It is officially the best time of the year: fall. Not only does fall bring sweater weather, photo-worthy foliage and the start of the holiday season, but Trader Joe’s stocks its shelves with annual fall items. Among the sea of pumpkin spice pancakes, waffles and cinnamon rolls, there are some lesser-known fall foods currently at Trader Joe’s. Put on your chunky sweater, light up the fireplace and enjoy some of the most *noteworthy* foods that Trader Joe’s has released this fall.
1. Pumpkin Bagels
Trader Joe’s is arguably one of the best grocery stores in the US. They have released pumpkin bagels that also come in a gluten free version. These bagels are one of their seasonal items, and include actual pumpkin flour along with a variety of spices. To really satisfy your fall craving first thing in the morning, you can add their Maple Oat Milk to your coffee or tea.
2. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
While pumpkin spice tends gets all the attention, the second the leaves start to change color, there are other incredible seasonal ingredients in stores including butternut squash. This frozen mac & cheese is creamy, hearty and nutty which is perfect for colder nights when you need a rest from cooking.
3. Fall Zucchette Pasta
This pumpkin pasta is possibly one of the cutest pasta shapes I have ever seen. The little pockets that the pumpkin shape creates are perfect for their Autumnal Harvest Sauce to cling onto. The sauce is a basic tomato sauce, but includes carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin to add hints of sweet and nutty flavors.
4. Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Slims
If you’re looking for a snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, then these pretzels are for you. They are thin, crispy and salty with a sweet pumpkin spice yogurt coating that creates an incredible balance of flavors. They are topped with pumpkin seeds for additional crunch. These pretzels are definitely a go-to on my shopping list each year.
5. Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
On days when you don’t want something as sweet as pumpkin spice flavored snacks, these pumpkin cranberry crisps are a great alternative. The cranberries add a natural sweetness and chewiness to contrast the savory pumpkin flavor and crunchiness of the chip. If you prefer softer snacks rather than crispy ones, you can make Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix and add in cranberries for a similar taste, but softer texture.
6. Pumpkin Empanadas
During colder months when the days get shorter, many people are more tired. This time of year is when I find myself relying on frozen meals more frequently because I do not have the energy to cook every night. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s has a large selection of frozen meals. These pumpkin empanadas are comforting, crispy and slightly sweet. I generally have one or two of these for a snack rather than a lunch or dinner, but they definitely prevent me from getting hangry between meals.
7. Spicy Pumpkin Samosas
Similar to the empanadas, these spicy pumpkin samosas make for a great snack or appetizer. These samosas combine traditional Indian spices with autumnal spices and pumpkin for a flavorful, spicy filling. Personally, I don’t eat these frequently because I am very sensitive to spice, but I know people who buy several packages at a time because the samosas are that good!
8. Pumpkin Ginger Mini Ice Cream Cones
Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones are one of my favorite desserts year round. This twist on a Trader Joe’s staple is sure to give off fall vibes. The gingerbread flavored cones are filled with pumpkin ice cream that balance out the sweetness from the vanilla icing. If you’re more of a pumpkin purist, Trader Joe’s also has pumpkin ice cream sold by the pint.
9. Ginger Turmeric Granola
While ginger and turmeric may not seem like they would fit under the umbrella of fall foods, this granola is definitely my first suggestion for people who aren’t crazy about pumpkin spice. Truthfully, this granola is very sweet for my own taste, but while I may not use it as a topping on an already sugary açaí bowl, it pairs perfectly with plain greek yogurt or other tart foods!
10. Maple Leaf Cookies
These cookies are without a doubt, mine and my family’s number one choice for the best fall item Trader Joe’s carries. Typically, I am not a fan of maple. I rarely use maple syrup on pancakes and I tend to stay away from maple flavored things. These cookies are a true exception. I wait the entire year for Trader Joe’s to release these soft, velvety cookies so I can stock up on boxes of them. I highly recommend trying these cookies before I buy out the stores.
Trader Joe’s has some of the most inventive food items year round. Undoubtedly, seasonal items in the fall and winter are where Trader Joe’s truly shines with its creativity. Even if you don’t love fall, unique foods like these show the versatility of many seasonal ingredients that we may not experience otherwise.