As summer comes to a close, the familiar scents of apple, maple, butternut, and pumpkin decorate the store of Trader Joe’s. It’s that time of year again: starting the second week of September, Trader Joe’s is rolling back its fall foods.
Known for its unbranded products, the store offers everything from daily necessities to groceries. Founded in 1967 by Joe Coulombe, the store originally drew inspiration from Polynesian-themed Tiki Shops.
“I think [Trader Joe’s] is unique because their produce is fresh and organic. The snacks they have are healthier alternatives than what you can get at a Target or a Walmart. Their seasonal products range from gummy bears to the type of fresh produce,” said Neeharika Bhammar (‘25).
According to Trader Joe’s Discover article on their website, 2024’s fall lineup includes over 148 new and returning fall items, around 111 being food items. There’s a lot of returning products, such as Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s, Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants, and Apple Cinnamon Buns, which were some of the most popular products from 2023.
“I love that they change the foods for every season, it’s very seasonal and it really gets me in the mood for things like fall and Halloween … I just love pumpkin spice, it’s my lifeline,” said Taisiya Shulakova (‘26).
Here’s a breakdown of some of the products available this season:
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese ($3.79)
The Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese quickly gained popularity among shoppers last year for its rich flavor and convenience. After five minutes in the microwave, the dish delivers a creamy sauce with a hint of butternut squash and nutmeg. The rigatoni noodles synchronize with the sauce, offering a hearty meal that is easy to prepare. Although the box listed it as containing 2 servings, there was no problem eating the whole bowl in one sitting.
“This pumpkin walks into a bar… Cereal Bars” ($6)
Further into the store, there are calligraphy-labeled posters decorated with the word “Pumpkin” and “Something Fall-ish”. One of the items in the “Something Fall-ish” section is Trader Joe’s “this pumpkin walks into a bar…” Cereal Bars. The most evident flavor is the pumpkin spice, mixed with nutmeg and cinnamon. It is sweet and syrupy on the inside, with the texture of a cereal bar outside. For Pumpkin Spice lovers, this bar is the perfect choice.
Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas ($4.29)
The pumpkin samosas are an Indian-inspired freezer item combining the sweet flavor of pumpkin with a flaky exterior and a spicy array of seasoning. Relatively easy to prepare, it took about 15 minutes to cook in the oven. The texture of the samosas is crispy and the flavor provides balance between sweet and savory.
Mini Maple Walnut Biscotti ($4.49)
Also in the “Something fall-ish” section is the Mini Maple Walnut Biscotti. These biscuits feature a noticeable maple scent and a lightly sweet flavor. The addition of a sweet icing drizzle contrasts with the otherwise unsweet nature of the biscotti, making it a versatile option for pairing with coffee or tea.
Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels ($3.49)
One pumpkin item on the sweeter side of Trader Joe’s lineup is the Pumpkin Spiced Teeny-Tiny Pretzels. About the size of a quarter, the pretzels are coated in a pumpkin-flavored yogurt covering and sprinkled with crushed pumpkin seeds, bringing peppery notes to balance the overall sweetness of the pretzel.
Our Takeaway
We believe Trader Joe’s seasonal food lineups complement the variety of items offered at Trader Joe’s. Many of the items that stood out to us were convenient in their preparation or packaging, and the store itself was well presented. If you’re looking for a quick snack or an easy dinner from Trader Joe’s, the autumn items are certainly worth falling for.
