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Fall is in the air, and you know what that means: it’s time for cozy sweaters, crisp leaves, pumpkin everything, and of course, a whole new lineup of Trader Joe’s fall snacks. If you’re a TJ’s regular, you know they’re notorious for bringing out seasonal treats that get everyone talking. This year, I decided to do the hard work for you (someone had to!) and test out a cart full of their fall snacks to see which ones are truly worth the hype. From pumpkin-flavored everything to autumn spices, here’s how each snack stacked up in my fall taste test.
1. Pumpkin Spice Hummus
Rating: 10/10
I wasn’t sure what to expect with Pumpkin Spice Hummus, but it blew me away. The creamy texture and the mild, slightly sweet flavor of pumpkin with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove felt like fall in a scoop. It wasn’t overly sweet like a dessert hummus, which was a pleasant surprise. I paired it with apple slices, and it was perfection. If you’re hesitant, don’t be. This one is a fall snack must-try, and I’d even consider spreading it on toast or waffles for breakfast.
Pro Tip: Try it with cinnamon pita chips for an added layer of cozy goodness.
2. Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce
Rating: 9/10
This rich, tomato-based pasta sauce is packed with roasted squash, pumpkin, and a blend of savory herbs. It’s like the perfect fall spaghetti sauce, with just the right balance of sweet and savory. It’s thick, flavorful, and ideal for those cooler evenings when you want comfort food but with a little seasonal flair. The only reason it didn’t score a perfect 10 was that the pumpkin flavor was a little more subtle than I anticipated, but it was still delicious.
Pro Tip: Pair this with Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese for the ultimate fall feast.
3. Pumpkin Spice Pretzels
Rating: 8/10
These crunchy, salty-sweet pretzels are dusted with a generous amount of pumpkin spice seasoning. The combination of sweetness from the coating and the crunch of the pretzel was oddly addictive. I wasn’t expecting much from a pumpkin spice-flavored snack, but these pretzels definitely delivered. They’re perfect for snacking while watching a fall movie marathon or packing in lunchboxes.
Pro Tip: Crumble them on top of ice cream or yogurt for a fall-inspired dessert topping.
4. Maple Cream Cookies
Rating: 8/10
These delicate, crunchy cookies are filled with a rich maple cream that immediately transports you to a cozy autumn afternoon. The cookies are perfectly crisp, and the maple filling is sweet but not overpowering. While they are delicious, I wish the cookie itself had a bit more flavor to balance out the sweetness of the cream. They’re definitely a treat for those with a sweet tooth, but not quite as mind-blowing as some of the other snacks on this list.
Pro Tip: Pair them with a hot cup of Trader Joe’s Chai Tea for the ultimate fall indulgence.
5. Pumpkin O’s Cereal
Rating: 7/10
If you’re a fan of Trader Joe’s Honey Nut O’s (think Cheerios), then Pumpkin O’s will feel like a delicious fall spin on your favorite breakfast. The cereal has a light cinnamon-pumpkin flavor that’s pleasant without being overpowering. It’s not as sweet as other pumpkin cereals on the market, which I appreciated, but it could use a little more richness in the pumpkin flavor. I’d recommend it if you like a more subdued, subtly spiced breakfast.
Pro Tip: Try adding a few chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet twist.
6. Caramel Apple Slices
Rating: 7/10
These ready-to-eat, individually wrapped caramel apple slices are perfect for an easy fall snack or quick dessert. The apples themselves were crisp and fresh, and the caramel coating was smooth and buttery. The downside? The caramel didn’t quite stick to the apples as well as I would’ve liked, which made it a little messy. Still, it’s a tasty snack, especially for anyone who loves the classic caramel apple combo.
Pro Tip: Microwave the caramel apple slices for a few seconds to make the caramel even gooier!
7. Autumn’s Best Apple & Pumpkin Yogurt
Rating: 6/10
This apple and pumpkin-flavored yogurt is a creamy, tangy treat with a nice mix of fall spices. I loved the creamy texture and the idea of blending apple with pumpkin, but the flavor was a bit more tart than I expected. It’s a bit too tangy to fully deliver on the sweet, spiced pumpkin flavor I was hoping for, but it’s still a decent snack for those who like fruit-flavored yogurts.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of granola or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
8. Pumpkin Cornbread Mix
Rating: 6/10
This pumpkin cornbread mix is super easy to prepare, and when baked, it fills your home with the warm scent of fall spices. While the texture was nice—moist and fluffy—the pumpkin flavor was subtle, and it didn’t quite pop like I wanted it to. It tasted more like a standard cornbread with a slight hint of pumpkin. If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side or want a more intense pumpkin experience, this one may not be it. But if you like a more savory, light pumpkin touch, you’ll probably enjoy it.
Pro Tip: Serve with a dollop of butter and honey for extra richness.
9. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix
Rating: 5/10
This popular pumpkin bread and muffin mix is easy to make and yields a moist, pumpkin-flavored treat. The flavor was good but not as punchy as I’d hoped. It has a nice sweetness and fall-spiced aroma, but it felt a little too mild on the pumpkin front. For such an iconic fall snack, I expected a bit more boldness. Still, it’s a great base for adding your own creative twists—chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries could elevate it.
Pro Tip: Add chocolate chips or a handful of chopped pecans to make it your own.
10. Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s
Rating: 4/10
The Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s, Trader Joe’s version of the iconic Oreo cookie, didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. While the pumpkin spice filling is undeniably seasonal and festive, the cookie itself was a bit dry and crumbly. The pumpkin flavor was subtle, and it didn’t quite have the rich, spiced kick I was hoping for. Fans of the original Joe-Joe’s may still enjoy them, but I expected more from this fall version.
Pro Tip: Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance out the dryness.
11. Pumpkin Pie Spice Seasoning
Rating: 3/10
This one was a bit of a letdown. While the seasoning is a convenient way to add a touch of fall flavor to your recipes, it didn’t pack the punch I was expecting. It tasted a little too artificial and lacked the depth of flavor you’d get from freshly ground spices. I’m sticking to the real thing when it comes to pumpkin pie spices in my baking.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, consider using this to sprinkle on oatmeal or coffee, but don’t rely on it for baking.
12. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup
Rating: 2/10
I really wanted to love this one, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver. The texture was fine—smooth and creamy—but the flavor was off. It tasted too much like pureed squash with an overpowering amount of spices, leaving little room for the warm, comforting pumpkin flavor I was craving. It wasn’t bad, but it certainly wasn’t something I’d go out of my way to grab again.
Pro Tip: Try adding a bit of sour cream or croutons to balance out the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s fall snacks are always a treat, and this season’s selection did not disappoint (for the most part). The standout winner for me was the Pumpkin Spice Hummus—a surprisingly delicious and versatile snack. Other highlights included the Autumnal Harvest Pasta Sauce and Pumpkin Spice Pretzels. While some snacks didn’t quite hit the mark (Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s and the Pumpkin Soup), there’s plenty of goodness to be found in Trader Joe’s fall offerings. So grab your shopping bags, head to your nearest store, and get ready to taste the season!
