We’re officially well into fall, so you know what that means: it’s time to rank the top Trader Joe’s fall foods of 2022!
While several favorites from 2020’s list return, Trader Joe’s has vastly expanded it’s fall food lineup. This year’s list is much more comprehensive.
Unfortunately, I am unable to review every food and fall product that Trader Joe’s offers. Due to a tree nut/peanut allergy and gluten intolerance, I can’t eat several of the items they sell.
Also, unlike 2020’s ranking, I was unable to eat every single fall product within the span of a single week. There are just too many tasty fall treats. Plus, my local Trader Joe’s didn’t release every product at once. That means I’ll continue to update the list as I enjoy more fall goodies.
If you want to find out which seasonal goodies to buy and which seasonal goodies to skip, check out our rankings below!
28. Howling Gourds Pumpkin Ale
Oof. I love a good Pumpkin beer, but Howling Gourds Pumpkin Ale was a huge disappointment.
Thankfully, it’s better than 2021’s Pumpkin Seltzer- aka the only Trader Joe’s product I’ve ever returned for being completely undrinkable!
If you’re looking for a Pumpkin beer that’s actually good, try Four Peaks Pumpkin Porter.
Rating: 1/10
27. Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
I had high hopes for the Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread, but it didn’t live up to my expectations.
It’s flavor was mild and forgettable. Typically pumpkin bread includes a solid amount of pumpkin spice flavor, but this loaf didn’t.
To make matters worse, the loaf dried out very quickly. If you’re not planning on eating the entire loaf within 24 hours, I’d recommend skipping this and purchasing something else.
Rating: 2/10
26. Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur
When I bought a bottle of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur, I expected it would taste like Bailey’s Irish Cream, but pumpkin flavored.
Instead, the Pumpkin Spice Cream Liqueur was kind of… gross. It was hard to make out any pumpkin flavors, and the pumpkin spice notes all blended together.
To be honest, I’d skip this liqueur and make a yummy Spiced Cider cocktail instead.
Rating: 2/10
25. Pumpkin Greek Nonfat Yogurt
While this yogurt doesn’t taste bad, it doesn’t quite taste like pumpkin, either.
Instead, it tastes like carrot-flavored yogurt seasoned with improperly portioned pumpkin pie spice. Pumpkin pie spice requires a careful balance of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. I’m not sure which spice Trader Joe’s went too heavy on, but the balance is completely off.
Is this yogurt decent? Yes! Is it delicious? Ehh, not quite. It’s mostly “okay.” There are several yummier flavors of Trader Joe’s Greek Yogurt.
Rating: 3/10
24. Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Spice Bagels
I’m so excited that Trader Joe’s released a gluten-free version of their Pumpkin Spice bagels! While they were just as tasty as the regular version, they are significantly drier. I’d recommend pairing one with Pumpkin Cream Cheese or the iconic Pumpkin Butter.
Rating: 3.5/10
23. Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage
While the Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage has a pleasant flavor, it doesn’t have a strong flavor. If you use it as a creamer, you have to add a lot to your coffee before you can taste it.
Instead, I’d recommend pouring a full glass of it on top of a shot of espresso to make an iced at-home Pumpkin Spice latte. That way, you’ll enjoy it’s yummy flavor without being overpowered.
Rating: 4/10
22. Gluten Free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
If it wasn’t for the incredibly high standard Trader Joe’s has set with their year-round flavors of gluten free muffins, these muffins would get a higher rating. Both the standard Cinnamon and Chocolate gluten free muffins are 10/10.
While these muffins are enjoyable, their flavor is mild and somewhat flat. I’d recommend purchasing one of the other flavors of Gluten-Free muffins instead, or choosing a different breakfast option altogether.
Rating: 4/10
21. Organic Pumpkin
Trader Joe’s Organic Pumpkin is exactly what you’d expect- it’s canned pumpkin. It’s about as good as any other canned pumpkin.
Of course, you can use canned pumpkin in any number of pumpkin recipes- pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice cookies, or even pumpkin overnight oats.
Rating: 5/10
20. Fall Leaf Corn Tortilla Chips
Festive and absolutely adorable, the Trader Joe’s Fall Leaf Corn Tortilla Chips are by far the cutest product on this list!
However, they tasted about the same as a standard tortilla chip. These are precious if you’re planning on throwing a fall-themed party!
Rating: 5/10
19. Organic Vermont Maple Syrup
When Trader Joe’s released this Organic Vermont Maple Syrup for fall, I was quick to snatch it up. I’m a huge fan of maple syrup aged in bourbon barrels, so I was sure this would be a hit.
However, this syrup didn’t taste like it was bourbon barrel aged. It tasted like any other traditional maple syrup- good, but nothing unique!
You can’t go wrong buying this maple syrup, but if you want to buy a delicious bourbon barrel aged syrup, Safeway’s Signature Reserve is better.
Rating: 5/10
18. Apple Cider Donuts
I have a theory: that it’s impossible to make a bad donut.
Like all donuts, Trader Joe’s Apple Cider Donuts are enjoyable. Instead of typical light, fried donuts, the Apple Cider Donuts are more traditional cake donuts. They’re not too sweet, which I enjoyed. However, they are very heavy. I’d recommend eating only one or two and sharing the rest with family or friends!
Rating: 5.5/10
17. Pumpkin Cream Cheese
When I saw Pumpkin Cream Cheese on the shelf at my local Trader Joe’s, I couldn’t help myself- it sounded so unique, I just had to try it!
Pumpkin Cream Cheese is pretty solid. It’s tasty and has a great texture. It tasted good on both pumpkin bagels and regular bagels. If you’re looking for a tasty fall breakfast, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese is a great choice!
