As a college student who constantly runs around the town of Amherst tending to my responsibilities, I do not have as much time as I always like to make food. Trader Joe’s has a plethora of frozen and already-made meals that are often creative, delicious, and fast, which is why it is my favorite grocery store. Trader Joe’s changes which items it carries according to the season, and in my opinion, fall has some of the best options!
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites
Chock full of gouda, cheddar, pasta, spices, and, of course, butternut squash, these bites offer a fall-infused alternative to the typical mac & cheese. I love these because I can pop them in the air fryer for 10 minutes and they are ready to eat! No preparation is needed and they’re a great way to sneak in some vegetables, too.
Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix
This is what comes to mind when I think of fall food. This pumpkin bread is so easy to make, just requiring eggs, oil, and water, and is a perfect addition to my morning coffee or afternoon snack. The flavor from this mix is so moist, rich, and traditional, it feels homemade!
Organic Creamy Tomato Soup
While tomato is a year-round food, soup seems to me like a fall food. This soup is surprisingly filling, and I love to pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich. The perfect cozy fall lunch or dinner can be made in five minutes on the stovetop and in a bowl! It being organic is also a huge plus.
Apple Cider
If you do not have the time to go to one of the local Amherst farms and get some warm apple cider, Trader Joe’s has got you covered. The only ingredient is apples, and their cider is a classic fall item that is unmatched. While this comes cool, I like to warm it up in the microwave as an alternative to my morning coffee for a refreshing change.
Cornbread Mix
Cornbread always makes me think of Thanksgiving, so I am classifying it as fall food. This cornbread mix is as easy as the pumpkin bread mix and adds a delicious side to anything. Serving it warm with some butter, or just as is, makes Trader Joe’s cornbread a fall must-have.
Chicken Pot Pie
The ultimate comfort food is premade and frozen at Trader Joe’s. With a cooking time of twelve minutes, this chicken pot pie is perfect for those busy fifty-degree days. I have one in my freezer right now that I plan to make for lunch as I return to my studies.
Hopefully this article did not make you too hungry, but if it did, there is luckily a Trader Joe’s just in Hadley that can meet all your fall-food needs. Don’t forget to pick one of these items up during your next grocery trip to get all the fall feels.
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