53 Fall Trader Joe’s Products You Have to Try
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Trader Joe's is popular for a reason. They give the people what they want every season. In fall, stores are filled floor to ceiling with fall flavors, and pumpkin is a clear favorite.
Trader Joe's does seasonal products ridiculously well, and most of their fall flavors are dangerously tasty. We visited a Trader Joe's store to see what they have on the shelves, and it was a challenge not to put every item in the cart.
These are the best fall Trader Joe's products you should try.
Pumpkin Cereal Bars
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins (out of 10)
Bottom line: If you grew up eating Nutri-Grain bars, one of these babies will bring back memories. It's virtually the same, only with pumpkin.
It's like eating a soft cereal bar filled with pumpkin jam.
Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: We're not sure why Trader Joe's decided to call this an "oat beverage." Call it what it is: pumpkin-flavored oat milk.
Despite the unappetizing title, the drink is impressively creamy and a fantastic alternative for anyone avoiding dairy.
Heat it up for an extra dose of coziness, or add it to your coffee for a healthier take on the ever-popular pumpkin spice latte.
Pecan Pumpkin Instant Oatmeal
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Homemade oatmeal is usually healthier than the instant version, but instant is so much easier on busy mornings.
If instant oatmeal is one of your staples, this seasonal Trader Joe's option is a pleasant twist. It's lightly sweetened, so there's no need to add honey.
Just heat it up and serve it with milk, raisins and some pepitas (aka pumpkin seeds) on top.
Pumpkin Spice Hummus
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: We weren't sure what to expect from pumpkin-flavored hummus, but we were pleasantly surprised. It's more sweet than savory, joining the ranks of other Trader Joe's dessert hummus. (Yes, chocolate hummus is a thing.)
We wouldn't recommend it as a dip for vegetables, but it's great when served with something lightly salty to balance out the sweetness. It's delicious on top of crackers and a slice of Trader Joe's unexpected cheddar.
Pumpkin Four Cheese Greek Style Yogurt Dip
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: We'll admit. We were confused about this dip, but that's before we tried it. It's hard to explain, so we'll just let you try it for yourself.
Pro tip: Turn it into nachos with Trader Joe's pumpkin tortilla chips.
Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Pumpkin ravioli is one of our all-time favorite seasonal Trader Joe's products. Who would have thought that pumpkin goes well with cheese? It sounds weird, but it's divine.
The real key to this dish is not to serve it with marinara sauce. Instead, toss the ravioli with olive oil and sprinkle it with sea salt to let the flavor of the filling shine.
Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix
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Our rating: 4 pumpkins
Bottom line: Trader Joe's pumpkin bread and muffin mix is on the bland side on it's own, but it can be amazing when you embellish it.
Add pecan pralines and mini white chocolate chips to the batter, and top the loaf with an easy streusel topping.
Pumpkin Spread
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: Initially, we were confused by this seasonal Trader Joe's product. Isn't this basically the same thing as their pumpkin butter, we wondered?
Nope. It's not. Pumpkin butter is sweet, but this has more of a savory spin to it. Instead of eating it on toast, use it to flavor roasted meat or to add fall flavor to deli sandwiches.
Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Kids, keep scrolling. If you don't have a side part and own skinny jeans, you're too young for this. Now that they're gone, go buy this right now.
Trader Joe's pumpkin spice liqueur is like the fall-flavored Bailey's you didn't know you needed, but you absolutely do. Make an Irish pumpkin spice latte out of it or drizzle it on top of pumpkin ice cream, whipped cream and caramel sauce, topped with a sprinkling of crushed graham crackers.
You can thank us later.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: Trader Joe's pumpkin spice coffee is pretty tasty when served with steamed milk and sugar, particularly if you top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
The coffee itself isn't on par with that of a serious coffee roasting company, but it's better than Target's seasonal coffee blend by a mile.
Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies
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Our rating: 4 pumpkins
Bottom line: These pumpkin spice cookies are perfect for kids. For our taste, they were too sweet.
They're like a pumpkin-flavored version of the pink and white circus cookies we had growing up.
Pumpkin Bisque
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Strangely, we like the jarred version of Trader Joe's seasonal pumpkin bisque better than the fresh version. It's very thick, more like a vegetable stew than a soup.
