Trader Joe’s is renowned for offering not only a wide variety of products but also for delivering some of the best seasonal items.
As fall approaches, Trader Joe’s shelves are packed with autumn-themed food and drink options that capture the flavors of the season—pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and apple being some of the most prominent.
To help you decide what’s worth picking up, I tried 15 fall-themed products from the store. Some stood out, while others missed the mark. Here’s a breakdown of these products, complete with insights into nutrition, flavor, and what makes them truly special.
Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage
Nutrition (Per 1 cup):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbs: 24 g
- Sugar: 8 g
This oat milk is rich and creamy but has a strong pumpkin spice flavor that may be overpowering for some. The texture is thicker than expected, making it more suitable for coffee rather than as a standalone drink or cereal addition.
While priced at $2.99, it might appeal to serious pumpkin fans but may not be for everyone due to its heavy mouthfeel.
Pumpkin O’s Cereal
Nutrition (Per 1 ⅓ cup):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 1 g
- Sugar: 12 g
Crafted with whole-grain oats and real pumpkin, this cereal has a crunchy texture but leans a little too sweet. At $2.99, it’s great when mixed with Greek yogurt, but when paired with milk, it might be overly saccharine for some.
Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
Nutrition (Per 11 crackers):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 7 g
These crisps are great when paired with cheese, though the rosemary flavor can be a bit overpowering on its own. At $3.99, these fall-themed crackers would be perfect for holiday spreads when served alongside dips and cheeses.
Pumpkin Blondie Brownies
Nutrition (Per 1 brownie):
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 5 g
- Sugar: 10 g
These treats offer strong pumpkin spice flavors and a cake-like texture rather than the dense fudgy feel of traditional brownies. For $4.99, they’re perfect for anyone looking for a simple, no-fuss fall dessert to serve at gatherings.
Pumpkin Tortilla Chips
Nutrition (Per 9 chips):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbs: 16 g
Although these chips have a unique texture, their flavor falls flat. The pumpkin puree and spices are subtle, making these chips ideal as a side dish with salsa rather than a standalone snack. Priced at $2.49, they’re worth a try, but don’t expect bold flavors.
Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Nutrition (Per container):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5 g
- Sugar: 12 g
These $1.99 overnight oats combine almond butter, pumpkin spice, and rolled oats for a filling, balanced breakfast. Although it’s not overly sweet, the oats still deliver a satisfying pumpkin flavor, making them an ideal breakfast option for busy mornings.
Fall Harvest Salsa
Nutrition (Per 2 tbsp):
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 2 g
The combination of apples, butternut squash, and pumpkin makes for a unique fall twist on traditional salsa. However, at $3.49, the seasonal flavors don’t shine through as expected, making it an underwhelming choice compared to other salsa options.
Pumpkin-Spiced Joe-Joe’s
Nutrition (Per cookie):
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 6 g
- Sugar: 12 g
These $2.99 creme sandwich cookies feature a pleasant pumpkin pie flavor. Fans of classic Joe-Joe’s will enjoy the fall twist, as these are perfect for dipping in milk or as a sweet snack on their own.
Pumpkin Waffles
Nutrition (Per 2 waffles):
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbs: 28 g
For a quick, no-fuss breakfast option, these $2.79 waffles are a must-try. They toast up perfectly and have just the right amount of sweetness and pumpkin flavor. They don’t require much in the way of toppings, though maple syrup is always a good addition.
Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
Nutrition (Per 1 cup):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbs: 36 g
Priced at $3.99, these ravioli offer a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors. The pumpkin filling is creamy and pairs well with the pasta shell, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s ready in minutes.
Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas
Nutrition (Per 4 pieces):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
At $4.29, these spicy, crispy samosas make a perfect snack or appetizer. With a filling of pumpkin and paneer and a crunchy exterior, they’re a fun, flavorful addition to any fall spread.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites
Nutrition (Per 3 pieces):
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbs: 18 g
These $3.99 bites offer a creamy, cheesy filling with a crispy breadcrumb exterior. The butternut squash adds a delightful seasonal twist, making these bites a great option for entertaining or a quick side dish.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Nutrition (Per 1/6 cake):
- Calories: 430
- Fat: 25 g
- Sugar: 33 g
This $7.99 cheesecake is creamy, flavorful, and a must-have for anyone who loves pumpkin-flavored desserts. It’s rich enough to serve a crowd and has a perfectly balanced flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
Honey Crisp Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt
Nutrition (Per container):
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbs: 19 g
With 10 grams of protein, this $0.99 yogurt is ideal for a quick breakfast or snack. It’s a satisfying mix of apple and cinnamon without being too sweet, and it pairs well with granola.
Creamy Toscano Cheese Dusted with Cinnamon
Nutrition (Per 1-oz. cube):
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
This $5.28 cheese is a unique offering, blending the creamy, nutty flavor of Toscano cheese with a dusting of cinnamon. The unexpected combination works wonders and makes it a standout product perfect for fall charcuterie boards.
Conclusion:
Trader Joe’s seasonal fall lineup delivers plenty of hits and a few misses. Standout items like the Creamy Toscano Cheese Dusted with Cinnamon and Pumpkin Waffles prove that Trader Joe’s knows how to capture the essence of fall flavors.
While some items, like the Pumpkin Tortilla Chips, may leave you wanting more in terms of flavor, there’s no shortage of variety to explore this season.
Whether you’re hosting a fall-themed dinner or simply want a snack that celebrates autumn, Trader Joe’s fall products are worth checking out.
