Trader Joe’s themed snacks are iconic in the grocery store world, but can they really make new bangers year after year? It may be controversial to some, but TJ’s fall desserts are the most abundant and delicious category of their products. While most pumpkin delights are worth your money, some should be sent back to summer. Each of this year’s fall treats have been judged in three main categories: sweetness, strength of pumpkin flavor, and overall deliciousness.
Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix: 4/10
After struggling between too thin and too thick batter, we discovered these pancakes simply did not live up to our high expectations. While they were edible and had a great pumpkin flavor, the dryness and mild salt flavor was hard to ignore.
Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels: 9/10
The miniature size of these flavor-filled pretzels makes it easy to devour astronomical amounts of them and realize a few minutes later that you may have just accidentally finished off the bag. The sweet yogurt coating is topped with pumpkin-spiced pumpkin seeds that provide the perfect salty crunch.
Pumpkin O’s: 6/10
Is it cereal? Yes. Is it yummy? Yes. Does it taste different from Honey Nut Cheerios? Barely. This breakfast item would make a good start to your day, but is not pumpkin-y enough to pass for fall. Though it has a nice puffy crunch to it and a sweet honey flavor, nothing about this screams pumpkin—or even whispers it.
Pumpkin Spice Batons: 4/10
If there was ever a case of false fall advertising, these batons would be it. While absolutely delicious, vanilla would definitely be a more fitting description. Perfect for coffee or ice cream, these would be a great addition to any default sweet treat.
Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage: 8/10
Perfect for an iced chai or pumpkin spice latte and surprisingly tasty on its own, this is a fun alternative to dairy milk. Do not be deterred by its bright orange color (we almost were), it is not as eccentric as it seems.
Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s: 5/10
The only way to truly assess these pumpkin spiced joe-joe’s (Trader Joe’s version of Oreo) is to break it down into its three parts. The cookie is a classic shortbread that is mostly lost in the chaos of the rest of the dessert. The filling is a bright orange paste-like layer akin to the cream of cookies and cream. These two alone would make a deliciously simple concoction nostalgic of childhood Oreos. Unfortunately, the yogurt coating encasing the whole cookie makes it mouth-numbingly sweet and overpowers the dessert. Not even a good glass of pumpkin oat milk could cancel out the sweetness of these cookies.
Spiced Pumpkin Madeleine Cookies: 7/10
The beautiful outside of the Pumpkin Madeleine’s is hardly a facade. This fun twist on the snack is the perfect amount of sweetness and pumpkin, yet it’s a little dry.
Pumpkin Brioche Twist: 8/10
Not only is this bread visually appealing with its perfect shape and multicolored swirls, but it’s also perfectly fluffy and fresh. If a cinnamon roll and a loaf of bread had a baby, it would be this. Regular toast, french toast, any other toast, its delicious possibilities are endless. However, it still struggles to be pumpkin-flavored enough.
Pumpkin Butter: 9/10
While jam would be a better word to describe it, this pumpkin butter is a perfect autumn addition to any piece of toast. It is rich with pumpkin flavor and would pair perfectly with the brioche. Pumpkin-lovers, you’ll be obsessed. Pumpkin-tolerators, you’ve been warned.
Pumpkin Blondie Brownies: 8/10
A close sibling to carrot cake, this sweet treat is a great fall staple to keep on your counter and sneak a bite of each day. While the sweetness might be a bit extra for some, it balances out when you pair it with a glass of milk. It’s perfectly moist and the mixed-in nuts give it an excellent texture. However, the pumpkin-flavor is very subtle amidst all the other autumn spices.
Pumpkin Tortilla Chips: 5/10
If you love the saltiness of Tostitos or Chipotle chips, these chips are a perfect match. Unfortunately, the pumpkin in these chips only refers to the cute shape.
