My Top 15 Fall Trader Joe's Finds
One of my favorite things about the changing seasons is trying the new snacks that hit the grocery store shelves. It seems like there are more seasonal snack items and ingredients now more than ever—and that’s especially true when it comes to Trader Joe’s.
I thought it would be fun to put together a roundup of some fun things I’m buying during the fall months, as well as some items I always love to have in stock. These picks aren’t meant to be healthy foods—they’re really just things I’ve been enjoying in moderation (some of these have been hitting the spot with my pregnancy cravings).
If I’m going on a trip or if I want quick lunches for my husband to take to work, that’s where Trader Joe’s comes in handy. The pre-made salads, soups, sandwiches, and dinner entrees are perfect for when life is a bit hectic.
So without further ado, here’s my list of finds I’m loving right now. And again, while these are foods that I enjoy, they’re not necessarily nutrient packed foods—I think it’s important to remember that it’s all about balance.
Organic Vegetarian Chili
This vegetarian chili is a staple in my house. I always have three cans of it on hand. It has a pretty mild flavor and is perfect for those nights when you don’t want to put together an elaborate meal. I love to bake a potato and put this chili over it.
Gnocchi
If you haven’t tried the gnocchi from Trader Joe’s yet, you’re missing out! I like to keep a couple packages of it in my pantry and find that I reach for it more during the cooler seasons. It’s so good with the vegan bolognese sauce I listed below and I think it’s a fun switch up from regular noodles. Add greens ,like broccoli or zucchini, on the side to get some veggies in.
Vegan Bolognese Style Pasta Sauce
This sauce has such great flavor and somehow tastes a bit meatier without actually having meat in it. I’ll top the gnocchi with this sauce for a quick and easy dinner our whole family can enjoy.
Vanilla Overnight Oats
I usually make overnight oats at home (because they’re so easy to prep yourself!) but if I’m traveling, working, or short on time, this is a great option. These actually have minimal ingredients and are packed with flavor. The only ingredients are dates, almond milk, vanilla, oats, and a bit of sea salt—definitely a “better” option when it comes to packaged foods.
Pumpkin Spice Hummus
This pumpkin spice hummus is like a dessert! If you haven’t had pumpkin hummus before, the best way I can describe it is that it’s similar to a chickpea cookie but in hummus form. It’s definitely sweet and is meant to be eaten like a dessert after dinner. I like to eat it with apple slices but you could also put it on toast with banana slices.
Miso Ginger Broth
If you’ve been following me for a while then you might know that I have a deep love for soup. This might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy soup too, try putting some of this miso into a coffee mug. I like to do this and just sip on it when I’m cold or need a little pick me up.. Another way I love to use this: Substitute it for water when you cook white rice. It gives it more flavor and has added health benefits.
Vegan Nacho Dip
This stuff is dangerously good (I’m warning you now that it’s somewhat addicting). I put it on anything that you’d put cheese on. You can eat it cold or microwave it for 15-20 seconds to warm it up. Pro tip: Get the salsa verde from Trader Joe’s and put a few spoonfuls in with this nacho cheese. Microwave the combo for 15 seconds and then use it as a dip for tortilla chips—it’s like a dairy free queso. You can also use it as a topping on any Mexican dishes.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee
If you’re wanting to get into the spirit of the season, this pumpkin flavored coffee is a tasty switch from regular drip. I don’t drink too much coffee but it’s nice to have on hand. I add oat milk to mine which gives it a bit of a frothier texture.
Harvest Chili
I love when this time of year comes around and all the soups flood the refrigerated section of TJ’s. There are so many good ones to choose from! I usually split this into two servings and will eat one half for lunch and the other half for dinner.
Vegan Enchilada Casserole
Need a super easy weeknight dinner? Pop this in the microwave or oven! I thought it tasted a bit better when I made it in the oven, but either way it’s a quick dinner option when you’re short on time. You can split it between a small family or save some of it as leftovers.
Harvest Warm Bowl
This is new to Trader Joe’s and I think it’s a decent option as far as pre-made meals go. It’s a bit more nutrient dense because it has rice, squash, kale, sweet potatoes, and apples. If you want to make it healthier you can use half of the dressing packet rather than the whole thing.
Vegan Caesar Dressing & Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing
This vegan Caesar is my holy grail dressing. It’s super plain, works on a variety of dishes, and the best part is that it isn’t filled with added oil, sugar, or preservatives. The carrot ginger miso dressing has a totally different flavor but it tastes delicious on asian-inspired salads or asian-inspired bowls with arugula, rice, and veggies. You can find both of these in the fresh section of the fridge.
Organic Pumpkin
This is a good go-to for all of your fall pumpkin recipes, whether it’s a pumpkin spice cold foam for your coffee or pumpkin pancakes.
Halloween Joe Joe’s Cookies
I think these sort of speak for themself. They’re more so for Colt but I enjoy them if I ever have a sweet tooth!
Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix
This baking mix is so yummy and is perfect for the gal who doesn’t want to bake from scratch. It’s easy to add your own nuts or zucchini to it to add extra flavor/something a little healthier. If you don’t eat eggs, you can use an egg replacement like applesauce and it turns out well.
