While many people mourn the end of summer, there are many others that start carving the pumpkins and stocking up on all things pumpkin spice as soon as August ends. (Guilty!)
One of the most exciting parts about the start of fall is the arrival of fall-ready products in stores; and Trader Joe’s seldom disappoints us with their seasonal selections. Especially as far as their food products are concerned.
While there are countless items we think you should always buy from Trader Joe’s this season, there are a few that Trader Joe’s customers have warned other people against on platforms such as Reddit, Instagram, and more. This can be due to various different reasons, such as the once-loved items suddenly tasting different due to a new recipe, or the questionable combination of flavors, among other things.
Without further ado, take a look at some of the seasonal items you absolutely should be buying from Trader Joe’s this fall, and the ones you should not because they haven’t hit the mark for one reason or another…
Should: Chocolate Mousse Pumpkins
These pumpkin-shaped delicacies boast a luscious chocolate cake and a silky, smooth mousse without any pumpkin, with the perfect mousse to chocolate cake ratio. What's not to love?!
As per the comments section of a recent post from Instagram account @traderjoeslist, customers can't get enough of them. "These are the BEST treat!" one user wrote, before going on to say that they are "gems of perfection." Someone else commented: "I get these every year!" Another exclaimed: "So yummy in the fridge!"
Should: Apple Cinnamon Buns
Imported from Denmark, these pastries are filled with a delectable cinnamon-apple compote, skillfully twisted into elegant knots, and finished with a delicate streusel topping. Baked to a golden, fluffy perfection, they are quickly becoming a favorite among shoppers.
Under a new IG post made in honor of these buns, one user called them "insanely amazing." Someone else added: "These are the BOMB!!!" as one other commented: "So good I loved them."
Should: Coffee Panna Cotta
Trader Joe's customers are praising this treat for its ideal blend of creaminess, richness, and perfectly balanced coffee flavor. The caramelized syrup at the bottom is described as adding the perfect hint of sweetness, completing this decadent dessert.
And customers couldn't stop raving about it on Instagram. "10/10 for me," one user wrote, as another added: "This stuff slapped, I hope it's a permanent add!" Someone else deemed it to be "worth a try."
Should Not: Mini Pumpkin Spice Samosas
According to a review from theeverygirl[dot]com, the Mini Pumpkin Spice Samosas were her least favorite in a list of 15 Trader Joe's fall snacks. And it's the combination of flavors that were to blame!
"While I appreciated the distinct pumpkin taste, it still didn't quite hit the mark," she wrote, adding: "The combination of flavors just didn't work for me. If they were set out as an appetizer at a friend's house, I wouldn't turn them down—but I wouldn't repurchase them." And she's not alone, as she went on to add: "Some of my fellow testers took it one step further and said they wouldn't touch them at all."
"They're great but make me sooooo gassy," wrote another reviewer, this time on Reddit, as a few others commented on the greasiness. "We liked the filling, but we thought the pastry was greasy," wrote another Redditor, adding in a separate comment: "We even let them rest on paper toweling before eating." Oh dear!
Should: Nuts About Elote Mix
Trader Joe's Nuts About Elote mix is receiving rave reviews from customers thanks to the sweet, smoky, and savory flavors reminiscent of traditional elote. The blend features crispy, puffed corn kernels and roasted cashews, all coated in a cheesy, peppery seasoning that captures the essence of elote. Yum!
The mix also includes pepitas and pretzel sticks, which adds an extra layer of satisfying crunch. Naturally on Instagram, fans are commending it. "I find it addicting," one customers wrote, as someone else added: "I kept eating it and it was actually really good! Definitely worth a try!"
Should: Chile Lime Flavored Pork Rinds
Another "delicious," to quote one customer, snack that we will always be on the lookout for in Trader Joe's. The new Chile Lime Flavored Fried Pork Rinds draw inspiration from TJ's own Chile Lime Seasoning Blend. They're crafted from antibiotic-free pork skin, are dehydrated, and then fried to achieve a crispy, crunchy, and wonderfully curly texture.
