It’s fall, and you know what that means. Trader Joe’s is back with tons of fall paraphernalia, with every item being either pumpkin, maple, or apple flavored (or very commonly, a combination of two). Now, I’m not usually one to go crazy for seasonal releases—nor am I a Trader Joe’s superfan. So then what’s been making me go back again and again, other than the dubiously cheap prices?
It all comes down to that coziness we all long for once the San Diego temperature drops just the slightest. I’ve now tried such a large assortment of items that I figured I would share my thoughts with those eyeing the fall displays and wonder what’s actually worth placing in the cart.
Without further ado, here are my honest reviews of all the fall items that I’ve tried this season. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Ginger Hold The Cone!— 4/5
I could eat so many of these, partly because the small cones delude me into thinking that I’m barely eating anything. I’m already a huge fan of the original flavors of their Hold the Cone line, so I had a feeling I would love these…and I was right. I was a little suspicious because I am not a fan of ginger, but I should have known TJ’s version of ginger would be sweet. To any other ginger skeptics, take the plunge and try these delicious desserts for yourself!
Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies — 4/5
I don’t really like sugar cookies because I find them to be too sweet, but I’ll make an exception for these cookies. Each pumpkin-shaped cookie is small enough to devour in a single bite, making you go back for more and more. They’re labeled as “shortbread cookies with pumpkin spice and yogurt coating,” but I think that’s a little misleading. The cookies don’t crumble like a usual shortbread cookie and are instead borderline crunchy. And the icing has none of the tanginess you would expect from yogurt. Nevertheless, it’s still an amazing snack!
Assorted Candles (Trio)
For just one day, I was pumped to get home from school and sit at my desk to study with my new candles—they really set the mood for fall! I ended up purchasing the three candle bundle so I could get the most variety possible (I was also not a fan of any of the other scents). Here’s a breakdown one by one:
Vanilla Woods — 5/5
Very rarely are candles exactly like its name suggests, but “Vanilla Woods” really hit the nail. The classic sweet vanilla smell is paired with a faint forest-y note of fir.
Falling Leaves — 4/5
Picture an evening October walk when the fog is starting to appear and leaves scatter all over the sidewalk. This is that candle. It’s the faintest scent out of the trio, but it’s also my favorite.
Spiced Pear — 4/5
Spiced Pear is the strongest of the three. There is a distinct fruit scent, but the tartness reminds me more of raspberries than pears. At first, I was hesitant towards lighting this candle, but the bold notes are much less pungent when aflame. Unfortunately, the wick burnt off really quickly, so I’m not sure if I will be able to relight it.
Pumpkin Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream — 1/5
Bleugh. Great thick formula, beautiful packaging, but the artificial smell is killing me. You know when you bake cookies and the sickening sweetness of the batter lingers on your hands? That’s this cream, but mixed with an intensely artificial pumpkin smell. Don’t fall for the flowery packaging, and skip this product.
Cinnamon Bun Inspired Pancake & Waffle Mix — 5/5
Although technically not a part of their Fall Collection, this pancake and waffle mix makes for the perfect breakfast—though I’m also a sucker for anything cinnamon-related. It’s just the perfect sweet treat to make me look forward to waking up, especially when mornings are freezing.
Harvest Brunch Dog Treats – Stella Approved.
The pink gingham pattern on the bag is a rare variation in color from the shades of red, orange, and yellow on all the other products. Now, obviously, I won’t be able to offer my own opinion on the taste of these, but I can confidently say that my dog, Stella, LOVED these. As in, she would gladly walk into her crate just to get one of these waffle-shaped treats. So while you enjoy all the fall snacks this season, your dog can, too!
I strongly urge you to give some of these a try! Meanwhile, I will be going back for my fourth round to scour the aisles in case something I missed on my past three rounds catches my eye.
