Every year, Trader Joe’s grabs local shoppers’ attention with their limited-time fall treats, from Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese to Pumpkin Spice Batons. We went to our local Trader Joe’s and grabbed just a few items in their wide collection of fall favorites. 

Cinnamon Bun Popcorn- As the popcorn crunched in our mouths, the taste of Cinnamon overtook our palettes. The kernel was coated with cinnamon and icing, and the flavor was perfect. We both have sweet tooths, so we enjoyed the sweetness in each bite, but if you’re not a fan of something really sweet, this wouldn’t be enjoyable. The taste gave strong fall vibes, and we are buying the entire shelf next time. Overall rating:10/10

Pumpkin Spice Batons- When people think of fall, they usually think of “Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice.” So, we had to try at least one pumpkin spice item. We saw that they were shaped into a conductor’s baton when we took them out of their packaging. In the first bite, we were met with a crunchy outer layer and an inside filling that was a sweet, pumpkin-flavored cream spiced with a blend of pumpkin pie flavoring. We had it on its own, but dipping them in hot coffee or hot cocoa may be the way to go. A sweet fall treat, it’s time to raise the baton and conduct the band! Overall rating:9/10

Apple and Pumpkin Hand Pies- When you think of a fall pie, you usually think of a delicious sweet treat. In our opinion, this should have been more delicious than it was. We were met with an overpowering nutmeg flavor in the apple/pumpkin filling as we took the first bite. There were way too many flavors for a mini pie, and the taste of the spices was overbearing, with nothing to balance out the extreme sweetness. It would have been much better if it was just a pumpkin pie or an apple pie rather than combining both into one. Next time we see these, we’ll kindly pass. Overall rating:0/10

Turkey Sausage Stuffing Fried Rice- Just by looking at this packaging, I thought it’d be a great fall meal, especially right before Thanksgiving. As I took my first bite of this vibrant fried rice, I found out the looks did not do it justice. I was met with a bland flavor that tasted just like plain rice. The expected stuffing flavor from the rice was not there. I definitely would not buy it again. Overall rating:2/10

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese- Before trying this, I was skeptical since it had butternut squash and some intensely flavored cheeses such as Gouda and Parmesan, which I usually prefer to avoid. Usually, when thinking of squash, you think of something sweet, but this was the complete opposite.  When I took the first bite, I knew I was completely wrong. I was met with flavorful and cheesy pasta. Like they say, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” This dish would go perfectly with a Thanksgiving family meal. I will be rebuying it before the season ends! Overall rating: 8/10