Trader Joe’s is a store that I really happen to sleep on. There are only two locations in the Kansas City area, so it is not my go-to grocery store (as much as I wish it could be!). While my mind does not usually go to Trader Joe’s for my everyday shopping needs, I try to find time every autumn season to do an in-depth raid of the pumpkin spice and seasonal items that Trader Joe’s has to offer. From snacks, to comfort foods, to desserts, I have compiled a list of my favorite fall Trader Joe’s buys that I may go out of the way to buy again before the autumn months are over.
- Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Tea
I had never had any type of rooibos tea (a type of red tea) before, but this one makes me want to find more teas like this one. I drink tea daily, and this kind is so good and a fantastic addition for the autumn season. The very noticeable but not overpowering clove and nutmeg flavor makes it very cozy and perfect for late night studying. There are 20 tea bags which come in a cute little orange tin, keeping with the festive theme of these items.
- Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
These crisps were SO much different from what I was expecting them to be, but absolutely for the better. While I was expecting a sweeter, more slivered biscotti type of snack, these crackers are a perfect combination of sweet and salty that can be used in numerous situations. The cranberry in the cracker gave it a hint of sweetness, while the pumpkin flavor was saltier, like a roasted pumpkin seed with a tad of cinnamon and spices. I think that these crackers would be good dipped into some sort of cream cheese dip, eaten plain on their own or laid out on a Thanksgiving charcuterie board. With a flavor that can be so versatile, these crackers are 100 percent a win.
- Maple Oat Beverage
I am dairy-free and I love to try new treats made with milk alternatives, so finding the maple oat beverage in the refrigerated dairy section brought a huge smile to my face. I’m not going to lie; the thought of a maple drink seemed a little sketchy to me at first, but this was a perfect example of why you can’t judge a book by its cover (or a drink by its carton?). The scent of this drink upon opening was pure maple syrup, yet the flavor itself is much more subtle. While there is a definite sweetness to the beverage compared to a plain oat milk, the flavor is nowhere near overpowering and adds a pleasant taste to whatever you pair it with. I personally love oat milk with my coffee, and this drink was no different. While barely detectable in my morning coffee, it added the slightest bit of flavor that created a subtle fall drink. I also used it while making a classic packet of instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal which kicked it up a notch.
- Pumpkin Spice Espresso Beans
I was so excited to see the pumpkin spice espresso bean packets near the checkout lines for 99 cents each! Espresso beans are such a good little treat and these pumpkin spice ones are better than any pumpkin spice latte could dream of being. I keep mine by my desk while I study, but I may have to run back to Trader Joe’s soon to stock up on some more to keep in my stash. The ratio of chocolate coating to bean is perfect and makes for a super good pumpkin and coffee flavor combination. While I like the other chocolate covered espresso bean options that are offered at Trader Joe’s, these pumpkin spice beans are hands down my favorite and I’m shocked that I haven’t finished my packet of them yet.
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites
On to more of a quick meal or snack, these mac and cheese bites were a pleasant surprise. With a quick pop in the air fryer, these cheesy breaded pasta balls have such a unique flavor that I doubt that I could find anywhere else. The butternut squash flavor adds an additional creaminess alongside the cheese to keep the bites from being too dry, and the seasoning is what truly makes this item a favorite of mine. There is a subtle hint of nutmeg that goes alongside the classic garlic and pepper flavors found in mac and cheese that makes me really wish this were a year-round item at Trader Joe’s. I could easily see this being a staple in my freezer.