Trader Joe’s Fall Food Review

Each year, Trader Joe’s releases its annual lineup of fall foods. There are so many unique products to choose from, and it can be hard to know which one to purchase and which ones to skip. With this in mind, the Viking Vision Staff decided to try (almost) every single fall item that Trader Joe’s has to offer, and rank them from worst to best. 

16. Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage

In last place is the Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage, which our staff rated a 4/10. Staff writer Kian De Alwis commented that this product was “not very good at all” and thought that “they could have added more sweetener”. However, he appreciated the creamy texture. 

15. Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps

The staff rated the pumpkin cranberry crisps a 4.7/10, and had very mixed reviews on the product. Entertainment Editor Tali Cooper thought that the crisps “just tasted like a crunchy dried cranberry”, and deemed them as being “overall, not that good”. On the other hand, Opinion Editor Jaden commented: “They're chill. I can appreciate it”.

14. Teeny Tiny Apple Pies

Most of our staff members did not have positive opinions of the Teeny Tiny Apple Pies, which they rated a 5.3/10. Staff writer Kaitlin mentioned that “the apple tasted old and the crust was odd”, but Entertainment Editor Samantha recommends this product to those who are “apple pie enjoyers”. 

13. Pumpkin O’s

The staff did not have much to say about the Pumpkin O’s, which they rated a 5/10. Opinion Editor Jaden described them as “interesting”. 

12. Maple Pancake Snap

The Maple Pumpkin Snap was one of the few non-pumpkin items that we sampled, and the staff rated it a 5.7/10. Editor-in-Chief Alexia commented that the cookies didn’t have “much flavor, but had a good aroma and crisp to it”. Entertainment Editor Tali called these the “perfect little cookie snack!” 

11. Pumpkin Joe Joes 

The Pumpkin Joe Joes are similar to Oreo cookies, but with a fall twist. The staff rated them a 6.1/10. Staff writer Kaitlin thought they were “a good balance between sweet and savory”, but staff writer Ashley described the cookies as being “way too sweet and dry”, and commented that she was “not a fan”. 

10. Mini Maple Marshmallows

The Mini Maple Marshmallows, which we rated a 6.3/10, received very mixed reviews from the staff. Entertainment Editor Tali commented that these marshmallows were “just such a cute little food”. However, staff writer Khoi mentioned that the marshmallows “made [them] sick, after the experience of having them in [their] house for 3 months”. 

9. Cinnamon Bun Spread

The staff rated the Cinnamon Bun Spread, which we paired with the Pumpkin Brioche Bread, a 7.2/10. After trying the spread, Opinion Editor Jaden commented: “looks like a cinnamon roll, could kill you.” Most staff members agreed that the spread was overly sweet, and staff writer Kaitliin thought that it “tasted expired, in a way”. 

8. Tie: Fall Harvest Salsa and Pumpkin Blondies 

The Fall Harvest Salsa and Pumpkin Blondies both received a rating of 7.3/10. Staff writer Khoi appreciated that the salsa was not too spicy, but staff writer Ashley wished that beans were added to the salsa, which she described as “juicy”. Our staff had more positive feedback on the Pumpkin Blondies. Staff writer Tali mentioned that the “icing on top was great” and that she “liked the addition of pumpkin seeds”.

7. Tie: Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake and Ghosts & Bats Potato Snack

Both the Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake and the Ghosts & Bats Potato Snack received a rating of 7.4/10. Staff writer Kian wrote that “the frosting was really good, but the cake didn’t really taste like anything”. Most agreed that the cake lacked pumpkin flavor. Many staff members compared the Ghosts & Bats Potato Snack to regular potato chips, but News Editor Leann appreciated that, unlike Potato chips, these snacks didn’t have excessive salt or make her tongue hurt. 

6. Maple Fudge

Our staff rated the Maple Fudge a 7.5/10. Most staff members agreed that the fudge was way too sweet, but staff writer Bella thought it was a “perfect blend of a sweet undertone and savory notes”. 

5. Maple Sea Salt Popcorn

The Maple Sea Salt Popcorn received a rating of 8.1/10. Staff writer Conner thought this popcorn was “a good mix of sweet and salty”, while Opinion Editor Jaden described it as “epic”. Our advisor Ms. Blok said this was her favorite item out of everything she tried. 

4. Tie: Pumpkin Bread Mix and Pumpkin Brioche Bread

The Pumpkin Bread Mix and Pumpkin Brioche Bread both received a rating of 8.2/10. Staff writer Ashley described the Pumpkin Bread Mix as “Soft. Not too sweet. Delicious”. Entertainment Editor Samantha, who baked the bread, recommends that you add chocolate chips to the mix. After eating the Pumpkin Brioche Bread, Editor-in-Chief Alexia commented:“it felt like a billow of clouds blessing my tastebuds”. However, News Editor Leanne mentioned that she wished it had more cinnamon. 

3. Tie: Fall Leaf Tortilla Chips and Pumpkin Ice Cream

Our staff rated both the Fall Leaf Tortilla Chips and the Pumpkin Ice Cream a 8.3/10. Most staff members agreed that the Fall Leaf Tortilla Chips did not have much flavor, but Editor-in-Chief Alexia loved the cute shapes. Entertainment Editor Samantha commented that although the Pumpkin Ice Cream “wouldn’t be [her] go-to ice cream choice, it was still very good”. Opinion Editor Jaden appreciated that she could actually taste the pumpkin flavor. 

2. Pumpkin Spice Pretzels

After receiving a rating of only 5/10 last year, the Pumpkin Spice Pretzels were our staff’s second favorite item this year, with a rating of 8.6/10. Staff writer Michelle called them “a yummy classic snack”, while staff writer Ashely described their flavor as “spicy cinnamon”. 

1. Caramel Apple Mochi

In first place is the Caramel Apple Mochi, which received a rating of 9.3/10, and many glowing reviews. Staff writer Kian thought the mochis were the “perfect mix of sweet caramel and slightly tangy apple flavor”, while staff writer Michelle thinks that these are “one of the most underrated fall items”. After making the treacherous walk to room 501, Editor-in-Chief Alexia commented that the mochi “rejuvenated her and saved her from dehydration”. 

Overall, our staff recommends you purchase the Caramel Apple Mochi and Pumpkin Spice Pretzels while staying away from the Non-Dairy Oat Beverage and Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps. Nevertheless, we hope you have an amazing Fall season filled with lots of yummy treats!