I love October. The pumpkins are out. Football season is in full swing. The air is finally cooling off here in Texas, so I can think about chili and soups. One of my local coffee shops has busted out a maple pecan latte (which is fabulous!), and Trader Joe’s is a flurry of fall flavors.
Since we’ve been in Austin, we’ve always had a Trader Joe’s grocery store nearby. In fact, from the front door of my building to the front door of Trader Joe’s is about the length of a football field. Which makes it convenient. And dangerous. Especially at this time of year.
So what are my favorite fall flavors in the Trader Joe’s world? Let me share a few!
- Maple Pecan Shortbread mix—We took this to our family Thanksgiving last year and it was a big hit! Several people may even have eaten it for breakfast the following morning. 😏
- Pumpkin Spice Bread and Muffin mix—I love pumpkin bread, but have always have to make my own because I’m not crazy about the heavily clove and ginger flavors which often characterize pumpkin bread. This mix, however, has more of a nutmeg overtone, which is my favorite. And when you dump in a half cup of dark chocolate chips? Well, it doesn’t get much better, in my opinion.
- Autumn Harvest Pasta Sauce—we just tried this recently over pesto tortellini. Oh my! It’s been added to our “quick and easy” favorites list.
- Spiced Apple Cider—not too much “spice” in this cider, but not too little. Just pour in a mug and heat. It just tastes like fall.
- Pumpkin Spice Almond milk—Not to drink, mind you, but to put in my coffee. I get the subtle pumpkin spice flavoring while also getting fewer calories and less sugar than most flavored coffee creamers. One container lasts me until I’m ready to move on to winter flavors, like chocolate mint!
- Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse cakes—Don’t let the name make you turn up your nose. These are named“pumpkin”fortheir shape and color, not taste. These tiny chocolate cakes topped withchocolate mousse and covered with orange-colored chocolate are easy to pop your mouth and eat in one bite. I can’t buy these often!
- Organic Pumpkin—move over Libby’s! I tried this organic canned pumpkin in my grandmother’s pumpkin pie a couple of years ago and oh my! Our family has always loved grandmother’s recipe, but this canned pumpkin takes the texture and flavor to a whole new level.
- Cornbread Crisps—I love these crisp cornbread crackers with chili and soup, the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
So as you can see, my fall flavor favorites hit the whole spectrum—pumpkin, apple, maple, pecan.
What is your favorite fall flavor or food?
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Becky says
Apple pie and apple crisp are my fall favorites. I’ll be making an apple pie today for my youngest son’s birthday…his request instead of cake. I love anything pumpkin, too, especially pumpkin pancakes! I also love making soup and chili once the weather cools off.
Anne Mateer says
How fun that he wants pie instead of cake–and that you share your love of apple pie! I made chili last night! 🙂
Karen Witemeyer says
You’ve successfully made me hungry, Anne! I love pumpkin bread, and the one you described sounds lovely. I might have to make some this weekend. 🙂 No Trader Joes here in Abilene, but I’ll find a way. Ha!
Anne Mateer says
I’m sure you can come up with a lovely recipe! There are so many good ones out there. Why is it more fun to eat in the fall? :0
Linda says
Loved this post! Thank you for the recommendations, Anne. I can’t wait to make it to my local TJ’s!
Anne Mateer says
Yes! And if you try something great I didn’t list, let me know!
Becky Wade says
Thanks for these great recommendations! I, too, am a fan of Trader Joe’s. It’s a little out of my way so I only make it by about once a week. But next time I go, I’ll look for these gems!
Anne Mateer says
Hope you enjoy them! I have to say, I’ve learned to stock up on my favorites as we get into November, because at a certain point all these flavors are gone to make way for winter ones.
Julie Klassen says
Great list. I love Trader Joe’s, too. And since I’m currently trying to shed a few pounds (again) I’ll add my new favorite TJ fall treat: their Apple Cider foaming hand soap. Smells heavenly and zero calories! 😉