The buzz at Trader Joe’s is unmistakable! Whether you’re an occasional visitor or a die-hard fan, this much-loved grocery store has rolled out its sought-after fall collection. For enthusiasts of autumn flavors like pumpkin, apple, and maple, there’s an overwhelming choice of more than 140 products in which to indulge. No wonder Trader Joe’s enjoys such a dedicated fanbase. Narrowing down all these selections for our top five wasn’t easy, but StudyFinds has done the work to bring you a list of the best Trader Joe’s fall foods.
Speaking of seasonal delights, Trader Joe’s “Fall Flyer” offerings are so popular it’s wise to snag your favorites sooner rather than later, given their tendency to fly off the shelves. Beyond these products’ allure, the store is dedicated to quality — refraining from using artificial colors, GMOs, and certain preservatives while maintaining an affordable price point.
You’re in good company if you yearn to savor these flavors throughout the year. A study indicated that 48 percent of respondents believe seasonal favorites can be enjoyed anytime, no matter your personality, with pumpkin spice emerging as the leading flavor profile. “We were thrilled to discover that despite our different personalities, we all come together around a love for fall,” says Jo Ann Herold, chief marketing officer of The Honey Baked Ham Company, in a statement. “The flavors of the season have become part of family traditions. Pumpkin spice, in particular, continues to be paired with more savory foods like popcorn, pot pies, and even turkey — and that brings families more dinner options with their favorite fall flavors.”
Which of Trader Joe’s autumnal treasures has secured a spot on our esteemed list? These are the the five that will captivate your taste buds, making you come back for more. Miss seeing your cherished fall go-to or a fresh discovery on our list? We’d love to know in the comments below.
The List: Best Trader Joe’s Fall Items, According to Shoppers
1. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
You would probably never think to pair butternut squash with mac and cheese, but Trader Joe’s did, and it’s a huge hit. Savanna Swain-Wilson with Insider says she’s “totally converted and this mac and cheese is amazing and may be my favorite thing I tried. The squash puree and three-cheese mixture melted seamlessly into each other, forming a mouthwatering and decadent bechamel. Rigatoni noodles turned out to be the ideal choice for supporting such a heavy sauce, giving every bite that gooey, cheesy goodness. The dish had bits of fresh sage sprinkled throughout, which gave it a strong herbal aroma and slight bitterness that perfectly balanced out the sweetness of butternut-squash flavor.”
“This savory rigatoni pasta boasts the perfect blend of cheese including Parmesan, cheddar, gouda, butternut squash pureé, and seasonal spices, like sage,” says Restaurant Clicks. “It’s a great dish you can microwave when you crave something hot after a long, cold day.”
“There was one box left when I looked for it, so I said why not?! And you guys, it was SO GOOD,” according to Green Wedding Shoes. And it was easy to make, “just heat in the microwave (gotta love that)! I paired it with some grilled chicken and roasted green cauliflower for a yummy fall dinner. This is also probably one of their most popular fall items according to my local Trader Joe’s store.”
2. Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Cookies
There are the fall theme versions of the classic Joe-Joe’s cookie and they don’t disappoint. “The cookies themselves were soft and scrumptious,” boasts Insider. “Basically, they’re everything a person could want in a fall cookie, and I’m always happy when I eat them. If these aren’t in your cabinet yet, immediately head to your nearest store and stock up on three or four boxes.”
“An autumnal spin on the classic Joe-Joe’s cookies, the popular Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Cookies are for true pumpkin spice lovers,” according to Parade. “The treat starts with Pumpkin Joe Joe’s before being dipped in a sweet and impeccably Pumpkin Spiced yogurt-flavored coating that’s topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for balance.”
Tasting Table believes, “These are all about the filling, which is more pumpkin pie than pumpkin spice — which is why there’s now mention of spice on the box’s label. Without much zest from cinnamon or anything similar, the cookies end up being pretty darn sweet.”
3. Honeycrisp Apple Granola
Looking for a new twist to your granola? This best bet is made with dried Honeycrisp apple slices, sweetened with honey and molasses, and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and clove. “I eat granola and yogurt almost every day for breakfast and am therefore always on the lookout for interesting flavors of granola to mix up my morning routine,” explains Emma Christensen, General Manager of Simply Recipes. “I love that this granola is apple-forward with just a hint of spice (think: ‘apple,’ not ‘apple pie’)—it’s been a fun way to start my day on these recent chilly fall mornings. The clusters are also big and sturdy enough to make my breakfast feel hearty or to eat out of hand as a snack later in the day.”
“It is sweet. It’s a granola,” adds Real Simple, noting that this product also “has a lot of nice apple flavor.” The website says, “Enjoy it with milk, like a breakfast cereal, or mix it in with some yogurt for an interesting combination of flavors and textures. While this item is only expected to be around for the fall, it might return in the near future if customers like it.”
According to Buzzfeed, “Honeycrisp apples and an array of fall spices make this the perfect yogurt pairing, ice cream topper, or even stand-alone snack.”
4. Pumpkin Ginger Scones
These are new for 2023 and Green Wedding Shoes loves them saying they are “SO SO good.” Why? “These adorable little scones are tender, lightly spiced, and full of pumpkin flavor. I love that you can bake as many or as few as you like, so you can always have warm little scones ready to go. They’re especially good with a steaming cup of chai or topped with pumpkin butter.”
“They are really tasty, crumbly, classic scones with pumpkin and candied ginger,” writes Real Simple. “Pro tip: You can also bake these tasty scones in your air fryer!”
5. Salted Maple Ice Cream
Run, don’t walk to Trader Joe’s to get this ice cream. According to an Instagram post on Delish, “WOW just WOW! This is as good as you would imagine. It’s a salted maple ice cream with a salted maple swirl. I just posted a reel if you want to see the inside and view that maple swirl and the joy it brings with every bite.”
“It’s just spot-on, which is rare in a maple-flavored product; like watermelon or bacon, it’s an easy flavor to get wrong, often coming across as woefully artificial,” comments Tasting Table. “However Trader Joe’s does it, they fold in those cozy fall-tasting notes in a smooth, high-quality ice cream base. With no cookie dough pieces, chocolate chips, or chunks of fruit and nuts, it’s nothing too heavy, yet heavy on the flavor of a good autumn brunch.”
Looking for the perfect fall dessert? Parade states, “The limited-edition Salted Maple Ice Cream should definitely be on the top of your list. Noted to be ‘gloriously thick, decadently creamy, and decidedly rich,’ you might run through a tub (or three) this fall season.”
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Sources:
- Tasting Table
- Buzzfeed
- The Every Girl
- Parade
- Real Simple
- Green Wedding Shoes
- Insider
- Delish
- Eat This!
- Simple Recipes
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
Does TJ have a delish apple butter? I’d love one!