TJ's supplier enhances them with a blend of spices, including chili pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, along with a zesty mix of lemon and lime juices. They're a big hit with customers, as one customer who tried them wrote on IG: "Delicious, lime forward good spice level." Someone else added: "Omgggg I love these!!! They are so good!!"
Should Not: Pumpkin Bagels
Most of us would have tried a Trader Joe's pumpkin bagel at least once in our lives; but it seems like the recipe may have changed, now leading to "inconsistent" flavors. Customers are also unhappy that the bagels now come unsliced, which adds a little touch of inconvenience to the proceedings!
"I've been buying these for years and have always looked forward to them. Last year, they were inconsistent, but generally ok. This year though is a marked difference," wrote one customer, adding: "For one, probably for cost savings, they are no longer pre-sliced! Even worse, they are no longer fluffy and chewy, almost deflated in an odd wrinkly bagel way, probably a cost savings of the formula which leads to the last sad change—they have almost zero pumpkin flavor."
"I thought it may be a one-off so bought another bag and no, it was also the same. Anyone else experiencing this sad shift in a fall favorite?" asked a second. "These were, without a doubt, one of the grossest bread products I've ever had. It was like eating sand... they were so… granular," added a third.
"It's always my favorite and they suck this year," slammed another customer, while someone else said: "When I bought them last year they were such a let down, and also unsliced."
Should: Bubble Waffles
Crafted from coconut milk, wheat flour, cane sugar, rice bran shortening, and vanilla bean paste, we're obsessed with these Trader Joe's vegan Bubble Waffles. The brand recommends heating them from frozen in your "air fryer, toaster oven, or microwave," and enjoying their crispy edges and "mochi-like middles."
When it comes to fan reviews, one user who tasted the new waffles wrote on Instagram: "I love them. It's so good! I actually put ice cream on top for a little dessert." Another added: "They're my favorite!!!" as someone else commented: "Sooo good."
Should: Walnut Gouda Cheese
Trader Joe's recently unveiled a new cheese, and fans on social media are praising its taste and texture. According to customers, the Walnut Gouda offers a smooth, creamy foundation that harmonizes beautifully with the crisp crunch of walnut pieces, delivering a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. Definitely something we will always be looking for from now on!
Beneath a recent IG post dedicated to the new item, one fan wrote: "Love it and it pairs AMAZINGLY with the fig bread!!!" Another added: "So good!" Someone else commented: "Delish! Samples were a great idea, I went home with a package."
Should: Cornbread Stuffing
We love stuffing as much as the next person, but we're always up for trying new recipes; and this delicious combo is not only easy to make, but also gives us a fun, revamped take on stuffing. According to the Trader Joe's website, this dish uses "hearty, cornbread croutons at its foundation," which is then accentuated by "earthy aromatics of celery, onion, parsley, sage, and rosemary." In addition, "roasted apples and dried cranberries" are also folded into the mix, "bringing the most delicious contrast to the soft cornbread and savory herbs." Yum!
When it comes to serving, simply remove the outer sleeve of the package, lift one corner of the film, and place the tray on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 25 minutes. TJ's customers who follow the popular Instagram account @traderjoesfoodreviews also loved this side, with one user saying: "I'm not a fan of stuffing usually, but I really liked this!" Another said: "love love this stuffing!! I literally made everything from scratch last year and had to buy this as an easy stovetop option (no more oven space) and it was great!!" Only a few weeks to go until Thanksgiving, and you know this stuffing is going to be on our table!
Should Not: Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is for those of us who want the "cozy flavors of pumpkin spice coffee" but aren't in the mood for a hot cup of coffee, according to the official website. However, many customers (and even a few employees!) have warned us to stay away from it, with one person calling it "terrible."
