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What I Bought At Trader Joes (October 2024)

I made a Trader Joe’s run last Sunday and it was my first time there since August. Sadly, Trader Joe’s is just not convenient in my day-to-day grocery rotation. I was long overdue a visit to check out my fall faves – and very sad that I missed the short window where their delicious Autumnal Harvest pasta sauce is available. I usually buy several jars and try to stretch them out through the year. Guess I’ll finally be trying a copycat recipe to see if I can recreate it at home!

shopping at Trader Joe's

I did manage to find plenty of other things to fill my cart and some fall things were still in stock. Here’s what I bought!

Trader Joe's produce
  • Herb salad mix – definitely get some parsley flavor in this one
  • Smitten apples – first time trying and they’re super crunchy/crisp which is my preferred apple texture
  • Brussels sprouts on the stalk – fun and oh so fresh!
  • Rainbow carrots
  • Ready veggies – love this blend for stir fry
  • Little gem lettuce – I was excited to see this! I order little gem salads in restaurants a lot so nice to have at home! Like mini and leafier romaine
  • Spaghetti squash
Trader Joe's pantry staples
  • Nuts About Rosemary Mix – this is a seasonal rosemary-spiced nut blend. I tried it for the first time last year and it’s excellent for snacking and on salads.
  • Organic pumpkin puree
  • Creamy peanut butter – Finn and I both agree TJ’s creamy peanut butter ranks #1 for natural-style peanut butters. Perfect texture and just the right salt content.
  • Coconut milk – mostly for curries…that time of year!
  • Sparking Rose Tea Beverage – first time trying and it was great. Not too sweet but definitely has a tea flavor.
  • Canned lightly smoked salmon – if you haven’t tried this yet, you must! Such a great pantry staple. The texture and taste are amazing and 21 grams of protein.
  • Something Spritzy Sparkly Beverage – haven’t tried this one yet. TJ’s has the best AF “treat drinks”/mocktail options! Makes up for the fact that I never visit their wine aisle anymore!
Trader Joe's haul
  • Organic cane sugar
  • Dark chocolate covered pretzels – I’ve always been a fan of yogurt/chocolate covered pretzels and love a handful for a sweet bite
  • Butter toffee pretzels – these are GOOD! Reminds me of something someone would make to give away at the holidays.
  • Dog treats
  • Well rested tea – hands-down my favorite of all the sleepy/bedtime/relax teas. This blend is great!
  • Kitchari packets – I will make a big batch of kitchari soon since the weather is getting cooler but I like these ready to eat packets for a quick warming meal.
  • Pumpkin spiced pumpkin seeds – nice on oatmeal, yogurt or salad bowls
  • Peanut butter baking chips
  • Spiced pecans – LOVE these on a salad
Trader Joe's meats
  • Pollo asado marinated chicken breasts – I think I’ll use these on tacos or in a bowl
  • Ground turkey
  • Sweet Italian chicken sausage – great to have on hand for many uses. I like it in this gnocchi.
  • Smoked apple and Chardonnay chicken sausage – will do this on a fall-themed sheet pan with things like onions, apples, sweet potatoes or winter squash, brussels, etc.
Trader Joe's frozen foods
  • Burrata, prosciutto and arugula flatbread – always buy this one. It’s my top choice of frozen pizzas/flatbreads at TJs.
  • Multigrain blend with veggies – so good in a bowl with avocados, greens, spreads and pita chips for dipping.
  • Gluten-free chicken breast nuggets – these have been my favorite salad toppers for a few years running now. I air fry them. Taste and texture is 100%.
  • Vegetable fried rice – a recent staple. I usually add shrimp and scrambled egg for protein. Great quick dinner option that is ready in less than 10 mins.
  • Hash browns – I know these are a fan fave at TJs so decided to try them out to see if Finn likes them.
  • Shelled edamame – protein topper for bowls and salads.
Trader Joe's pantry staples
  • Coconut aminos – so much cheaper at TJs than anywhere else
  • Olive oil
  • Everyday seasoning grinder – I use this a lot
  • Soyaki sauce – my favorite of all their marinades
  • Goddess dressing
  • Thai style yellow curry sauce – tastes wonderful and so easy for a quick dinner with a protein, the Ready Veggie blend above and rice
  • Toasted sesame dressing
  • Hand & Body Cream – I’ve bought this for years and years. My favorite everyday moisturizer.

That’s it for this haul. I will definitely be back soon so that I don’t miss out on all the holiday goodness! 🙂

QUESTIONS

What’s your favorite Trader Joe’s fall seasonal item? 

Any sleeper favorites (like the canned lightly smoked salmon) that you would recommend? 

Favorite beverage from TJs? 

{ 6 comments… add one }
  • Emily C Colonna October 31, 2024, 2:50 pm

    Soup dumplings!! Kimbap! Love all the asian items.

    • Jen October 31, 2024, 3:17 pm

      I love the soup dumplings! So good!

  • Lauren October 31, 2024, 11:30 pm

    Love TJs! How do you decide what to buy organic and what to buy “conventional”? Do you have a stance on that? 😆

    • Jen November 5, 2024, 8:03 am

      Hey Lauren – great question. Honestly, with food prices the way they are right now – I focus less on organic v conventional and more on just being able to afford groceries. That said, when possible I do try to buy organic greens, apples/pears, berries, meats, dairy – but certainly not a “must.”

  • Kristinanne November 1, 2024, 9:11 pm

    You need to try the Envy apples at Aldi! So delish!!

    • Jen November 5, 2024, 7:59 am

      I’ve had those! They are SO good!!!

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