Is it still summer? Is it fall? I couldn’t tell you, and everyone’s got a different opinion on where exactly September stands. But one thing’s for sure: this seasonal overlap is the perfect time to stock up on all sorts of treats at Trader Joe’s, no matter where your opinion lands. For pumpkin lovers, there’s plenty to look forward to; and for those of us still holding onto summer flavors, there’s still a good amount of goodies to add to your cart before it’s cold outside.
Below, we’re rounding up seven of the best Trader Joe’s finds to add to your cart this month, from returning fall favorites like Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese to summery Cherry Pie Cookies.
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1. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese - $3.79
Here's a returning seasonal favorite I probably don't have to tell you about—the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is a cult classic that get us salivating as soon as September hits. Because fall isn't just about pumpkin spice! The frozen pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy butternut squash sauce with hints of sage and nutmeg. It's one of my favorite simple freezer staples for quick dinners, and I look forward to it every fall.
And I'm not alone! Shoppers have long raved about this Trader Joe's classic. "I LOVE this!! I wish they would make it year round. The first week it comes in it sells out immediately!" one fan wrote on Reddit. So act fast and throw it into your cart!
2. Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps - $3.99
There's nothing like a delicious charcuterie board to usher in a new season. Whether you're putting a tray together for a dinner party, need something to munch on during a spooky movie, or just want to eat these guys straight out of the box, you can't go wrong with Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps. They feature real pumpkin, cranberries, thyme, nutmeg, and turmeric, and they're perfectly crunchy, providing an ideal vehicle for all of your favorite cheeses and dips.
One Redditor paired 'em with whipped cream cheese and claimed they were "a huge Thanksgiving hit" last year. So simple yet so delicious! I'll be grabbing a few boxes for sure.
3. Pumpkin Brioche Twist - $4.99
If you want the best French toast of your life, you've gotta grab this Pumpkin Brioche Twist. It's perfectly soft, it's got just the right amount of sweetness, and that pumpkin slice swirl is just to die for. In addition to French toast (stuffed with pumpkin cream cheese for good measure), one of my favorite ways to enjoy this pre-sliced bread is toasted and slathered with good old fashioned cream cheese. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
Don't just take it from me. Trader Joe's die-hards can't get enough of the stuff. One Reddit post rates it "10/10" with comments raving: "So dangerous. I could eat the whole loaf in a day." Ditto.
4. Maple Leaf Ice Cream Sandwiches - $3.99
It's never too chilly out for ice cream, especially when it's this good. If you thought a frozen sweet treat was just for the summer months, these Maple Leaf Ice Cream sandwiches will change your mind. I mean, how cute is that shape? But the real treat is the flavor. When you get pumpkin spice fatigue, maple is a great fall flavor to step in and refresh your palate. This ice cream doesn't go overboard, either—it's just maple-y enough to satisfy.
And if you're not huge on maple, these still might be worth a shot. One Reddit post praises them: "I’m kind of indifferent to maple flavored anything. But these were soooo good, the ice cream and the cookie are soft right out the package vs being hard as a brick. Highly recommend these."
5. Cherry Pie Flavored Cookies - $4.49
Cherry pie? Love. Cherry pie cookies? Now I'm really interested. If you've reached pumpkin-caramel-apple-maple-syrup overload, there's no reason not to go back to summer for a bite or two. These mouthwatering cookies offer up white chocolate chips, cherry pie-flavored pieces, and actual dried Bing cherries in every bite. My only concern is that I don't know how I'll be able to resist eating the whole tub in one sitting.
It looks like I'm not the only one. "I wish I never was influenced to buy these. I had one cookie and I already want to go back downstairs and finish the container," says one Reddit post, with many commenters echoing that sentiment. "I fear I tried them the other day and now I need to go back and buy 5," one person wrote. So make sure you go stock up, because who knows how long they'll be around.
6. Lemon Pepper Seasoning - $2.49
Trader Joe's offers a great variety of fun spice blends, including Seasoning in a Pickle and Everything but the Elote. This Lemon Pepper Seasoning may lean more classic than quirky, but it's still worth adding to your cart for a bit of zest. Especially because it's returning to TJ's shelves for the first time in four years! It combines black pepper, lemon peel, sea salt, citric acid, garlic, onion, and lemon oil, and it's killer on some salmon.
Shoppers are happy to see its return, and happy to see the ingredient list. "Lemon pepper that actually has lemon peel in it? Sign me up," says one fan on Reddit.
7. Chewy Thai Coconut Cakes - $3.79
Here's a brand new sweet treat that still tastes like summer—and a trip to Thailand. If you weren't able to take a vacation this year, you can at least close your eyes and imagine you're there when you bite into these chewy coconut cakes inspired by Thailand's street food. This dessert is made with coconut milk, tapioca charge, and ube (which gives it that signature purple color).
"These were bomb," a shopper confirmed on Reddit. "5 minutes in the air fryer and they come out perfect." I can't wait to try them for myself!
