Stores are stocking all things pumpkin-spiced and Trader Joe’s is at the forefront with some autumn creations of their own. From pumpkinized foreign foods to household classics with a Halloween spin, the store has proven its commitment to the fall season. Nonetheless, some flavors simply cannot be salvaged by using fall spirit as a seasoning. Because Trader Joe’s has such a wide selection, it is hard to know which products are the festively delicious needle in a haystack of frankensteined foods. To avoid subjecting your palette to something pumpkin-spice-spit-worthy, here are the tastiest fall releases at Trader Joe’s.

Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli: 9/10

These charmingly dual-colored pasta squares make for the perfect autumn dinner. Generously filled with a sweet and creamy texture, the ravioli burst with the advertised pumpkin taste. While it checks most of the boxes, it lacks one critical element: the “cheesy” flavor promised on the packaging. Fortunately, this cheese-deficiency is easily forgotten when paired with their equally delightful Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce.

Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas: 7.5/10

This Trader Joe’s version of an overseas meal brings spice into both your fridge’s food selection and, quite literally, your mouth. Appropriately small and addictively spicy, the samosas are a must-buy, despite the faintness of the pumpkin and the lack of authenticity. However, like most frozen foods, they seem to be perpetually soggy no matter how you prepare them.

Pumpkin Ice Cream: 10/10

A true 10 out of 10, the seasonings of autumn are immaculately balanced, replicating the taste of pumpkin pie in a soft ice cream that never ices over. This dessert provides an indescribable experience. Each heavenly spoonful is a trip to all things wonderfully fall. Sorry dairy-free people!

Pumpkin Cheesecake: 8.5/10

For $6.99, this 30-ounce cake is quite the bargain. Once this masterpiece thaws, it makes the long defrosting period worth the wait. Spliced with a subtle hint of pumpkin, the rich cheese part of the cake sits atop an amazingly crumbly crushed graham cracker crust, making for a mouth-watering combination.

Pumpkin Flavored Joe Joe’s: 8/10

A highly favored Trader Joe’s classic, these sandwich cookies take a festive spin on snacking. Although the taste is more of a pumpkin spice rather than just plain pumpkin, they achieve the ultimate goal of being scrumptious.

Ghosts & Bats Crispy Potato Snacks: 10/10

Undoubtedly, this item is among one of the most heavily anticipated by customers every year. Aside from their adorably spooky shapes, these chips offer more than just visual excitement. With just the right amount of salt and a light potato essence, your hand will be magnetized to the bag. 

Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels: 7/10

These little yogurt-covered pretzels are another hit for the snack section. Although considerably tasty, they do not have much of a seasonal taste. Regardless, they are a must-try simply for their quick, easy and yummy snackability.

Orange, Black and Blech:

Now that the stars of the season have been established, here are a couple of scares to steer clear of – no matter what the cashiers say! Kicking off Oct-ew-ber is the Pumpkin Hummus. The name in itself is a red flag but to make matters worse, it does not include the latter half of its title, aside from the consistency. Hummus should not be sweet, pumpkins should not be in hummus. I rest my case. Also, unfortunately disappointing are the Pumpkin Empanadas. When compared to the picture on the box, these “empanadas” more closely resemble pale and hopelessly flat hot pockets. On the other hand, they certainly taste like pumpkin. This isn’t necessarily a good thing though, as the empanada was in desperate need of other spices. Additionally, the flavorless crust does little to help the generous filling of overly sweet mush.

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