By Elena Rexach

Public Relations Manager

As the morning fog rolls in and leaves start to crunch underneath our shoes, an abundance of pumpkin cuisine is starting to appear in grocery stores. The autumn tradition of pumpkin spice is one that lives in a very special part of my heart. Throw “harvest” into any title and I am sure to look; add a muted color palette and I’ve been won over. As I strolled through the aisles of Trader Joes recently, I noticed the plethora of new products, each more appetizing than the next. 

Oatmeal is the cuisine embodiment of foggy mornings, and Trader Joe’s absolutely understands that assignment. In the freezer section, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bites have made a grand arrival. They have a soft oatmeal interior, combined with a crispy exterior; they are the epitome of autumnal treats. Trader Joe’s does not stop there with their oatmeal exploration as Pumpkin Overnight Oats have been spotted in the fridges. Essentially tasting like pumpkin pudding, these oats are a perfect breakfast for on-the-go comfort. 

Of course, no fall diet is complete without some delightful soups and sauces. For cold days, Pumpkin Bisque is there for you. Thick and rich, it delivers a perfectly pumpkin dish. The new Pumpkin Alfredo and Autumnal Harvest sauces make great additions to warm entrees, providing delicious toppings for dishes like Zucchetti Pasta — shaped like pumpkins — or Honey Roasted Pumpkin Alfredo. 

Trader Joe’s definitely satisfies that autumn sweet tooth, especially as seasonal veteran Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix is back. Personally, I adored these last year. Another exciting sweet is Pumpkin Ice Cream, which I can imagine being delicious even on the colder days. A recent fan favorite, Blond Brownies, finds new life in the fall season with a new pumpkin flavoring. For the bakers, authentic ingredients will make great additions to upcoming projects, highlights of which include Organic Vermont Maple Syrup, Organic Vanilla Bean Paste and a Cinnamon Whisk! 

As a vegan, seeing these mouthwatering additions makes my little cottagcore heart cry, but Trader Joe’s somehow manages to deliver a remedy with some plant-based powerhouses. First of all, Pumpkin Spice Hummus. This supposed dip is essentially just pumpkin pie filling, and I could eat it all day. Trader Joe’s fall rendition of Oreos, Joe-Joe’s, does not disappoint either, as the store has delivered two seasonal versions: pumpkin and Halloween. 

Although you’ll never catch me drinking any type of milk, non-dairy lovers will be excited to taste the new Pumpkin Non-Dairy Oat Beverage and Pumpkin Spice Almond Beverage. If you’re looking for a cinnamon roll-esque dessert, I cannot recommend Sweet Cinnamon Filled Korean Pancakes enough. They are easy to make, and deliver a slightly more subdued sweetness. Even with a crispy outside, they melt in your mouth.

After seeing a pile of what I estimate to be around 300 cans of canned pumpkin near the entrance of TJ’s, I can only imagine that everyone will be able to find something autumn-themed that suits their fancy among the shelves.