14 Trader Joe’s Fall Finds That Stretch a Family Dinner Budget

The changing of the leaves, warm sweaters, and the comforting warmth of communal meals are all hallmarks of fall. Thanks to seasonal items that are reasonably priced, adaptable, and ideal for family dinners or get togethers, it’s also a great time to stretch your grocery budget at Trader Joe’s. These fourteen fall finds, which range from pumpkin flavored main courses to inexpensive side dishes and snacks, offer a ton of fall flavor without breaking the bank. Continue reading to learn how to prepare a filling, in season meal at home.

1. Apple Pie Spread

Any plain toast, waffle, or pancake becomes a nostalgic fall treat with this jar of Trader Joe’s Apple Pie Spread. It can also be used as a topping for ice cream, stirred into oatmeal, or swirled through yogurt, so one jar can be used for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It helps stretch a dinner budget because it adds flavor inexpensively-a little side dish or dessert accent instead of a pricey ingredient.

2. Maple Brown Butter Almonds

With almonds coated in a maple brown-butter glaze, you can add crunch and fall flavor to your salad or snack without breaking the bank. Serve them with roasted vegetables as part of a dinner spread, or toss a handful into a green salad with pecans and apple slices. For a modest investment, the coated almonds add the richness of maple and butter to the flavors of fall.

3. Fall Leaf Tortilla Chips

These vibrant tortilla chips in the shape of leaves add a festive fall feel while making it simple and inexpensive to prepare a snack or side dish. Serve them in place of bread with soup for crunch, crumble over a baked potato dish, or pair with hummus or salsa. You can add something seasonal to dinner without breaking the bank thanks to their novelty and affordability.

4. Fall Harvest Salsa

With ingredients like fire roasted tomatillos, pumpkin chunks, butternut squash, sweet apples, and fall spices, Trader Joe’s Fall Harvest Salsa is perfect for use as a side dish, soup base, or even as a topping. For inexpensive flavor and seasonal interest, mix it into beans, stir it into rice, or use it over baked chicken. When it comes to extending meal components, a small jar works wonders.

5. Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix

With this baking mix, you can enjoy the comforting taste of homemade muffins or pumpkin bread without having to deal with complicated ingredients. Simply add water, oil, and eggs. Cut into cubes for French toast brunch, serve slices with soup, or use muffins for lunchboxes. Because of the mix’s adaptability, a single purchase can be used for several meals and can elevate a basic, inexpensive dish to a seasonal highlight.

6. Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

This pumpkin spice cold brew concentrate is technically a beverage, but it can be used for breakfast, brunch, and even dessert. Use leftover concentrate to flavor whipped cream or drizzle over desserts, or mix with milk or water to make iced coffee. It’s a cost effective way to add a fall flavor twist without purchasing several different drinks.

7. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites

For a quick and unique appetizer or side dish, these frozen macaroni and cheese bites with roasted butternut squash and cheese are ideal. Serve them with a salad for a complete meal, or with a simple protein or vegetable. Because of their simplicity and affordability, you can give the family something “special” without going over budget for a vacation.

8. Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps

Real pumpkin, cranberries, and warming spices are used to make these crispy snacks, which taste great on their own or combined with cheese, dips, or even added to a salad for texture. They can be added to a family dinner spread or used as a low cost accent to charcuterie style sides. They help stretch the budget because they add flavor and visual appeal to the meal at a minimal cost.

9. Pumpkin Tortilla Chips

Pumpkin powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon are combined to create a savory snack that gives these chips an autumnal twist. Perfect for a dip platter, nachos, or just munching while preparing dinner. You can add novelty to the table without going over budget thanks to their distinct flavor, which feels like an upgrade, and their affordable price.

10. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Ravioli

This frozen gluten free pumpkin ravioli filled with pumpkin puree, squash, and cheeses makes a quick and easy fall dinner that feels gourmet without breaking the bank. Add a side salad and toss with sage butter or a simple tomato sauce for a complete, impressive meal without breaking the bank.

11. Cranberry-Orange Spinach Salad Kit

Spinach, dried cranberries, orange vinaigrette, and frequently cheese or nuts are included in this seasonal salad kit. It makes a light entree or ready to eat side dish. Serve half of the kit with roasted chicken one night and use the remaining portion for lunch to stretch your budget. In addition to being affordable and practical, the fall flavors-orange and cranberry give it a seasonal feel.

12. Mini Maple-Flavored Marshmallows

Maple flavored marshmallows give dessert or snack time a playful twist without breaking the bank. Stir them into a sweet potato casserole, toss them over hot chocolate, or briefly broil them for s’mores. Treats for the whole family can be elevated with just one little bag, creating the appearance of an expensive dessert while staying within your means.

13. Pumpkin Butter

This spreadable pumpkin butter can be used as a filling for baked goods, on toast, bagels, muffins, or as a surprising garnish for pancakes or waffles. You can incorporate it into yogurt and serve it after a simple main course, or you can use it as a sweet component for a fall brunch for dinner. It adds comforting flavor without using pricey ingredients.

14. Maple Leaf Ice Cream Sandwiches

Dessert can feel seasonal without being over the top. In a frozen treat form, these maple leaf cookie ice cream sandwiches offer a cozy fall flavor. You can have a memorable end to meal experience at a reasonable cost by serving them as dessert after a straightforward pasta or roasted vegetable dinner. Take care of the family without going over budget.