My most controversial opinion is that I literally cannot wait for Halloween to be over, so I can get to celebrating the Christmas season. However, there is one thing that makes Halloween and the fall season worth it, and that is Trader Joe’s seasonal items. While I live in a dorm with a meal plan that has more than enough swipes to sustain me, I still find myself walking one mile into Westwood every Thursday for Trader Joe’s, specifically to stock up on any new seasonal finds I can get my hands on. Here are 13 Trader Joe’s fall items that make the Halloween season worth it:
- Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s
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Any Trader Joe’s regular is familiar with Joe-Joe’s cookies, and the variations to it. They are basically TJ’s version of Oreos. This season, the pumpkin flavor was brought back. The cream is a little sweeter than usual, but it’s still delicious. It’s perfect for anyone who wants dessert or something sweet in moderation, for 2-3 cookies at a time will leave you satisfied. Plus, this helps the box last over a longer period!
- Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
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For whatever reason, I hate most nuts and seeds, but I love pumpkin seeds. Trader Joe’s steps this fall snack up a notch by adding a light cinnamon sugar coating. It creates the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and it’s easy to grab a handful when you are ready for a snack.
Alyssa Robertson Case / Spoon - Pumpkin Waffles
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Due to the lack of cooking equipment in my dorm, I have personally not tried the pumpkin waffles. However, they look delicious, and I hear if you like Eggos, then you’ll like the pumpkin waffles. I feel that Eggo’s are a staple for many college students, so if you live in an apartment and love some quick and easy waffles, try this frozen item out.
- Pumpkin Ice Cream
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This is a dessert I am actually planning to try this week! I cannot give my personal opinion yet, but Trader Joe’s Food Reviews gave this product a 9.5/10, and I love her ice cream reviews. Also, Halloween is supposed to be hot this year, so what a perfect treat for the holiday!
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese
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I love this item! I love it so much that I keep a container in my micro-fridge and specifically order bagels from The Study with nothing on them. The staff is a little confused by my orders, but I am always happy to take my plain or whole wheat bagel with no toppings/add ons back to my dorm and make my own bagel pumpkin cream cheese sandwich.
- Pumpkin Oat Milk Beverage
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You have to be living under a rock to have not heard about the oat milk craze that has taken over California, and now the rest of the country. I love Trader Joe’s chocolate oat milk and use it to make hot chocolate, and I hear the new pumpkin oat milk beverage is great for a variety of things whether it is making vegan pumpkin spice lattes or using it to fill your cereal bowls in the morning.
Megan Charles / Her Campus Media - “This Pumpkin Walks Into A Bar” Cereal Bars
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Growing up, I always ate the “This ___ Walks Into A Bar” Cereal Bars. My favorites were always the strawberry and blueberry. Therefore, you can imagine how nostalgic and excited I felt when I saw Trader Joe’s came out with a pumpkin version. I haven’t had the brand in years. Was it an impulse purchase? Maybe. But have I gone back and gotten another box because the pumpkin filling is so good? Heck yes! These are perfect for the days I have morning classes and don’t have time to go to The Study to get my bagel for the pumpkin cream cheese.
Original photo by Sarah Luise Dwyer - Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies (Cookie Mix)
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This cookie mix is so simple. You just add butter, eggs, and water, and you have the batter. This cookie mix is quick, easy, and perfect for anyone to make in college. For my friends in the dorms, I made these cookies in the communal kitchen on The Hill, The Hitchen. If you are in an apartment, you have no problem finding a kitchen. These cookies combine fall flavors with the texture of an oatmeal cookie and the sweetness of a chocolate chip cookie.
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
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I want to try this item more than anything, but the Westwood Trader Joe’s has been sold out of these for weeks! All the reviews I’ve seen of these have been super positive, and they are so easy to make. All you have to do is stick the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. If anyone tries these, please please let me know how they are!
- Pumpkin Cobbler
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This item just came out this week! It is perfect for any environment, for it does not have to be refrigerated. The layers of pumpkin and sugar dough make the perfect fall dessert, and you can heat it up in the microwave for an extra warm and cozy feeling.
- Pumpkin Spicy Samosas
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Savory fall items do not get enough recognition, which is why the Pumpkin Spicy Samosas are being spotlighted. Who doesn’t love Pumpkin, cheese, potatoes, and spices all together? It’s like a pregame for Thanksgiving.
- Spooky Bats And Cats Sour Gummy Candies
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My co-worker at my internship loves these! They are the perfect treat to carry around in your bag or backpack. Also, you can embrace your inner child with the fun colors and shapes.
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
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Butternut squash is an underrated fall flavor and I am so sad I have not had the opportunity to try this dish yet. It’s easy to heat up, making it the perfect quick dinner or snack. If you try this in addition to the pumpkin cinnamon rolls, please send some to me.
Halloween is not all about costumes, it’s also about all the delicious seasonal food! Hopefully, some of these Trader Joe’s items can sweeten or spice up your Halloween. Happy spooky season, and try not to spend your entire bank account balance during your next trip to your local TJ’s.