10 Trader Joe’s treats that scream fall

As an ardent lover of liège waffles, I was elated — no, ecstatic — when TJ’s first dropped its Brioche Style Liège Waffles. The waffles’ autumnal rendition incorporates pumpkin purée and seasonal spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg to create a warming sweet treat that embodies fall joy. They also include a sprinkling of coarse pearl sugar, which adds a delicious crunch to each bite.

Enjoy these waffles on their own or alongside a hot cup of your favorite beverage (I personally recommend a strong cup of freshly brewed black coffee). Each pack comes with six waffles individually wrapped. Be warned, though, they are addictive. I finished half of the pack shortly after buying it.

A quintessential fall treat, TJ’s Apple Cider Donuts are soft, moist, cozy and slightly spicy. The flavors are enough to get you into the autumnal spirit, even if it doesn’t feel very autumnal outside just quite yet (here in New York City, temperatures have recently been climbing up to 80 degrees).

Despite complaints online saying the donuts are dry, my batch was anything but dry or stale. Enjoy them straight out of the box or warmed up in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. If you’re worried about the donuts becoming too stiff to eat, try freezing any leftovers you may have.

Who said you can’t enjoy ice cream outside of summer? TJ’s Maple Leaf Ice Cream Sandwiches are made in Canada by a Canadian confectioner — so you know TJ’s isn’t skimping on any maple flavorings.

The frozen dessert offers an amalgamation of textures in the best way possible. Its creaminess is from the maple-flavored ice cream, which is made with real maple syrup. It also has a slight bite to it, courtesy of maple leaf-shaped cookies, which are also made with real maple syrup. This is a must-buy for maple syrup lovers. Seriously, this is one hell of an ice cream sandwich that you need to stock up on.

I’ve written extensively about my love for sour candies, so naturally, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try TJ’s Spooky Bats & Cats Sour Gummy Candies. Unlike most of TJ’s fall goodies, these gummy candies don’t contain any seasonal flavors. Rather, they are merely Halloween-inspired, containing candies that are shaped like bats and cats — undeniably two of the spookiest creatures.

The gummies come in three different flavors (orange, green apple and blackcurrant) and three different colors (orange, green and black). They have a nice chew to them and, most importantly, are generously coated in a sour coating. Frankly, these are currently tied with TJ’s Sour Strawberry Candy Belts for my top favorite sour candy.

I may be vehemently lactose-intolerant, but that’s never stopped me from indulging in the cheesiest of cheesiest pastas. TJ’s Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is exactly that — cheesy, indulgent and, yes, magical.

The pasta starts with béchamel sauce that’s stirred in with sweet butternut squash purée and a “rich, nutty, and tangy blend of Gouda, Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses,” according to TJ’s. It’s then seasoned with sage, nutmeg, and thyme — classic fall flavors — and poured on top of mezzi rigatoni pasta.

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is great as a weekday lunch or a side dish paired with your favorite salads and protein. I’ll definitely be stocking up on this pasta in the coming weeks.

Similar to the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, TJ’s Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites features the same indulgent pasta but rolled up into bite-sized balls, dipped in batter and lightly fried. Fried cheesy, gooey pasta? Who can say no to that!

“They’re a lot like our perennially popular original Mac & Cheese Bites, but… butternut, baby!” TJ’s wrote. “A new classic in the making…”

Growing up, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of samosas, which are typically filled with spiced mashed potatoes and green peas. So I was a bit skeptical, yet intrigued, when I saw TJ’s seasonal Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas. The samosas themselves are filled with paneer cheese and chunks of pumpkin that’s seasoned with garam masala, cumin, coriander, chile powder, and fennel seeds and encased in a flaky pastry.

That being said, I didn’t find these samosas particularly spicy. Regardless, they are still incredibly delicious.

It’s a shame that TJ’s Caramelized Onion Goat’s Milk Cheese is available for a limited time only because it’s that good. Creamy, sweet and packed with umami, this cheese is absolutely delectable crumbled in your favorite salads and paired with fresh fruits and preserved meats. It’s also a stellar addition to homemade charcuterie boards, alongside crackers, crostini and other varieties of goat cheese (like TJ’s Chevre Goat Cheese or its Blueberry Vanilla Chevre Goat Cheese).

“It uplifts burgers and sandwiches when used as a spread,” TJ’s said of its seasonal cheese. “And when baked with a bit of puff pastry and fresh fig, makes a truly unforgettable hors d’oeuvre.”

Can’t decide if you’re in the mood for tea or coffee? Why not have both? TJ’s Maple Flavored Espresso Black Tea Blend is made with “a blend of select black & herbal tea leaves, natural maple flavor, and ground espresso beans,” according to TJ’s. It’s aromatic, robust and saporous. It’s also guaranteed to be your favorite autumnal pick-me-up. Enjoy it hot or iced, in lattes and milk teas.

I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first saw TJ’s Pumpkin Spice Chardonnay at my local store. But I was pleasantly surprised! This boozy beverage is great for those who like their wine sweet, almost juice-like. The Chardonnay is made with “a blend of lightly oaked, California Chardonnay wine, delicately sweet Chardonnay grape juice, and a touch of natural Pumpkin Spice flavoring,” per TJ’s. It’s sweet, bright and festive — the perfect boozy fall-themed drink.