The heartiness is fantastic, and the flavors are just as good as the fresh version.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Beans
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Our rating: 4 pumpkins
Bottom line: Trader Joe's pumpkin spice espresso beans aren't bad, per say, but your feelings about them will depend on whether you like the combination of pumpkin and chocolate.
We'd describe each bean as a crunchy, bite-sized pumpkin spice latte, plus chocolate. You have to experience them yourself to see what we mean.
Fall Leaf Corn Tortilla Chips
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: What can we say about these? They're tortilla chips. They're good tortilla chips, but they're just tortilla chips.
They're shaped like fall leaves, however, so they're worth picking up for your next fall get-together or girl's night.
Spooky Bats & Cats Sour Gummy Candies
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: Our ratings are based primarily on our personal preference, and we're not huge candy people. We were, however, begrudgingly impressed by these sour gummy candies.
The sourness was enough to distract us from the fact that we were eating pure, unadulterated sugar, but it wasn't so extreme that it made us pucker.
Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Pumpkin-spiced pretzels are more like a dessert than a snack, but we have no complaints about that.
They're a pumpkin version of chocolate-covered pretzels, so if you like those, you'll love these.
Mini Maple Walnut Biscotti
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: Whether or not you like this particular fall Trader Joe's product depends on whether or not you like biscotti. The hardness of biscotti tends to be polarizing. We don't quite get why someone would want to munch on something the texture of bricks, but to each their own.
For biscotti fans, the maple-walnut flavor is a pleasant departure from chocolate or plain biscotti.
Halloween Joe Joe's Cookies
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: Let's call these what they are: Trader Joe's brand Oreos. They're close to Oreos, but they're not quite as good.
They come close, though, and kids love the fun jack-o'-lantern shape.
Pumpkin Flavored Joe-Joe's
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: Another Oreo-like sandwich cookie, this is one is unique enough to set it apart from regular Oreos.
The pumpkin flavor is done well without tasting artificial, and the cookies strike a solid balance between soft and crunchy.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
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Our rating: 8 pumpkins
Bottom line: We're thrilled that Trader Joe's brought their butternut squash mac back this season. The first year it came out, it was almost impossible to snag a box. They just didn't expect people to love it so much, but boy, did we.
Trader Joe's original mac and cheese is also scrumptious, but the creamy, slightly sweet butternut squash flavor gives it a pleasant, autumny twist.
Cinnamon Bun Cookies
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: The flavor of Trader Joe's cinnamon cookies is perfection. The cinnamon cream filling is delicious, and the cookies themselves are similar to snickerdoodles.
Just don't expect any crispiness, because these are totally soft-baked.
Trader Joe's Haunted House Chocolate Cookie Kit
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: For the fun of making it, we'd give this Trader Joe's gingerbread house kit a 6.5. For eating purposes, it's more like a 3. Packaged gingerbread can only be so tasty, so we really can't blame Trader Joe's on that front.
For a fun, Halloween activity, however, it's pretty easy to assemble and makes a cute decoration.
Pumpkin Empanadas
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: You know how scones are like eating dessert for breakfast, but in a socially acceptable way? That's what pumpkin empanadas are like, only for dinner.
They don't taste much like traditional empanadas, but their crispy, golden shells and warm pumpkin filling are absolutely worth trying.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites
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Our rating: 9 pumpkins
Bottom line: This fall Trader Joe's product is just the appetizer version of their butternut squash mac & cheese. We didn't know mac & cheese could be better. We stand corrected.
Eggplant Garlic Spread
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: There's nothing wrong with throwing together a turkey sandwich for lunch, but they can be so much better with just a few additions.
Spread this eggplant garlic spread on focaccia bread with turkey and provolone, then grill it until crispy. Try it, and tell us it's not at least five times more delicious.
Cornbread Crisps
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: Cornbread is usually crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If you're the type that prefers to eat just the crispy, crusty part on top, throw these in the cart without hesitation.
Harvest Spaghetti Squash Spirals
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: With so many amazing autumn pasta dishes at Trader Joe's, it's really hard not to compare this to them.
Spaghetti squash is never going to taste like real spaghetti, but if you can live with that, this harvest blend is tender and tasty.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: The flavor of Trader Joe's pumpkin ice cream is on point. It's creamy, as ice cream obviously should be, and the pumpkin flavor doesn't taste fake in the slightest.
