On my most recent trip to Trader Joe's I noticed that the pumpkin display that was so prominently filled a week or two ago, has become empty and barren (or was it because I was there on a weekend?).
Here is a list of the items you should pick up before they vanish off of shelves for the season. And yes, while Trader Joe's has some items still out, the Thanksgiving items are just starting to make their way onto shelves.
Now, didn't want to make a list of just pumpkin items. Nope, here are the BEST Fall seasonal items worth picking up (if not stocking up on). I've tried and liked each and every one of these items.
I'll do a separate list for Thanksgiving once we know what is returning and what is new. If you think I missed something (or need to try something ASAP), let me know in the comments section.
Trader Joe's Rustic Apple Tarte
This apple tarte is nice balance of sweet but not too sweet. Perfect for sharing, but also has great texture. Sadly, while this item is seasonal, you can get the similar but not quite the same Apple Blossoms during the year.
Trader Joe's Frozen Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are delicious. But mashed, frozen with no ingredients other than Sweet Potatoes here is a side that is easy as anything. The only downside: this tends to disappear off of shelves. So if you try it and love it, then pick up a few bags of these Sweet Potatoes.
Trader Joe's Maple Pecan Bars
No shortage of sweetness here, but returning to shelves this year is one of an expanding line of really delicious maple products. These bars do take some time, but the end result is delicious. You can read my full review here.
Trader Joe's Cinnamon Broom
Nothing edible here. Nothing you would use to clean. But here is a pretty potent air freshener which will blend right in with any Fall display you might have. With some essential oils you can also keep the aroma going much longer. You can read my review of this cinnamon broom here.
Trader Joe's Creamy Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce
Most creamy sauces tend to fall short in my opinion. Not the case here. Cream is clearly a prominent ingredient and despite the veggies it eats a lot like a vodka sauce sans the vodka. I always pick up a few extra jars to get my through the season. You can read my full review of this product here.
Trader Joe's Autumnal Harvest Soup
New for 2018, is this soup bears similarities to the pasta sauce, but makes a hearty and rustic style soup. A great option to have with a grilled cheese. You can read my full review of Autumnal Harvest Soup here.
Trader Joe's Pepita Salsa
Pepita seeds are the pumpkin in this salsa. While I was skeptical of seeds and salsa, it completely worked. You can read my review of the Pepita Salsa here.
Trader Joe's Halloween Gummies
Yes, we are pretty close to Halloween, but my husband and I made sure that all the mini bags in this large bag were thoroughly tested and safe for trick or treaters. Sadly, no tricker or treaters will get to enjoy them because we enjoyed these so much. Sorry, not sorry. Perfect for lunches, but worth picking up if you can find it. You can read my review of these Halloween Gummies here.
Trader Joe's Brussels Sprout Ravioli
If you are willing to give Brussels Sprouts another go as an adult or you are already a fan, then you are in for a pleasant pairing of savory, sweet, and cheesy with these. They are seasonal, but they do freeze well. You can read my full review of these Brussels Sprouts & Caramelized Onion Ravioli here.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cream Cheese
Not something I would have everyday, but this is a real treat with toast or a bagel to break up the plain monotony of my morning routine. And for the record, cream cheese does freeze well if you think you won't get to try it online. You can read my full review of this product here.
Trader Joe's Maple Butter
The product you didn't know you needed until you tried it. Maple seems to be hot this year and this maple stands out because it isn't liquid and it doesn't have any butter in it either. It's spreadable and a gift that you need to try to appreciate. You can see my review of this Maple Butter here.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ravioli
You have two seasonal Joe Joe's varieties available, but Trader Joe's Pumpkin Joe Joe's are the ones to reach for. They are pumpkin flavor without going overboard. Subtle pumpkin spice and generously filled. You can read my full review of these Pumpkin Joe Joe's here.
Trader Joe's Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla and Maple. A nice and natural pairing of two terrific flavors. With the price of vanilla, the bean in this jar justifies the nearly $10 price tag for this. You can read my full review of Trader Joe's Vanilla Maple Syrup here.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread
Well, it's not my Mom's recipe. But in a pinch with minimal effort and extra ingredients this makes for a really good pumpkin bread (or muffins). You can see the directions and full review here. You can always substitute pumpkin puree for the oil or the eggs.
Or Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
And as always, if gluten-free is a priority then this mix is on par with the regular variety. You can see the directions and my review of Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread here.
Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa Dunkers
If maple is the new pumpkin, then consider Hot Cocoa to be the next up and coming flavor that we might see more of as we head into the cooler months. But for now, these were pretty darn good. You can read my full review of these Hot Cocoa Dunkers here.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pancake Mix
If pumpkin bread isn't your thing in the morning, the don't be shy about reaching for this seasonal favorite Pumpkin Pancake Mix. And yes, you can make waffles with this too. If you are gluten-free, then there is a mix for that too.
Trader Joe's Organic Cold Pressed Fuji Apple Spiced Cider
Sometimes the biggest surprises come in the smallest packages. If you can't get to a place where they offer fresh apple cider, the consider this the next best thing with the added bonus of a well-balanced spice mix. You can read my full review for this Cold Pressed Spiced Apple Cider here.
Trader Joe's Honey Roasted Ravioli
Pumpkin, spice, pasta and everything nice in these ravioli. They are also autumn in color. Orange on the top and yellow on the bottom. These Pumpkin Ravioli also freeze well if you need to make them last just a bit longer.
And if you get to the store and realize these products are gone...
Well at least this is sold year round and they are quite a prize even if everything else is gone. You can my full review of Trader Joe's Maple Leaf Cookies here.
So What Do You Think?
Did I miss anything on this Trader Joe's Best Fall Item list? Did I get anything wrong? Don't forget to comment and share your thoughts below!
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Alek says
I'm sad that the apple cider caramels didn't make a comeback. Also I didn't notice the pumpkin spice caramels in stores. What is the worst fall items at TJ's?
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! Me too! And the pumpkin spice scones didn't come back either. And worst Fall item: those salted pumpkin caramels. I didn't like those. Don't worry, I am working on a worst things list. If you'd like to share your worst TJs tries, I'm all ears. Thanks as always for stopping by!
Penelope Tucker says
There are a few things from the fall extravaganza that I love but didn’t see on your list. First, I really enjoyed (and more than a couple bags were purchased) the pumpkin spice madelines. Wish TJs would have a changing sessional version at all times. Second, I tried to get more of the Apple cider foaming hand soap after I discovered how moisturizing it is. But, it was gone, gone, gone. And let’s not forget the puff pastry. I know my TJs will be out of it before thanksgiving rolls around. That’s why I stashed four away. It was a terrific fall.
becomebetty says
Hey Penelope! I tried that hand soap too and loved it. I'm also a big fan of the Honeycrisp Apple Candle but didn't have pictures available. And yes! I have the puff pastry sitting in my freezer now. Thanks so much for adding your thoughts on this!
Anne with a silent E says
Great list! I've bought a few things from the list - some still to try like the pasta sauce & soup. All have been hits. I didn't make it by this weekend but I must have that maple butter. Also wanted to try the spiced cider. And I think I may have to cave & try those maple leaf cookies.
becomebetty says
Hey Anne! Those maple leaf cookies are pretty good and fortunately they are around all year long so you don't have to make a special trip for them. Thanks so much for stopping by!