Trader Joe’s Fall Haul: Part 2!
I’m baaack with more fall Trader Joe’s reviews!
This time, I dragged my husband with me while we were out celebrating our anniversary. Maybe not his ideal date night but he DID get his favorite meal before (steak and fettuccine) and his favorite TJ’s sweet (dark chocolate pb cups).
We got lucky finding most things in stock at 8pm, and the store was far less busy than usual. That’s important because I’m sure I looked ridiculous taking pictures of all the seasonal items as I shoveled them into my cart like an episode of “Supermarket Sweep.”
Anyways.
Let’s get into the reviews!
Non-Dairy Maple Oat Beverage – 8/10
I have to mention the speed at which my cousin texted me to add this to my next haul as soon as she saw my Part 1 post. She’s right though! I buy this every year because it’s really that good. Love or hate oat milk, this stuff is tasty.
It makes a great coffee creamer, but my favorite way to enjoy it is in oatmeal. Add some chopped apples, and you have a filling, autumn-in-a-bowl breakfast.
I love a simple frozen veggie that makes my life easier. These frozen mashed sweet potatoes contain just one ingredient: sweet potatoes. You can prepare them on the stove or in the microwave and then you have the freedom to add whatever (I like a little butter) or use them however you want.
This is a perfect example of something I keep in my freezer for times I just need something colorful to throw on my family’s plate. When it’s Thursday and the fresh veggie selection is looking pretty sad (let’s be real my patience for cooking is gone by the time in the week too), frozen veggies to the rescue.
Helloooo 4g of fiber per serving!
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites 8/10
If you love the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, you’ll love these too. They’re crispy on the outside, and filled with the sauce we all love with macaroni noodles. Mine were just a little dry, but still yummy. These would make a great game day app!
Caramel Apple Mochi – 5/10
I tried this with Cassey and a few other Blogifam foodies at our retreat. Reviews were kind of mixed! I didn’t like the apple flavor – it was too sweet and almost artificial tasting? I wish the caramel was salted to bring the flavor out more. Basically, I’d say this tastes more like a candy apple than a caramel apple.
Pumpkin Spice Cashew Yogurt – 4/10
I’m starting to wonder if I’m just picky about yogurt? You’ll have to let me know if you agree with me on this one. I had high hopes for a good cashew yogurt, but this one was too runny and the flavor was just weird for me. I’ve heard the vanilla flavor is better though, so I’ll give that one a shot!
If you’re wondering about nutrition, this yogurt has 140 calories, 6g fat, 19g carb, 11g added sugar, 3g protein. If you DO enjoy this yogurt, don’t be discouraged by the low protein content. This yogurt doesn’t have to be your entire snack, and ideally isn’t your entire meal. So pair it with something else for more protein if you want, like some nuts, seeds sprinkled in, eggs, or scrambled tofu.
Spicy Pumpkin Samosas – 10/10
SO MANY PEOPLE recommended these to me, and they lived up to the hype! A samosa is an Indian pastry, typically filled with veggies and spices with a savory flavor. This one is a little different than traditional Samosas, with more of a warm, spicy-sweet flavor. It’s not too sweet though – there’s <1g added sugar per serving, meaning most of the sweetness comes from pumpkin. And we love a flaky pastry.
I saw someone on IG dipping them in the Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt – genius.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants – 8/10
These are really good. The filling is light and airy, and I didn’t think they were overly sweet. It’s also fun to see how they puff up when they bake. And no proofing, which might be the best part! My only complaint is that there are only TWO in the package…but then again these are more of a fun fall treat vs. regular breakfast/snack.
Organic Vegetarian Chili – 6/10
I wanted to love this because I love finding super easy lunch/dinner staples to keep in my pantry. Buuuut this wasn’t my favorite canned chili.
I heard that the recipe USED to be really great but they’ve changed the plant-based protein source at least once (not 100% sure on the history here, but people seem disappointed with the recipe change).
Anyways, this one lists textured pea protein on the label. I’m not sure if the texture was an issue for me, it just wasn’t my favorite tasting chili. Would I still eat it on a day I need a heat & serve lunch? Probably.
Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce – 8/10
I am so excited for this! Full disclosure: I haven’t actually roasted anything with it yet (I bought it like 2 days before leaving on a trip), but I did taste it and I love the flavor. It’s smoky-sweet (which you probably guessed already), but neither flavor is overpowering.
So, what should I make with it? I’m thinking chicken to pair with a salad, or shred and put in tacos? Or maybe some roasted veggies?! Definitely roasted veggies. Salmon?! If you have other ideas, let me know!
Pumpkin Butter – 9/10
Who doesn’t get this when it’s fall?! It’s like apple butter, but pumpkin. I love it swirled into my oatmeal, or with cream cheese on a bagel. I’ve also been known to add it to plain yogurt or on apple slices. And yes DUH it’s delicious on toast.
Brussels Sprouts & Uncured Bacon Ravioli – 5/10
Ugh this one was sooo disappointing! I think it was the Trader Joe’s fall item I was most excited to try…and I didn’t like it. I like Brussels sprouts, but the flavor in this was just too strong.
But…my toddler surprisingly loved it. So maybe it’s just me?
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Beans – 8/10
I haven’t seen anyone talking about these! They’re like a PSL in snack form… which I honestly assumed would be gross. But they’re actually good. Of course you need to be someone who likes espresso beans though. I know they’re not everyone’s thing.
And that concludes my Trader Joe’s Fall Reviews
If you tried any of these, do you agree or think I’m crazy? And did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments! And be sure to check out Part 1 of my Trader Joe’s Fall Haul if you missed it!
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