Trader Joe’s is well-known for their wide selection of seasonal items. And although they certainly have incredible goodies year-round, their fall food selection is just about unbeatable. Not only do they have pumpkin spice everything, but shelves are also stocked with a range of apple, cinnamon, butternut squash, and maple goodness. In fact, it can sometimes be overwhelming to decide where to start and exactly what to add to your cart.
Luckily, superfans tend to make great suggestions online, and sometimes you can even find employee advice. That’s where former Trader Joe’s employee (and dietitian) Laura Kern comes in. She recently shared a few of her go-to fall food items on Insider. Below, we’ve rounded up four of her suggestions so you can add them to your own cart next time you stop at TJ’s.
1. Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix
Next time you're whipping up a healthy soup recipe to keep you warm on a chilly winter night, you should definitely add a side of cornbread to the lineup. According to Kern, Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Cornbread mix is a real gem, whether you're sensitive to gluten or not.
"Trader Joe's simple cornbread mix makes things so easy," she says. "I don't follow a gluten-free diet, but I've used this seasonal mix before and think it's just as delicious as the regular one. If you follow a gluten-free diet, I highly recommend stocking up while you can." Noted!
2. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Although some shoppers may argue that Trader Joe's ever-popular Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is overrated, we have to disagree. And luckily, as a former employee, Kern is on our side. And as a dietitian, she also points out that there are several health benefits to this easy-to-prepare frozen food.
"From a gentle-nutrition perspective, which is about choosing foods that satisfy your cravings while still honoring your health, this item is optimized with carbs from the pasta, protein and fat from the cheese, and fiber from the squash." Perfect!
3. Butternut Squash Lasagna
Can't get enough butternut squash? Then you may want to give this lasagna a try, as well. Although we haven't tried it for ourselves yet, we're definitely going to take Kern's advice on this one and throw it into our cart next time we're in the frozen aisle at TJ's.
"I loved how the squash added a slight sweetness and how the crunchy pumpkin seeds and breadcrumbs contrasted with the soft pasta and filling," she wrote in Insider. "This rich, creamy lasagna would go well with a simple salad to create a satisfying meal."
4. Halloween Joe-Joes
Time for dessert! If you're craving something festive and sweet (but not pumpkin-flavored!) look no further than Halloween Joe-Joes. Joe-Joes are Trader Joe's version of an Oreo, and although not everyone loves them, they're a real hit with many shoppers—and employees like Kent. This seasonal edition of the treat features orange-colored vanilla creme and pumpkin-faced chocolate cookies. Adorable!
And don't worry, they won't throw all of your health goals under the bus. "When we allow ourselves to purchase a snack like these fun and delicious Halloween Joe-Joe's, we show our bodies that sweets aren't off-limits and avoid putting them on a metaphorical pedestal," Kent explains. Phew!
READ MORE: 8 Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving Items You Should Buy Now—They Won’t Stay In Stock For Long!
