The pros: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn is a sweet and well spiced caramel corn that will make most pumpkin spice lovers happy.
The cons: Product did not look much like what came out of the bag.
The verdict:
…
Seasonal
Trader Joe’s Black Tiger Shrimp
The pros: Trader Joe’s Black Tiger Shrimp are large shrimp that are only around for the holiday season.
The cons: This product might not be ideal for those where having six shrimp would not suffice. This is priced at almost $10 for half a pound. While some might complain about the price, these are very big shrimp.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Pixie Pie Mix
The pros: Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Pixie Pie Mix is new to shelves this year. If you normally enjoy sweet potato pie (topped with marshmallows of course) then you’ll probably enjoy this easier boxed version that only needs, 1 egg, 1 stick of butter, and 3 tablespoons of water.
The cons: Dieters need not apply. If you only cut this pie into 5 pieces then each person would be consuming over 500 calories. You’ll also want to make sure you have an 8 pan for this otherwise the crust might not fit.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Turkey and Stuffing En Croute
The pros: Trader Joe’s Turkey and Stuffing En Croute is a Thanksgiving dinner (minus the mashed potatoes) in one single frozen box. It’s a massive time saver and is super presentable.
The cons: If you like this product, it appears to be a seasonal one. While most of the turkey was evenly distributed, I did have one slice that did not have any. I’m also not sure why this is about 8 servings. I think 4-6 is a more reasonable number (more on this issue below).
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower Stuffing
The pros: Trader Joe’s Riced Cauliflower Stuffing is a healthier spin on stuffing that is perfect for vegans and the people who really watch what they eat.
The cons: For some this might not take the place of actual stuffing. This bag can not be resealed and this item is seasonal.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoon
The pros: Trader Joe’s Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Stirring Spoon hits the shelves right in time for the cooler weather. It makes for a decent cup of hot cocoa and it’s pretty much an all in one setup.
The cons: This did not totally incorporate into my milk, but perhaps my milk wasn’t hot enough. Then again, that did not matter because the flavor was pretty good.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly
The pros: Trader Joe’s Hot and Sweet Pepper Jelly is a very well done and non-traditional jelly that is a really good compliment to cheese and crackers.
The cons: This is a seasonal item so if you find you like it, then pick up a few. Or at least that was what I was told at the sample counter at Trader Joe’s by an employee.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Broom
The pros: Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Broom is a strong cinnamon broom shaped air freshener that will make a room (or two) smell like cinnamon for a long period of time.
The cons: This is a seasonal product, so if you want one they are only around for so long. Also, if you were hoping this is made from bark of a cinnamon tree, you are mistaken. This is fragranced from cinnamon oil. If you are using this in a small or confined space the the aroma might be overpowering.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Jam
The pros: Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Jam is new and is a tasty apple jam.
The cons: When I think of cider, texture doesn’t seem to come to mind. This reminded me more of applesauce jam or pie filling rather then apple cider jam. However, shame on me. If I had read the description on the side, it did mention the chunky nature of this jam.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix
The pros: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix is seasonal and will cure your hankering for pumpkin first thing in the morning.
The cons: If you prefer your pancakes plain, then this is not for you. The Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Pancake mix would be better for those who want it plain.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce
The pros: Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce is thick, rich, creamy and will have you thinking that it is just a well made cream sauce.
The cons: It’s seasonal. I wished they would change the name and just sell this all year long. Sodium is high, but the flavor is good.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix
The pros: Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix is a perfectly good option for those who can’t have gluten. Only subtle differences between this and the regular variety of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread mix.
The cons: This item is priced higher than the non-gluten free variety. The first ingredient listed is sugar.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels
The pros: Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels are for those who love pumpkin spice and are willing to embrace the very crunchy salty nature of this treat. To me, the chocolate was the highlight. The packaging was nice too. I was also glad I did not pay for a larger package then what was here.
The cons: For me, this salt was too assertive. This might also be pumpkin spice gone wrong.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Organic Frosted Pumpkin Toaster Pastries
The pros: Trader Joe’s Organic Frosted Pumpkin Toaster Pastries are on par with the other varieties of Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries.
The cons: This is a seasonal flavor, so if you see it or like it, you might want to stock up.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Rustic Apple Tarte
The pros: Trader Joe’s Rustic Apple Tarte is sweet, but not too sweet, has lots of texture, is delicious, and basically a larger more nutty variety of Trader Joe’s Apple Blossoms.
The cons: This is a seasonal product, grab it while it lasts. On a happy note this product has been making seasonal appearances for a couple of years now, but at Trader Joe’s that doesn’t seem to mean much.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Parmigiana
The pros: Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Parmigiana is a sweet, flavorful, yet well done seasonal frozen dish which has a name that doesn’t quite fit.
The cons: So much squash and yet so little fiber and in fact, if you are counting calories, please look over the nutritional info. It might not be as healthy as you are hoping it would be. I still wonder who decided that there are two servings in this package. If you are looking for a savory dish, please look elsewhere. This also came out of the oven looking nothing like the picture on the box.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Maple Pecan Shortbread Bar Mix
The pros: Trader Joe’s Maple Pecan Shortbread Bar Mix is the anti-pumpkin yet fall filled dessert that will gladly handle those of us with a profound sweet tooth.
The cons: You’ll need to leave yourself a bit more time to prepare this. There are two distinct steps in preparing this. Realistically, this takes about 2 hours to prepare from opening the box to slicing into it. Health nuts need not apply; the first ingredient here is sugar. In fact, some form of sugar is four of the eight ingredients here.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix
The pros: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix makes dense and slightly crumbly bread with a nice spice combination. No need to open a can of pumpkin (or have leftovers from that can of pumpkin)
The cons: Not as good as homemade, but not bad.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Marble Mousse Bar
The pros: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Marble Mousse Bar is pretty as a picture. While this isn’t pre-sliced, I wouldn’t worry about anyone going to crazy over this one.
The cons: I wished it tasted as good as it looked. Sadly, I was disappointed on this one. Besides, I’m still trying to figure out the “mousse” aspect of this dessert.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Ghosts and Bats
The pros: Trader Joe’s Ghosts and Bats are a fun seasonal potato chip like snack. These are also gluten free.
The cons: Seasonal. These remind me of a combination of my favorite chips. I do wish they could add some more flavoring here.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Scone Mix
The pros: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Scone Mix makes quick, easy, tender, and flavorful scones that are perfect for the Fall.
The cons: It’s seasonal, so if you discover you really like this then you really should stock up because you don’t know when or if you’ll ever see this one again.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies
The pros: Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a seasonal variety of Trader Joe’s Pinks and Whites.
The cons: This is a seasonal item, so when they are gone they are gone (perhaps forever, perhaps just for the season).
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Key Lime Pie
The pros: Trader Joe’s Key Lime Pie is a really well done pie that can be defrosted and be a crowd pleaser. A really well-balanced pie for something that comes from a box in the freezer.
The cons: While this says six servings, this can comfortably feed four people.
The verdict: …
Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
The pros: Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is new, frozen, filling, and the first fall seasonal item that I’ve found at my local Trader Joe’s.
The cons: It’s still mac and cheese so don’t expect this to be diet food. Mine was more spicy than I thought it would be. Based on the box design, this is likely seasonal.
The verdict: …