Ice cream snobs may note, however, that the ice cream freezes soft and has almost a whipped texture. This is true of most Trader Joe's ice cream, and whether or not you're a fan is a matter of personal taste.
Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Baking skills are not needed to host or attend a fall potluck or Friendsgiving event.
Bring one or two of these rustic apple tartes, plus a quart of French vanilla ice cream and a jar of caramel sauce, and you're good to go.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Waffles
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Our rating: 4 pumpkins
Bottom line: It's hard to dislike a waffle, and Trader Joe's pumpkin waffles are no exception. Despite giving them a rating of four pumpkins, we do like them. We just think they have the potential to be way better.
The texture of the waffles is perfect. No complaints there whatsoever. The flavor, however, is lackluster. If you're going to give us pumpkin waffles, give us pumpkin waffles. The pumpkin flavor feels like an accident.
To fix that, we've paired the pumpkin waffles with Trader Joe's pumpkin butter. Problem solved.
Riced Cauliflower & Butternut Squash Risotto
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Our rating: 4 pumpkins
Bottom line: We're getting tired of people trying to make everything out of cauliflower. Cauliflower pizza crust. Cauliflower pasta. Now cauliflower risotto?
We didn't have high hopes for this one, but it's actually pretty good. For an easy side dish with some pleasant, autumn flavors, it's worth trying.
Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer Pumpkin Cheesecake
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Our rating: 10 pumpkins
Bottom line: If you pick only one item on this list to try, pick this one. We featured an image of Trader Joe's pumpkin cheesecake at the top of this article because it's one of their best seasonal items.
The graham cracker crust is offset by the smooth pumpkin and tangy cream cheese filling. Sprinkle it with pecan pralines to make it even better.
Greek Nonfat Pumpkin Yogurt
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: Fall Trader Joe's products aren't all bad for you. They added pumpkin into their popular Greek yogurt that's both high in protein and low in sugar.
Sprinkle a handful of nuts and chia seeds on top for a more filling snack.
Pumpkin Rolls With Pumpkin Spice Icing
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Regular cinnamon rolls are already delicious, but these are like required reading for autumn-obsessed palates.
One tip to take seriously: Don't overbake these. If they're overdone, they take on a hard, chewy texture that completely ruins the experience.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix
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Our rating: 8 pumpkins
Bottom line: We weren't sure how these would be for one major reason — the combination of chocolate and pumpkin is "meh" at best, and weird at worst. Godiva's chocolate pumpkin truffles are just plain gross.
Despite our apprehension, this mix makes really tasty, easy cookies. Don't forget to dunk them in milk.
Vanilla Almond Spiced Chai Protein Smoothie
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: This seasonal Trader Joe's product isn't bad, but you might disagree if you're expecting it to taste like an iced vanilla chai latte. Spoiler alert: It doesn't.
It's an almond milk-based protein drink, and it's very tasty for what it is.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter
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Our rating: 10 pumpkins
Bottom line: Pumpkin butter was one of the first pumpkin flavored products Trader Joe's released. It's just as good now as it was when it launched years ago, and it's impressively versatile.
Try putting it on toast or bagels, or on top of pancakes with fresh whipped cream and maple syrup.
Trader Joe's Organic Maple Butter
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: French toast and maple syrup are always served together, but syrup on regular toast? That would just be weird. It's too runny.
While we can't say that we've ever mourned the lack of spreadable syrup, we're glad that it's now a thing.
Maple & Sea Salt Kettle Corn
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Yes. That's all we have to say. Trader Joe's already does kettle corn well. If you like their plain kettle corn and you like maple flavoring, you'll love this.
Almond Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
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Our rating: 9 pumpkins
Bottom line: While this Trader Joe's product isn't strictly fall flavored, it's a new item that launched with the rest of their seasonal snacks and treats.
They're very similar to the peanut butter filled pretzels they've had for years, but with slightly healthier almond butter inside.
Trader Joe's Spiced Cider
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Our rating: 10 pumpkins
Bottom line: This stuff is where hot apple cider should start and end. You don't need any other apple cider. We've tried them all, but after having Trader Joe's spiced cider, the rest fell flat.
