mean seriously, I felt as though Luke Danes cooked them himself. With a hint of that pumpkin spice flavor we all know and love, this makes for another easy and exciting fall breakfast choice. 

Sweet Treats

Pumpkin Ginger Hold The Cone!

These mini ice cream cones are the perfect fall sweet treat. If you like the pumpkin cream cold foam at Starbucks then you’ll definitely like these. With a hard white chocolate exterior, a creamy pumpkin ice cream, and a ginger spiced soft cone, you will not be disappointed with this dessert. Though I will warn you, they are dangerous in the sense that you could probably eat them all in one sitting. 

Chocolate Mousse Pumpkins

These adorable pumpkin shaped chocolate cake and mousse treats are to die for. While there are no real pumpkin flavors present, I was still delightfully surprised. This would be the perfect dessert to bring to a halloween party or just hanging out with a group of friends. 

Salted Maple Ice Cream

In addition to the festive packaging it comes in, this ice cream is sweet, creamy, and rich, with an unexpected but pleasant maple swirl throughout. This would go great on top of an apple or pumpkin pie.

Honorable Mentions

Organic Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark

Made with all organic ingredients, this granola bark is packed with seasonal flavors and is a perfect snack for on-the-go. I would have preferred it to be a bit chewier; but still, I am a sucker for anything that includes a dark chocolate coating. 

Pumpkin Blondie Brownies

While this may have been a little too sweet for me, it was revived by contrasting rich flavors of white chocolate chips and pecans. A great choice if you’re looking for a moist and sweet dessert.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Ravioli

I normally would not think pumpkin and pasta goes well together, but if you’re looking for a meal that gives you that sweet and savory sensation, then this is the way to go. The pumpkin puree paired with various cheeses, such as Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta, really gives you that extra burst of flavor.

To get the full effect of fall, I highly recommend lighting a Trader Joe’s vanilla pumpkin scented candle while cooking or snacking on one of these seasonal items. There are plenty more affordable treats available for exploring…I’m serious, the list is neverending. And I promise, you will not be disappointed. If you’re looking for a way to get in on the seasonal fun, as well as some much needed self care, Trader Joe’s is the perfect place to go.