This week, I really went all out and embraced two of my favorite things: fall and Trader Joe’s. Now that fall is officially upon is, every grocery store is stocked with pumpkin flavored items, with Trader Joe’s selection as the most superior of them all. I went a little ham this and bought 5 pumpkin flavored items during my last grocery trip, and here is a rundown of each one (and a rating out of 5 pumpkins).
Spiced Pumpkin Madeleine Cookies
5/5 pumpkins
My friend saw these in a sea of pumpkin flavored pastries and determined that she (or I guess we) needed them. We were a little skeptical at first because pumpkin spiced madeleines honestly sounded questionable, but these are amazing. Definitely pick these up if you’re looking for a sweet treat.
Pumpkin Cereal Bars
3.5/5 pumpkins
These cereal bars taste decently good, but they aren’t mind blowing. I actually almost finished the entire box within the span of a week, but the more I ate them the less impressed I became. They don’t really taste like pumpkin; all I really taste is cinnamon with a dash of sugar.
Pumpkin Waffles
2.5/5 pumpkins
I love frozen waffles, but these were disappointing. They are so bland! It’s like 98% plain with 2% pumpkin. I usually eat my waffles with no maple syrup because they typically have flavor, but that was not the case for these.
Pumpkin Bagels
5/5 pumpkins
I freaking love these bagels. They are easily my favorite out of everything I bought. Paired with some whipped cream cheese and black coffee, these bagels will become your fall staple. The pumpkin flavor is perfect.
Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix
5/5 pumpkins
This baking mix is delicious. There is nothing that screams fall more than home baked goods, and this mix is it. If you’re a fan of Starbucks’ pumpkin bread, this is a much cheaper alternative.
*All photos are courtesy of Shirley Chu*