Rating: 5.5/10
16. Cinnamon Bun Spread
Trader Joe’s Cinnamon Bun Spread is delicious, but be warned- it is very, very sweet!
While I love sweet stuff, I don’t like my sweet stuff to be TOO sweet- and the Cinnamon Bun spread teeters on the edge of that line. I enjoyed it most spread across granny smith apple slices as the bitter flavor of the apple counteracted the sweetness of the spread.
Rating: 6.5/10
15. Non-Dairy Maple Oat Beverage
The Non-Dairy Maple Oat Beverage is a delicious treat! Unlike its pumpkin-flavored cousin, the Maple Oat Beverage has a strong flavor. It can be used as a coffee creamer or to make a delicious maple oat milk latte. It’s perfect for fall!
Rating: 7/10
14. Pumpkin Spice Batons
These cookies were just as delicious as I remember them being in 2020.
However, this year my boyfriend loved them too, despite disliking them last time we bought them. I raised their rating by half a point accordingly!
Rating: 7.5/10
13. Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix
Just like with pumpkin bagels, I was grateful to see a gluten-free version of 2020’s pumpkin pancake mix on the shelves of my local Trader Joe’s.
Like the 2020 version, the Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix was a hit! The pancakes were moist, flavorful, and paired perfectly with Trader Joe’s Organic Vermont Maple Syrup.
Rating: 8/10
12. Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix
Just like in 2020, the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix is a real winner!
Since I’m on a gluten-free diet, I used this mix to make a pumpkin loaf for my boyfriend and a group of our friends (and I broke my diet to try a small nibble as a taste test). The loaf was moist, delicious, and simple to make. Definitely pick up a box to share with your family and friends!
Rating: 8/10
11. Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce
Another satisfying surprise, the Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce is flavorful, fragrant, and delicious!
The back of the jar recommended to use the sauce to roast chicken. Instead, I used the roasting sauce to slow cook pot roast and make a delicious pumpkin-flavored gravy.
Rating: 8/10
10. Apple Cider Fruit Spread
I didn’t know what to expect when I opened my jar of Apple Cider Fruit Spread- but wow, it was so delicious, I bought two more jars on my next Trader Joe’s run!
The Apple Cider Fruit Spread tastes amazing on both bagels and english muffins. Next time, I hope to use it to make a Sun Butter and Jelly sandwich!
Rating: 8.5/10
9. Honey Crisp Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt
Trader Joe’s Honey Crisp Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt was a pleasant surprise.
While I enjoy yogurt as much as the average person, I can’t remember a time where I’ve eaten yogurt that was so delicious I felt the need to call someone to rave about it. After all, I’m not Terry from Brooklyn 99.
However, I found the Honey Crisp Apple Cinnamon yogurt so delicious, I called both my boyfriend and Mom to tell them to buy some. If you’re a fan of yogurt (or if you’re Terry Crews), make sure to pick up a few packages during your next Trader Joe’s trip!
Rating: 9/10
8. Salted Maple Ice Cream
Trader Joe’s Salted Maple Ice Cream is both salty and sweet as its name promises.
While delicious, the Salted Maple Ice Cream is very heavy. I found myself unable to eat more than a few bites before I was full. That can be both a good or bad thing, but keep it in mind before you grab a pint!
Rating: 9/10
7. Spiced Cider
I expected Trader Joe’s Spiced Cider to be as good as its canned pumpkin– just another bottle of apple cider. Instead, I tasted one of the best apple ciders I’ve ever had!
While the Spiced Cider is delicious on its own, it also pairs well with Japanese whiskey for a festive fall cocktail.
Rating: 9/10
6. Maple Sea Salt Kettle Corn
I am not a fan of kettle corn. In fact, even if it’s the only dessert available, I’ll still typically turn it down.
Because of this, I was not expecting to enjoy the Trader Joe’s Maple Sea Salt Kettle Corn. Instead, I discovered a treat that was so delicious, I couldn’t stop myself from finishing half a bag in one sitting.
Whether you’re a fan of kettle corn or not, you’re almost guaranteed to love this snack!
Rating: 9.5/10
5. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Recipe Dog Treats
Of course, we can’t forget our four-legged family members when buying fall treats!
My dog Max went wild for these Pumpkin dog treats! If Max understood the concept of ratings, he would give these treats a 10/10. However, Max loves all food that isn’t broccoli, so take this rating with a grain of salt.
Rating: 10/10
4. Pumpkin Maple Bacon Flavored Stuffies Dog Treats
Just like the treats above, Max loved these Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Maple Bacon Flavored Stuffies. They gave him zoomies and, as always, he begged profusely for more (and I couldn’t resist!)
Rating: 10/10
3. Pumpkin Ice Cream
I’m a huge fan of everything pumpkin flavored, but I especially love pumpkin ice cream. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Ice Cream is hands-down the best ice cream I’ve ever eaten. If you don’t pick some up this fall season, you’re missing out!
Rating: 10/10
2. Pumpkin Ginger Mini Ice Cream Cones
I shouldn’t have purchased these Pumpkin Ginger Mini Ice Cream Cones because they contain gluten. However, they were so cute, I couldn’t resist- after all, I could just have one, and stop, right?
Wrong. These mini ice cream cones are so good, I ate an entire box in one sitting.
Were they worth the stomachache? Yes! Would I eat another box in a heartbeat, stomachache be damned? Absolutely!
Rating: 10/10
1. Pumpkin Butter
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter. Iconic. Perfect. I had to stalk the aisles of my local Trader Joe’s because apparently, their first shipment of 2021 sold out within 24 hours.
Fall doesn’t get better than this.
Rating: 11/10