"I like pumpkin spice as much as the next guy. I was so excited to try this product but I have never been so disappointed in a TJs item," wrote one disgruntled customer on Reddit, adding: "Doesn't taste like coffee at all but rather like sour cinnamon ginger water. I tried this directly from the bottle, as a 1:1 ratio, as a 1:2 ratio (as directed on label) and it was undrinkable. It tastes like a Fireball whiskey hangover to me." One person replied: "The cashier literally warned me against it. Love them for keeping it real."
Should: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Trader Joe's offers some of the most irresistible pumpkin-flavored muffins, and these Pumpkin Streusel muffins are at the very top of our list! These muffins are made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice bits and a spiced streusel; plus they're also gluten-free, making them a great choice for anyone at your Thanksgiving gathering who might not be able to have wheat or flour.
"These are fire!!! Love it with a nice warm coffee," wrote one Instagram user on a post from @traderjoesglutenfree and @traderjoeslist. "These ARE delicious!! 20 seconds in the microwave or straight outta the box," added another.
Should: Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
TJ's notes that these "bite-size, loaf-shaped crackers" are made with "actual pumpkin," along with "tart cranberries and just the right amount of seasonings, including thyme, nutmeg, and turmeric."
Instagram account @traderjoesobsessed shared a new post about the treats, and fans took to the comment section to rave about them. "Love these crackers!!!"one commented, as another replied: "I just discovered these crisps this year. My dad and I can't get enough!" Another fan called them "Delish" followed by three heart eyes emojis.
Should: Gluten Free Turkey Gravy
Crafted from turkey drippings, ground turkey, butter, onion, black pepper, parsley, thyme, and sage, this delicious gluten-free turkey gravy is expected to sell out quickly over the next few weeks, so we would advise grabbing yours sooner rather than later.
We wouldn't get our gluten free turkey gravy from anywhere else! Beneath a recent post from popular account @trader_joes_treasure_hunt, one user wrote: "Great gravy. Nothing more to say," as another exclaimed: "This one is delicious!"
Should Not: Pumpkin Spice Joe Joes
These sound good in theory, as they're described by Trader Joe's as "simple vanilla wafer cookies sandwiched together with pumpkin crème filling." However, many customers are unhappy with the overly sweet and "artificial" flavor…
One Redditor gave them a "2.8/5" rating, saying: "Not a fan, couldn't continue eating, just has an overall too intense taste that just tastes off. I think the cream filling is what throws it off. Would not buy again."
"Pumpkin Spice Joe-Joe's were too intense and not something I'd buy again," wrote another disappointed customer, as another added: "The Joe-Joes are nothing but sugar. Disappointing." Another said: "I picked these up because I've never tried them before. Even though it says Pumpkin, to me it tasted like Pumpkin Spice and also super artificial. (Not that I expected them to be natural tasting but) Will be returning these! Wish I picked up the Pumpkin Cranberry crisps instead."
Should: Teeny Tiny Apple Pies
According to Trader Joe's, each teeny tiny apple pie is made with "sweet-tart, exceptionally juicy Northern Spy apples" and "nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, the cinnamon-spiced, diced apple filling is topped with a brown sugar crumble and baked to a golden brown." Sounds incredible!
The Instagram account @traderjolene posted a recent tribute to the autumnal pastry, and many customers raved about the teeny tiny apple pies in the comments. Several commenters dubbed it to be the right amount of "sweet," while someone else exclaimed: "Had one today with the French vanilla ice cream. Delicious!"
Should: Pumpkin Spice Mini Sheet Cake
Trader Joe's has some of the most delicious, moist, irresistible sheet cakes in the game, and the Pumpkin Spice Mini Sheet Cake is no exception!
This seasonal delight is topped with delicious cream cheese frosting, and is something we always look out for at this time of year. Like most pumpkin items at TJ's, it'll only be available for a limited time, so keep your eyes peeled and act fast when you see it!
