Pumpkin Season Hits Trader Joe's: A Bay Area Taste Test Adventure

Photo by MICHAEL CHIARA on Unsplash
As the leaves start to turn golden and the air gets crisp, Trader Joe’s has once again unleashed its annual pumpkin-flavored product lineup – and we’re here to break down the hits and misses for all you fall-loving foodies.
This year’s collection is a mix of nostalgic favorites and new offerings that range from absolutely delectable to downright questionable. The clear winners this season include the Pumpkin Brioche Twist, which even converted some pumpkin skeptics with its subtle spice and incredibly soft texture. Paired with their Pumpkin Butter, this bread could easily become your new breakfast obsession.
The Pumpkin Mini Sheet Cake also scored major points, with its rich cream cheese frosting and perfectly moist cake that practically melts in your mouth. For those looking for a more savory option, the Fall Harvest Salsa provides an unexpected twist – blending pumpkin with tomatillos, butternut squash, and a kick of jalapeño that’ll make your game day spread way more interesting.
But it wasn’t all pumpkin perfection. Some products like the Pumpkin Spice Tortilla Chips and Pumpkin Flavored Joe-Joe’s missed the mark completely, with tasters describing them as chalky, brittle, and overwhelmingly sweet. The Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate was particularly disappointing, with one taster noting it tasted more like a “sickly squash” than a delightful autumn beverage.
The Pumpkin Cereal Bars? Let’s just say they’re better left on the shelf, smelling more like a discount candle than an actual edible treat.
While not every product is a winner, Trader Joe’s commitment to seasonal innovation continues to keep Bay Area foodies excited and curious. Whether you’re a pumpkin purist or just enjoy seasonal novelties, there’s likely something in this lineup that’ll spark your culinary interest. Just maybe skip those tortilla chips.
AUTHOR: mb
SOURCE: The Mercury News