According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the cost of "food at home" items increased by 2.4% between 2024 and 2025. But don't stress. We've got you covered with the best Trader Joe's hacks for saving money on groceries. And no, you won't have to sacrifice quality for cost.
Get ready to pack your pantry without breaking your monthly shopping budget, because we scoured the store's aisles and rounded up a selection of shelf-stable buys. From a rich buttery pumpkin brioche to the species of the season, find out which products made our list of fall faves.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Trader Joe's This Pumpkin Walks Into A Bar Cereal Bars
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Price: $2.49
Fans of Trader Joe's This…Walks Into A Bar cereal bars are in luck. Like the apple, strawberry, and blueberry versions, the pumpkin flavor has a pie-esque soft fruit filling. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove give this fall find a subtle seasonal sweetness.
Toss an individually wrapped bar into your bag for breakfast on the go or snack on this autumn item at any time of day.
Trader Joe's Maple and Sea Salt Kettle Corn
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Price: $2.99
Trader Joe's took classic kettle corn up a notch with this fall flavor. The caramelized maple twist on the traditional sweet and salty snack is an addition that shoppers rave about. Redditor ShinZzang admitted, "It's beyond addictive. It's dangerous. 1,000/10."
Trader Giotto's Peach Flavored Glaze
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Price: $2.99
Hurry and snag this deliciously dreamy peach balasmaic glaze before October ends. The limited-time buy is only available in Trader Joe's stores for a limited time.
One product — so many uses. Drizzle the sweet and tangy blend over grilled chicken, green salads, homemade pizza, cheese, sliced tomatoes, pork chops, braised tofu, or vanilla ice cream for a tasty treat.
Trader Joe's Gluten Free Cranberry Raisin Toasts
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Price: $4.99
No gluten? No problem. These tiny toasts don't contain the ingredient. Instead, this cranberry and raisin-packed snack is made from rice, tapioca, and potato flours.
Enjoy these crisp crackers with a schmear of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread ($2.79) or sliced Apple and Pear White Stilton Cheese ($12.99 per pound).
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels
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Price: $3.49
Teeny Tiny Pretzels are back with a fun fall flavor. Pumpkin seeds, a candy-like yogurt coating, and sweet spices make this seasonal selection a popular pantry product. But like Trader Joe's other limited-time buys, you need to nab this deal right now.
Trader Joe's Homestyle Cherry Pistachio Pecan Granola
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Price: $4.99
Start your morning off with this sweet cereal. As if Montgomery cherries, pecans, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, and coconut flakes weren't enough, this rich blend also includes maple syrup, brown sugar, and a splash of EVOO.
Looking for a non-breakfast-related way to use this gourmet granola? Spoon a generous helping of vanilla ice cream onto your favorite fall pie and top it with a sprinkle of this fruit and nut mix.
Trader Joe's Harvest Blend Herbal Tea
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Price: $2.49
There's a fall chill in the air, which means now is the perfect time to snuggle under the covers and sip a warm cup of tea. If you're searching for something different than Earl Grey or Chamomile sachets, try this seasonal caffeine-free cinnamon, ginger, and apple-flavored option.
Plus, you'll save money on this 20-bag buy. Target sells Harney & Son's Pumpkin Spice Tea for over $3 more ($5.59).
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist
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Price: $4.99
Pack your pantry with this bargain bakery buy. The rich, buttery brioche is a deliciously decadent alternative to basic bread. Use this luxe loaf to make the ultimate fall French toast or smother it with Trader Joe's subtly sweet pumpkin butter.
Trader Joe's Sparkling Orange Flavored Espresso Tonic
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Price: $3.99
Need a quick pick-me-up? Pass on pricey barista blends. If you just can't stomach another PSL, crush your caffeine craving with this sparkling orange espresso tonic. And at under $4 for four 8.45-ounce cans, this deal is a steal.
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Trader Joe's Apple Cinnamon Buns
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Price: $4.49
Made by a Trader Joe's bakery partner in Denmark, these pastries have everything you could ask for and more. The breakfast buns feature sublimely sweet cinnamon apple compote wrapped in a delicately flaky crust.
Heat the streusel-topped baked buy in the toaster oven for a warm treat on a chilly autumn morning.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter
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Price: $2.99
'Tis the season for everything pumpkin, and this limited-time spread deserves a spot in your shopping cart.
The 10-ounce jar of butter is a bargain for under $3. In comparison, Bonne Maman's Pumpkin Spice Spread (13-ounce size) costs $7.99 at Whole Foods Market.
Trader Joe's Autumnal Harvest Soup
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Price: $4.99
We give this returning autumn item 10/10 for its rich, creamy fall flavor. The butternut squash, pumpkin, tomato, sage, and rosemary blend has a deliciously decadent taste and a smooth texture that your whole family will enjoy.
Make a meal in minutes. Heat the harvest soup on the stove and pair it with rustic sourdough or freshly baked cornbread.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Spice
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Price: $2.99
This is the seasoning of the season. Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus, clove, black pepper, and ginger mix onto everything from ice cream to French toast. And of course, you can add it to your favorite pumpkin pie recipe.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Flavored Joe-Joe's
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Price: $2.99
Now that fall is in full swing, Trader Joe's iconic pumpkin Joe-Joe's are back on store shelves. Enjoy the classic creme-filled cookie straight out of the pack, or try it with a dollop of the retailer's Greek Nonfat Pumpkin Yogurt (99 cents).
Bottom line
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The perception of Trader Joe's as an extravagantly upscale specialty store stocked only with expensive organics is simply not true. So, whether you're prepping for fall family dinners or just looking for ways to save more on everyday essentials, go fill your carts with these pantry picks. They're affordable alternatives to pricey brand names.
Of course, pantry products aren't the only deals we spotted at Trader Joe's this month. Check out the retailer's selection of seasonal fan faves like the Harvest Apple Salad Kit, Pumpkin Hold the Cone, and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.
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