Fall Finds at Trader Joe's

Many of you may know - or have at least figured out by now - that I am OBSESSED with Trader Joe's. However, this obsession only intensifies during the fall. Trader Joe's has so many seasonal products that I wanted to share as October is quickly approaching. Leave some flexibility in your weekly meal plan, and try some of these out!

1. Pumpkin Oatmeal

In addition to your entire house smelling like fall, this is a wonderful seasonal breakfast from Trader Joe's. I was not always a huge oatmeal person, but this is the oatmeal I first started liking. It has added cinnamon as well for just the right amount of sweetness. I make mine with almond milk instead of water for a richer taste and a little bit more filling. I eat mine with some blueberries or apple slices on the side and truly feel like I just embody the pumpkin patch. You breakfast, oatmeal, or pumpkin spice lovers must try!

2. Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar

These are my go-to protein bar right now. Not only do they taste delicious, but they are great for meals on the go. Like I've said before, these bars are very dense on the calorie content. That does not mean they are a no, that just means they are to eat in place of a meal - not in addition or after. I usually eat them if I want to study through lunch. I like to grab one out of the refrigerator with a fruit of choice. Sometimes, I'll grab these for breakfast too. They have the kids addition which are half the size (and calories) that are a great snack option. However, they do not have those in the pumpkin pie flavor which is the point of this post - SO before I get off on a tangent.

3. Pumpkin Waffles

I have officially switched out my plain English muffin for these pumpkin waffles and OMG, they are just full of fall goodness. I have been throwing powdered peanut butter on mine with a little bit of Wanna Date spread (natural date sweetener with no added sugar). They are delicious. I am sure they would be even better with butter and syrup, but I may save that for a weekend coming up. Moderation, right?!

4. Pumpkin Spaghetti Sauce and Pasta

I had this the other night for dinner, and it did not disappoint. As with all things, I would say look at the serving size and make sure you are not having double or triple (just a rule of thumb, again I could go crazy with this stuff). Another alternative would be to have the pasta with zoodles or another lower calorie option I mentioned in our noodles post. This pasta sauce is great! It has the hint of "autumn," but it still tastes like a marinara based sauce. It was delicious over the fall noodles. After boiling these noodles, they expand a lot, and I would say the same thing happens after you eat them. This really filled me up. I added some ground turkey to my autumn pasta sauce, and it made for a quick and easy fall dinner!

5. Fall Ready Made Soups

My mom loves these in the fall. They have few ingredients and taste homemade. It is great for a quick lunch with a salad and protein on those cooler days. It comes in cartons, so it is nice that you can pour some in a mug and microwave to warm. The rest goes in the fridge for the next day. :-)

6. Apple Cider Fruit Spread

This item is such a great tool to have in the kitchen. It makes for a great breakfast addition for toast, waffles, English Muffins, and bagels. I would consider this a fall substitute for jelly, peanut butter, butter or anything else you put on top of your toast. I have been having a teaspoon or so on top of my English muffins, and I just love it. However, I am a big apple girl, so I am a big fan of the combination. If you are a jam person, try out this fall substitute!

7. Pumpkin Salsa and Chips

For our salsa and tortilla chip lovers, I wanted to add these two as a way to make your next chips and salsa snack a little more fall feeling! I have had the salsa on top of my shrimp tacos, and it is yummy without being too sweet. So give this combo a try whether it be for your next snack or appetizer. I must add a note about remembering the serving size on the chips especially - I myself have been known to go a little overboard. So, I try to set out a serving size prior to devouring the entire snack.... whatever it takes. Ha!

8. Turkey Jerky

I am not sure why, but this strikes me as a seasonal item. I'm 90% sure it is at Trader Joe's year round, but something about it has a fall flavor to me. The teriyaki is more honey tasting in this jerky, and I love it. I have been known to carry jerky around in my purse as a quick and easy protein snack on the go. I can be seen eating it with different fruits or nuts depending on the day. It is a helpful way to get a little protein in, and it doesn't hurt that it is yummy. It is also not super tough which I appreciate. Some of the appeal of eating it is taken away when I practically break a tooth to bite into it. Not this kind! It is softer and more chewy to provide a less painful eating experience. Ha!

9. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread and Baking Mix

I included both the gluten and gluten-free versions in this picture, but I have tried both and will say the gluten-free is SO much better. The muffins I made last week were still most when I ate the last one a few days later. These are great to have as a fun fall breakfast or even dessert. I made a batch for a post-test brunch, and they were just about gone afterwards. Fresh out of the oven, full of fall flavor, and seriously the most moist muffin I will ever eat. I cannot stop raving about these. Please go try one, and treat yourself today. You will have zero regrets.

10. Witches Brooms

Now I know these are not a food item, however they can greatly enhance your mood. We have a big one on our front porch with some pumpkins as well as one hanging in the kitchen, and I just want to walk in and out of our house all day! It is amazing what a good deep clean and a nice natural scent can do to boost your mood. These are not only cute decorations but so so beneficial for our mental health. They smell warm, inviting, and CLEAN - exactly what I know I want my house to smell like!

11. Pecan Praline Granola

My mom insisted we throw this one into the mix as she has recently found it and loves it. She adds that she does have to measure out her serving size with this one as it is easy to get carried away. This would be a great add to some greek yogurt or with almond milk for more of a cereal consistency. When I opt for the cereal method, I usually have an egg for protein or a little bit of a protein shake. For all the granola lovers out there, this would be a fun one to try during this season!

12. Pumpkin Bagels and Cream Cheese

I would be doing everyone a disservice if I did not mention the pumpkin bagels with pumpkin cream cheese. These are absolutely incredible! So good in fact, that I have had half a bagel with a tablespoon of cream cheese every morning this week. Whoops! The bagels are on the calorically dense side, plus half of one fills me up if I add a little protein like a hard-boiled egg or some egg whites. The cream cheese is very light and lighter on the calorie side. The pair are delicious together. Even better, there ARE gluten-free pumpkin bagels as well. So you gluten-intolerant folks will not miss out on this treat! I think I may have saved the best for last, so seriously, go get some of these!