TMTM

Cheapism

Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.
ablokhin/istockphoto

Pumpkin Spice Life

We are deep into pumpkin spice season, and Trader Joe's is one of the best places to get snacks and goodies that have that familiar flavor, along with other seasonal, non-pumpkin snacks. You'll also find Turkey Day-inspired goodies to keep everyone in your house full and satisfied until the snow starts falling, including the latest wacky TJ's experiment: Thanksgiving-inspired fried rice. 


RelatedPumpkin Spice-Flavored Products You'll Want to Try — and Which Ones to Skip

Cheapism

Turkey Sausage Stuffing Fried Rice

$4

Trader Joe's is no stranger to unexpected mashups, and it delivers in a big way with this one: A single dish that combines turkey sausage, stuffing ... and fried rice? Don't worry: celery, herbs, breadcrumbs, green beans, corn, and fried onions are also on hand for this Asian-inspired Thanksgiving in a bowl. Why not?


Related: The 29 Best Things to Buy at Trader Joe's

Cheapism

Pumpkin Spice Hummus

$2.49

It's hard to understand why this exists, but it does. It's sweet and meant to be a dessert or dessert-like snack. So, if you can wrap your head around sweet hummus, apparently this is for you.


Related: 23 Things You Should Skip at Trader Joe's

Cheapism

Gobbler Quesadilla

$4.49

If you want all the best Thanksgiving dinner items in one handy, portable, cheesy package, this quesadilla filled with turkey breast, squash, and cranberries is for you. Find it in the refrigerated section, near the burritos and salads.


For more great shopping tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.

Cheapism

Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels

$3

These mini pretzels are coated with yogurt and then rolled in crushed, pumpkin-spiced pumpkin seeds for a double whammy of fall. 


Related: Surprising Facts About Trader Joe's

Cheapism

Everything But the Leftovers Seasoning

$2.29

This seasoning makes everything you shake it onto taste like a full-on Thanksgiving dinner, gravy and all. Try it on popcorn, eggs, in chicken soup, or just sprinkle it on turkey and pretend you've cooked the whole meal. 


Related: Why Trader Joe’s Employees Are Surprisingly Helpful and Happy

Cheapism

Apple Cider Donuts

$4

You don't have to go apple picking in order to get your fix of fresh apple cider donuts this year. These cake donuts are rolled in plenty of cinnamon and sugar.


Related: Best Store-Bought Desserts from Trader Joe's

Cheapism

Spiced Cider

$3.29

Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, this sweet cider is great to sip on while you watch the leaves fall. Heat it up in a mug with a cinnamon stick, and maybe a splash of whisky.

Cheapism

Maple and Sea Salt Kettle Corn

$2.49

Maple is one of those classic fall flavors that never goes out of style. Try it in a new way with this sweet and salty kettle corn.

Cheapism

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

$2.49

Do you have kids that refuse to eat a vegetable? This butternut squash mac and cheese, with its rich, smooth, bright yellow sauce, is a good way to get some nutrients into them — and you.


Related: Trader Joe's Best Buys for Packing Your Freezer

Cheapism

Ghosts and Bats Crispy Potato Snacks

$3

Ghosts are an appropriate shape for these potato chip-like snacks because they're so ethereally light. The bats are also white and not black, but let's assume the kids at your Halloween party won't be complaining.


Cheapism

Pumpkin Blondie Brownies

$4

Blondies are like a brownie without the chocolate, and these go the extra mile with pumpkin flavor. They've also got white chocolate chips and pecans studded through them for extra pizzazz.

Cheapism

Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce

$3.49

Have you ever thought, gee, I wish this plate of spaghetti tasted more like fall? Well, it can: This rich, creamy jarred pasta sauce is made with pumpkin and butternut squash, along with tomatoes. Try it in a fall vegetable lasagna. 

Cheapism

Turkey and Stuffing En Croute

$16

Imagine this fancy-pants turkey-dinner-in-a-box as a kind of Thanksgiving wellington. Turkey tenderloin, stuffing, and herbs are wrapped in puff pastry for an easy, sliceable entree. Cranberry sauce and mushroom gravy are included, so you're not missing out.


Related: 21 of the Most Expensive Products at Trader Joe's

Cheapism

Chocolate Mousse Pumpkins

$4

TJ's rolls out new mousse treats a number of times throughout the year, and in fall that means chocolate pumpkins. There's no pumpkin in this — it's chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and a cute pumpkin shape — so it's great for all the pumpkin averse out there.

