Here are 7 of our top Trader Joe’s recommendations that’ll make you eager to visit an apple orchard or carve a pumpkin, STAT.
Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix
Kicking off the list is a must-try for brunch lovers and pumpkin spice enthusiasts alike.
One of TJ’s most popular fall items is the pumpkin pancake and waffle mix that never fails to sell out. This baking mix made with real pumpkin and a blend of warm spices is perfect for those on both sides of the pancakes vs waffles superiority battle. The subtly sweet pumpkin flavor compliments the fluffy texture perfectly, and if you want to add the cherry on top, mix in some walnuts or pecans and add some maple syrup and you’re sure to “fall” in love.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Who said mac & cheese can’t be healthy?
If you’re anything like me, your first reaction to this item may be a double-take and a furrowing of the eyebrow — but trust me when I say they knew what they were doing with this one.
At first glance, I thought the macaroni was made of squash, and imagining that with some parmesan wasn’t doing it for me. So, if you’re in that same boat, I have good news for you. The mezzi rigatoni pasta is exactly what you’re expecting, but when accompanied with a three-cheese sauce, just the right amount of butternut squash purée and a hint of spices this frozen dinner tastes like something that’s won a Michelin star (it has in my book). So, if you’re a comfort food fan looking for a quick dinner option, this will probably blow your mind.
Fall Zucchette Pasta
I’m sorry, but you can’t tell me that the thought of eating mini pumpkin shapes like this doesn’t pique your interest at least a little. If you’re not one someone who swoons at the sound of pumpkin spice or other overwhelming fall flavors, this could be perfect for you.
The fall zucchette pasta delivers a subtle taste of butternut squash and paprika that’s just enough to make you go for another bite without overwhelming you. However, if you’re wanting to step up your pasta game, Trader Joe’s recommends adding their Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce if your taste buds want to witness a match made in heaven.
Non-Dairy Maple Oat Beverage
This one’s for all coffee and cereal lovers.
Trader Joe’s selection of oat milk has been one of my all-time favorites for a while now, so I knew when this hit the shelves I had to try it out. The gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, vegan beverage is perfect for your morning cup of coffee or mid-afternoon iced latte and makes you feel like your kitchen has transformed into a coffee shop (and you get the honors of being the barista).
If you ever got the chance to try Starbucks’ Maple Pecan Latte before it was discontinued, this non-dairy dream will bring you serious nostalgia you didn’t know you needed. Or if you’re looking to make some classic Cheerios (or any cereal of your choice), your new favorite fall breakfast, this milk could be just what you need to make a bowl of cereal a sweet treat.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix
If you’ve yet to hop on the baking bandwagon everyone’s joined since becoming chefs over quarantine, this is your golden opportunity to get on board.
Oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies are a traditional favorite. When the two come together and fall spices and pumpkin are added to the mix, you get delicious fall treats that taste amazing and couldn’t look cuter on your Instagram feed. They’re super easy to make and require you to mix in some butter, eggs and water. You can finish the baking process in less than an hour or two (it’s a win-win). I will caution you though, if you eat them while still warm, you may accidentally eat four in the blink of an eye (and yes, I do speak from experience).
Ghosts & Bats Crispy Potato Snacks
Warning: they may be a little too cute to eat.
These lightly salted potato chips aren’t just the perfect snack because they go with basically any sauce you can imagine, but because of their spooky disposition, they are an adorable addition to any Halloween activity. If you’re looking for a chip with a more distinct flavor, add a few drops of lemon and chili to your crunchy ghouls, and you won’t be able to stop munching away.
Pumpkin Bisque
What better way to end a Trader Joe’s fall haul than with an absolute classic?
With a complex mix of sweet ingredients like honey and cinnamon combined with its’ velvety tahini and heavy cream, TJ’s pumpkin bisque walks the line between savory nuttiness and sweetness. It perfectly combines unlikely ingredients while still highlighting the star of the show: the pumpkin purée. Though the bisque stands boldly on its own, it can also serve as a sauce that’ll bring a little fall flair to pasta and ravioli dishes.