If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I live and breathe for my weekly grocery runs. Call me a fanatic, but there’s nothing that makes my day quite like a trip to my favorite store. Sampling new sweets, snacks, and more is one of my favorite hobbies, and there’s one place that does them best: Trader Joe’s. I often find that every location is like a city landmark: you can’t help but love it, even if the parking is terrible.
What makes Trader Joe’s different from the rest is the wide variety of unique seasonal food items. I’m a serial snacker, and switching out my pantry stock according to the time of year is part of my routine. Every September, quintessential autumn flavors return to the shelves, and with them come some of my favorite eats. If you’re looking to spruce up your grocery list, check out what’s in my Trader Joe’s shopping cart for fall.
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Is it truly fall if you don’t mix pasta with your favorite gourd? Spaghetti squash has its spot on the dinner table and pumpkin will always hold a place in my heart, but these butternut squash ravioli are like no other. The sweet-and-savory seasonal blend melts in your mouth and will make you reach for your favorite cozy sweater.
The best part about these, or any other Trader Joe’s ravioli, is that they make a perfect easy dinner. Just boil, coat with olive oil, and garnish with sage for the perfect autumn meal. If you find yourself on a ravioli kick, try the cacio e pepe or creamy chicken and poblano varieties (hint: they’re all good!).
Maple Leaf Cookies
If you’re a morning person, this one’s for you. When I was little, my family loved taking trips to Vermont to sample sweet regional local syrup. These adorably shaped cookies take me right back! I like these when I cannot stand another bite of pumpkin (yes, it is possible). Each little leaf packs a ton of delicious maple syrup flavor without being overly saccharine.
Matching perfectly with a morning cup of coffee, I never get tired of these cookies. They’re the perfect indulgence for any season, not just fall. If you agree, you’re in luck: these are available year round!
Pumpkin Ice Cream
As a self-proclaimed ice cream connoisseur, any seasonal flavor is an immediate win in my book. Trader Joe’s ice cream is a reliably safe bet on every shopping trip, and this fall favorite tops the charts. Here, silky smooth flavor meets just the right amount of cinnamon spice for anyone already longing for Thanksgiving.
Trader Joe’s ice creams are top notch because they can be enjoyed as-is or garnished to explore fun flavor combinations and replicate your favorite desserts. For the adventurous, top a scoop of pumpkin ice cream with cranberry sauce and orange zest for a complete Thanksgiving dessert bowl. If you prefer being traditional, sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies and candied pecans on top as a fun twist on your mom’s pie recipe.
This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar…
…And right into my stomach. If you’re looking to switch up your morning menu, look no further than this seasonal rendition of the Trader Joe’s fruit-flavored cereal bars. Reminiscent of a Fig Newton, these treats walk the line between breakfast and dessert. Think of them as pumpkin pie on-the-go!
I like these in the morning or between classes when I need a festive boost of energy. They’re soft and chewy, with the perfect level of crumbly outer texture that doesn’t turn into a mess in your backpack. They also come in a box of six, setting you up nicely for the school week. Trust me, you won’t want to share.
If you’ve already started carving your pumpkin, replaced your entire closet with sweaters, or are just looking for a little more autumn spirit, Trader Joe’s is the one-stop shop for all your snacking needs. Festive flavors abound and are ready to join the pantry lineup or play a part in your culinary experimentation. Feel free to copy my grocery list on your next shopping trip and take with you these parting words: a little pumpkin spice never hurt anybody.
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