Cheapism

Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix

$4

Some people don't appreciate the chocolate and pumpkin combo, but in that case, maybe the pumpkin and oatmeal in this cookie mix will sway them instead. Mix it with butter and eggs and the cookies bake up big and chewy.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Baking Mix

$4

What could be better than a pumpkin muffin spread with butter on a chilly October morning? While these muffins (or bread) are great as-is, you can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts, or sprinkle pumpkin seeds or coarse sugar on top.

Halloween Joe Joe's Cookies

$3

Joe Joe's are TJ's beloved answer to Oreos, and just like Oreos, they come in all kinds of holiday-themed variations. The cute jack-o-lantern shaped chocolate cookies reveal the vanilla cream hiding underneath. 


Related: Vintage Halloween Photos That Will Haunt You

Cheapism

Haunted House Chocolate Cookie Kit

$8

Forget gingerbread houses — haunted houses for Halloween are all the rage. Make one with this kit that includes pre-fab chocolate cookies that are ready to assemble, plus all the icing and decorations you need to put together this spooky abode.


Related: The 14 Worst Halloween Candies for Your Teeth

Cheapism

Pumpkin Biscotti

$4

Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg spice these biscotti full of pumpkin. Dip the crunchy cookies into your tea or coffee for a great mid-morning treat.

Cheapism

Green Bean Casserole Bites

$4

Whether you're the only one in your family who likes green bean casserole, or you just don't want to cook it this year, these little phyllo dough appetizer cups filled with the creamy green stuff will solve your problems. Yes, there are fried onions on top.

Cheapism

Pumpkin Spread

$3

Unlike a lot of pumpkin-y snacks, this pumpkin spread is only lightly spiced, allowing the squash flavor to shrine through. It's also not nearly as sweet as a dessert; it's a sophisticated spread for your fancy cheese platters or for dipping pita chips. It would also make a great hostess gift with its little fabric topper.

Cheapism

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Beans

$1

Those who prefer to get their caffeine fix in solid form instead of liquid can try snacking on these espresso beans. They come in a single-serving pouch and are coated in chocolate with pumpkin spices.

Cheapism

Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies

$3

The ultimate little snacking cookies that you can eat by the handful, these petite treats are reminiscent of frosted animal crackers. They're a shortbread base with pumpkin spice, a yogurt coating, and fun sprinkles. 

Cheapism

Pumpkin Flavored Joe Joe's

$2.49

If you're looking for Joe Joe's that actually taste like pumpkin, these are the ones to get. They have pumpkin cookies and a pumpkin cream center for double the squash goodness. 

Cheapism

Cinnamon Bun Cookies

$3

Soft and chewy, these cinnamon-bun-like sandwich cookies come with a cinnamon cream filling and a dusting of sugar on top. They're buttery and packed with mellow cinnamon flavor.

Cheapism

Pumpkin Waffles

$2

Who says toaster waffles can't be a snack? They're fast and simple to prepare, so you can make them all day, not just in the morning. Top them with pecans and maple syrup if you're feeling fancy.


Related: Trader Joe's Best Buys for Packing Your Freezer



Cheapism

Pumpkin Ginger Mini Hold the Cone Ice Cream Cones

$3

Hold the Cone is an amazing little Drumstick-like ice cream snack in miniature size. The autumn version includes ginger waffle cones, pumpkin ice cream, and white glaze over the whole thing. 


RelatedThe Best Frozen and Ready-to-Eat Meals from Trader Joe's

Cheapism

'This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar' Cereal Bars

$2

You know Nutri-Grain bars? This is Trader Joe's answer to them. They're available in various fruit flavors year-round, but the cinnamon-y pumpkin version comes out only for fall. 

Cheapism

Organic Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark

$4.49

Lest the monikers "organic" and "bark" fool you, this pumpkin spice granola bark is practically a dessert. The thin, crunchy granola is coated with a layer of dark chocolate and topped with pumpkin seeds. 

Cheapism

Organic Maple Butter

$6

Billed as "spreadable, creamy maple syrup," this rich spread would be a great topper for toast, bagels, or even apple slices. 

Cheapism

Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

$3

It's pumpkin-ception with these pumpkin-spiced pumpkin seeds. Is it over the top, or does it actually make the most sense of all the pumpkin spice items on this list?

Cheapism

Pumpkin Recipe Dog Treats

$3.49

Finally, dogs, too, can get in on the pumpkin spice trend. Just don't mix up the box with the human pumpkin-flavored cookies in the middle of the night.