Most brands essentially just label regular apple juice as "cider," but the perfectly spiced Trader Joe's version has so much more flavor. With a few additions, it also can be transformed into a hot cocktail to warm up fall nights.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Tortilla Chips
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Our rating: 8 pumpkins
Bottom line: Pumpkin flavor doesn't typically go with Mexican food, but these surprised us. The pumpkin actually complemented the salty tortilla chip flavor.
Try crumbling them on top of butternut squash soup for a nice crunch.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche
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Our rating: 10 pumpkins
Bottom line: So far, we've only tried using Trader Joe's pumpkin brioche bread to make French toast, but even if that's all you use it for, it's amazing. The bread is exceptionally light and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
We recommend serving it with a side of Trader Joe's pumpkin butter and fresh maple syrup.
Authentic Pumpkin Danish Kringle
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: Trader Joe's has been selling Danish kringles from an authentic Danish bakery in Wisconsin for a few years now.
The pastries are flat and twisted into a wreath-like shape, and they come in several flavors. Almond is our personal favorite, but pumpkin is a nice change for fall.
Be warned: Kringles are very, very sweet. Pair it with coffee or black tea to tone down the intense sugar rush.
Pumpkin Blondie Brownies With White Chocolate Chips and Pecans
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: If you're craving a chewy brownie, this isn't it. It's not really a brownie at all. Pumpkin blondie brownies are more like flat loaves of pumpkin bread with icing drizzled on top.
They're good, as long as you're not expecting a true brownie experience.
Trader Joe's Apple Cider Donuts
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Our rating: 8 pumpkins
Bottom line: There's nothing as good as a fresh-baked donut, but for the days you don't have time to go to Dunkin' or Krispy Kreme, these are pretty great treats.
The apple cider flavor is unusual, and it's surprisingly tasty dipped in coffee.
Trader Joe's Chocolate Mousse Pumpkins
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Our rating: 5 pumpkins
Bottom line: There are no surprises when it comes to this fall Trader Joe's product. They're mini chocolate cakes layered with chocolate mousse.
They're good, but they could stand to have a stronger chocolate flavor or an added layer of rich ganache.
Cinnamon Brooklyn Babka
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Our rating: 8 pumpkins
Bottom line: If you have an addictive personality, don't buy Trader Joe's Cinnamon Brooklyn Babka. You will eat it in a single sitting no matter how much you tell yourself not to.
When it comes to that perfect, cinnamon and brown sugar streusel topping, Trader Joe's doesn't skimp. As for what a Brooklyn Babka is, it's best described as a pastry in loaf form.
Yum.
Pumpkin Bagels
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: Trader Joe's pumpkin bagels are good, but we feel like they're missing something. The pumpkin flavor is nice, but it's a little mild for our taste.
The bagels could also use some raisins or toasted pecans to add some texture.
Pumpkin Butternut Squash Bisque
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Our rating: 7 pumpkins
Bottom line: All of Trader Joe's fresh soups make easy, quick meals, and this pumpkin bisque is quickly becoming one of our favorites.
The nutty squash flavor gives some serious comfort food vibes, but without the caloric punch of mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
Dip some fresh, crusty French bread in it for best results.
Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
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Our rating: 8 pumpkins
Bottom line: We consider these crackers to be more crunchy than crispy. They're similar to the tiny pieces of "toast" in bags of Chex Mix, only the refined version.
The dried cranberries add a novel chewiness to the cracker, and the flavor is mild enough to top with your favorite cheese.
Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce
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Our rating: 8 pumpkins
Bottom line: The flavor of this rich, creamy alfredo sauce is warm and comforting. It works well on pretty much any pasta dishes, but fettuccini is our top choice.
Don't hesitate to stock up if you adore pumpkin-flavored foods. Unlike most seasonal Trader Joe's products, this one has a long shelf life.
Pumpkin Maple Bacon Flavored Dog Treats
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Our rating: 6 pumpkins
Bottom line: We can't say we've tried this one ourselves, but the Maltipoo we offered it to had mixed feelings. She seemed to like the flavor, because bacon is amazing, but she ended up burying it in the couch instead of eating it.
Biscuits aren't her thing, so let your own dog be the judge of this one.