14 Trader Joe’s Fall Picks That Ring Up Cheaper in October

When fall comes, Trader Joe’s becomes a comfortable place to find flavors like pumpkin, maple, and apple. October is a great time to buy these seasonal items because many of them are on sale before the holiday season when demand is at its highest. Changes in stock throughout the year also lead to early markdowns, so you can get more of your favorite warm, comfortable items for less. These classic fall foods are usually worth getting when prices go down, whether you like to bake, munch, or drink something spicy.
1. Pumpkin Brioche Bread

This soft, slightly sweet bread is a fall staple that perfectly evokes the feeling of fall mornings. With actual pumpkin puree, a little bit of cinnamon, and dough that has been enhanced, it’s great for French toast or breakfast sandwiches. Trader Joe’s usually puts it on sale early in the season, before demand goes up, so consumers in October sometimes find fresher loaves for less money. The bread’s rich texture and pleasant smell make it a good choice for both nice breakfasts and inventive desserts.
2. Apple Cider Donuts

These cake-style donuts covered in cinnamon sugar are one of the best ways to herald fall. The Trader Joe’s version utilizes apple cider to add flavor and moisture, which makes the crumb soft and the smell slightly sour. Since the bakery sector changes its items quickly, these donuts are often most common in October and sometimes a little cheaper. They go great with coffee or warm cider, making them a cozy treat for cool mornings or fall picnics.
3. Pumpkin Butter

This smooth, spreadable mix of pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves comes in a jar and tastes like fall. You can have it on toast, pancakes, or porridge. Trader Joe’s sometimes has introductory prices on this pantry staple in October, before the shelves fill up with holiday items. It lasts a long time on the shelf, so buying a lot now can save you money and make it easy to add fall sweetness to dishes far into the winter.
4. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This comfort food is a cult favorite in the frozen food department. It mixes silky butternut squash purée with creamy cheddar to make a sweet flavor that goes well with the cheese. The sauce sticks to the elbow pasta well, making a filling supper that everyone will enjoy. Trader Joe’s wants people to buy frozen seasonal goods early, so prices usually go down around October. You may enjoy soothing flavors long after fall if you buy it now. It keeps well and reheats well.
5. Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s Cookies

These sandwich cookies are something we do every year. Each one has a filling made of pumpkin spice between two golden cookies that are crispy. Sometimes, for an extra treat, there is a yogurt coating on top. They normally come out in early fall, and costs stay the same or go down a little until holiday baking supplies take over the shelves. Fans say they are as good as any pumpkin dessert, and since they are only available for a short time, buying them in October makes sure you get to taste them before they go away for the year.
6. Maple and Sea Salt Kettle Corn

This snack is the perfect fall treat because it is both sweet and salty. The sea salt makes it crunchier and smell better, while the maple coating gives it a deep caramel flavor. Trader Joe’s often cuts prices early in the season to move a lot of popcorn quickly because it lasts a long time. This is why October is a wonderful time to stock up. It’s great for movie evenings, lunchbox snacks, or putting a little seasonal flair to sundaes without making them too sweet.
7. Harvest Blend Herbal Tea

This tea is a favorite since it doesn’t have caffeine. It has apple, cinnamon, ginger, and orange peel in it, which makes it delicious and calming. It’s one of Trader Joe’s most dependable fall favorites, and it gets great reviews every year. October is a good time to buy tea because stores often have sales on it. This is before winter teas become popular. It’s a great way to relax at night or with baked goods, and it’s a nice alternative to coffee when it’s cold outside.
8. Pumpkin O’s Cereal

Pumpkin O’s are a fun way to change up breakfast. They are crunchy oat and corn rings coated with pumpkin and spices. It tastes good and is only slightly sweet, so both kids and adults like it. In early fall, cereals are often included in deals with other items. This helps keep prices low. In October, buy some boxes to eat with milk, yogurt, or even as a crunchy snack mix. The taste is both festive and balanced, making it good for everyday use.
9. Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce

Adding pumpkin and butternut squash to this rich tomato sauce makes it even better for fall. The sauce has a smooth texture that sticks to pasta well. It has a hint of sage and thyme to make it toasty without being too heavy. Trader Joe’s puts seasonal pantry items on sale in October, which usually leads to lower prices. It’s a sauce that goes well with ravioli, lasagna, or even baked veggies. It’s an easy way to bring restaurant-quality flavor into your home.
10. Pumpkin Ice Cream

This frozen dessert has actual pumpkin puree and spices mixed into creamy vanilla ice cream, giving it a taste that is unmistakably fall. Frozen desserts are usually cheaper in early fall, when demand is down, so you can generally get this one for less around October. It tastes great on its own or with warm pie. If you keep a pint or two in your freezer, you’ll always be able to taste fall.
11. Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps

These thin, crispy crackers are created with pumpkin, cranberries, and seeds. They are great for snacking or with soft cheeses. They are mildly sweet and have a tinge of spice, which makes them a great balance of sweet and savory. Trader Joe’s often has them on sale in the fall as part of their early-season displays. Not only does buying them in October save you money, but it also guarantees that they will be available before they run out. You can always count on them to be on festive appetizer boards or as quick snacks.
12. Maple Almond Butter

A little maple syrup gives creamy almond butter a seasonal twist. It adds natural sweetness without using refined sugar. You can put it on toast, apple slices, or in smoothies. Before the holidays, when prices go back up because of increasing demand, stores sometimes have sales on nut butters like these. It’s a healthy addition to your cupboard that is high in protein and feels luxurious yet balanced. This shows that fall flavors can be both tasty and good for you.
13. Fall Harvest Salsa

This salsa has a unique mix of sweet and salty flavors because it has pumpkin, apples, butternut squash, peppers, and onions in it. It goes great with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or even as a coating for veggies. October is a great time to buy a few jars because they often go on sale early in the season. It’s not too spicy, so it’s good for everyone, and it gives a seasonal touch to almost any meal.
14. Maple Leaf Cookies

These maple-leaf-shaped sandwich cookies are a classic Trader Joe’s hit. The cookies are crunchy and filled with cream that tastes like maple. It’s rich but not too sweet. They usually show up in the beginning of fall, when prices are low before holiday sweets fill the stores. Their shape and taste bring back memories, so they make ideal gifts or snacks for afternoon tea. They are at their best and cheapest in October.