I made a Trader Joe’s run last Sunday and it was my first time there since August. Sadly, Trader Joe’s is just not convenient in my day-to-day grocery rotation. I was long overdue a visit to check out my fall faves – and very sad that I missed the short window where their delicious Autumnal Harvest pasta sauce is available. I usually buy several jars and try to stretch them out through the year. Guess I’ll finally be trying a copycat recipe to see if I can recreate it at home!
I did manage to find plenty of other things to fill my cart and some fall things were still in stock. Here’s what I bought!
- Herb salad mix – definitely get some parsley flavor in this one
- Smitten apples – first time trying and they’re super crunchy/crisp which is my preferred apple texture
- Brussels sprouts on the stalk – fun and oh so fresh!
- Rainbow carrots
- Ready veggies – love this blend for stir fry
- Little gem lettuce – I was excited to see this! I order little gem salads in restaurants a lot so nice to have at home! Like mini and leafier romaine
- Spaghetti squash
- Nuts About Rosemary Mix – this is a seasonal rosemary-spiced nut blend. I tried it for the first time last year and it’s excellent for snacking and on salads.
- Organic pumpkin puree
- Creamy peanut butter – Finn and I both agree TJ’s creamy peanut butter ranks #1 for natural-style peanut butters. Perfect texture and just the right salt content.
- Coconut milk – mostly for curries…that time of year!
- Sparking Rose Tea Beverage – first time trying and it was great. Not too sweet but definitely has a tea flavor.
- Canned lightly smoked salmon – if you haven’t tried this yet, you must! Such a great pantry staple. The texture and taste are amazing and 21 grams of protein.
- Something Spritzy Sparkly Beverage – haven’t tried this one yet. TJ’s has the best AF “treat drinks”/mocktail options! Makes up for the fact that I never visit their wine aisle anymore!
- Organic cane sugar
- Dark chocolate covered pretzels – I’ve always been a fan of yogurt/chocolate covered pretzels and love a handful for a sweet bite
- Butter toffee pretzels – these are GOOD! Reminds me of something someone would make to give away at the holidays.
- Dog treats
- Well rested tea – hands-down my favorite of all the sleepy/bedtime/relax teas. This blend is great!
- Kitchari packets – I will make a big batch of kitchari soon since the weather is getting cooler but I like these ready to eat packets for a quick warming meal.
- Pumpkin spiced pumpkin seeds – nice on oatmeal, yogurt or salad bowls
- Peanut butter baking chips
- Spiced pecans – LOVE these on a salad
- Pollo asado marinated chicken breasts – I think I’ll use these on tacos or in a bowl
- Ground turkey
- Sweet Italian chicken sausage – great to have on hand for many uses. I like it in this gnocchi.
- Smoked apple and Chardonnay chicken sausage – will do this on a fall-themed sheet pan with things like onions, apples, sweet potatoes or winter squash, brussels, etc.
- Burrata, prosciutto and arugula flatbread – always buy this one. It’s my top choice of frozen pizzas/flatbreads at TJs.
- Multigrain blend with veggies – so good in a bowl with avocados, greens, spreads and pita chips for dipping.
- Gluten-free chicken breast nuggets – these have been my favorite salad toppers for a few years running now. I air fry them. Taste and texture is 100%.
- Vegetable fried rice – a recent staple. I usually add shrimp and scrambled egg for protein. Great quick dinner option that is ready in less than 10 mins.
- Hash browns – I know these are a fan fave at TJs so decided to try them out to see if Finn likes them.
- Shelled edamame – protein topper for bowls and salads.
- Coconut aminos – so much cheaper at TJs than anywhere else
- Olive oil
- Everyday seasoning grinder – I use this a lot
- Soyaki sauce – my favorite of all their marinades
- Goddess dressing
- Thai style yellow curry sauce – tastes wonderful and so easy for a quick dinner with a protein, the Ready Veggie blend above and rice
- Toasted sesame dressing
- Hand & Body Cream – I’ve bought this for years and years. My favorite everyday moisturizer.
That’s it for this haul. I will definitely be back soon so that I don’t miss out on all the holiday goodness! 🙂
QUESTIONS
What’s your favorite Trader Joe’s fall seasonal item?
Any sleeper favorites (like the canned lightly smoked salmon) that you would recommend?
Favorite beverage from TJs?
Soup dumplings!! Kimbap! Love all the asian items.
I love the soup dumplings! So good!
Love TJs! How do you decide what to buy organic and what to buy “conventional”? Do you have a stance on that? 😆
Hey Lauren – great question. Honestly, with food prices the way they are right now – I focus less on organic v conventional and more on just being able to afford groceries. That said, when possible I do try to buy organic greens, apples/pears, berries, meats, dairy – but certainly not a “must.”
You need to try the Envy apples at Aldi! So delish!!
I’ve had those! They are SO good!!!