20 Best Thanksgiving Items At Trader Joe's 2022
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Thanksgiving can be stressful with relatives coming in from out of town, coordinating schedules, cooking the food, and cleaning up afterward. But at least one of those steps can be made easier by going to Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's actually offers many good options for Thanksgiving, and while you might not want to do all of your shopping there, there are some solid items you should consider.
From a plethora of dessert items to appetizers and even sides like stuffing, anything you get at Trader Joe's for Thanksgiving is bound to be good (if you know, you know). But if you're not on board quite yet, or if you want some specific ideas of what to buy when you're there instead of aimlessly wandering up and down the aisles, we have done the research and taste-testing to compile the list of ultimate Trader Joe's Thanksgiving items you should consider buying.
Glazed Maple Donuts
Do you like donuts? Do you like maple flavor? If you said yes to either, we've found the item for you. These cake donuts, called the Glazed Maple Donuts, are a (very) sweet treat for you on Thanksgiving. They are soft and fluffy with the glaze carrying most of the maple flavor.
These glazed donuts are a nice respite from the onslaught of pumpkin we've had this fall (not complaining about it), and it makes us think that more things should be maple-flavored. In this context, the maple flavor works well, though you should know these donuts are incredibly sweet — so sweet, in fact, that you may want to split one with a friend. Putting some donuts out on the dessert table for Thanksgiving is a great option for the folks who aren't down for pie, and they'll thank you for offering these up.
Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish
If you're sick of cranberry sauce, this item will come in clutch this Thanksgiving. While not necessarily a sauce, this Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish is a unique option to put out on the dinner spread. It's a chunky, almost pink relish that would do well on a traditional Thanksgiving plate. But we think it would excel even more on a day-after-Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich (Ross Geller, we're looking at you). The leftover sandwich is, in our opinion, a quintessential part of the Thanksgiving experience, and this relish could add a zing you've been missing.
It's very tart, and we like that you can taste the orange notes here. The orange really balances out all that cranberry, and this might just be the product to turn you on to cranberry sauce if you haven't been a fan in the past. Thank you, Trader Joe's.
Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Cakes
These Trader Joe's Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Cakes are a delightful sugar overload. They are very easy to make — just open the plastic and pop them in the oven.
What's nice about these cakes is that they're frozen. That means can have them ready to go in the freezer for a week before Thanksgiving and won't have to worry about them spoiling before the big day comes. Only two come in the package, but they are so sweet that you'll probably want to share. And if you don't want to share, then we say just buy more of them (if you have the freezer space, of course). The only thing we will note about these toffee cakes is that despite the cake being moist and the flavor being exciting and sweet, there are little bits of toffee scattered throughout the cakes. If you're a fan of caramel or toffee, you'll love that. If you're not a big caramel or toffee person, maybe go for a pie or ice cream instead — but try a bite anyway, because you may be surprised by how much you like it.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Beans
If you've never heard of eating espresso beans as a snack before, you may be confused by this item. Fear not, we'll give you the rundown. Basically, the beans used to make espresso are edible, and it's become a trend (at least at Trader Joe's) to cover the espresso beans in different flavors. Remember yogurt-covered raisins? It's a similar concept to that.
These espresso beans are seasonally-flavored with pumpkin spice. Yes, you can taste the spice, but espresso is still the main flavor. We think these would be chic on a Thanksgiving day pumpkin espresso martini as a garnish, on a dessert charcuterie board, or as a little sweet appetizer in a bowl. They come in a smaller package near the checkout line, so if you have a ton of guests who like the taste of coffee, grab a few packs to be safe.
Pumpkin Gnocchi
We know, we know. Pumpkin gnocchi on Thanksgiving? Hear us out. Eating pasta on Thanksgiving isn't just for Italian families. It can provide a nice switch-up from your usual mac and cheese, or be an alternative for people wanting pumpkin flavor in more than the pie. The Pumpkin Gnocchi from Trader Joe's is ridiculously easy to make (cook in boiling water for a few minutes and you're golden), which means it could be a quick and easy side for you to make on the day of. Instead of stressing about getting in a workout from mashing potatoes or making your own cranberry sauce, whip out the pumpkin gnocchi and give your guests a unique new side dish.
Alternatively, if you're still averse to serving pasta during Thanksgiving dinner, these can be an easy lunch to whip up to tide you over if you eat your main Thanksgiving meal later in the evening.
Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage
If you like oat milk and pumpkin, this beverage is going to be a winner for you. Located in the coffee section of Trader Joe's (not refrigerated), this Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage is TJ's latest variation on the oat beverage. We like to think of this product as a creamer for coffee, but you could really put it in anything that calls for milk if you want to add some pumpkin flavor to it.
It's not super sweet like an actual coffee creamer, as it is pumpkin-flavored oat "milk." So if you do plan on adding it to coffee and you like things on the sweeter side, add a little bit of sugar in there, too. This is a great option to have for Thanksgiving to add to people's coffees, warm cocktails, or even baked goods.
Pumpkin Spread
If you're wondering what a pumpkin "spread" is, we've got the answers for you. This Pumpkin Spread from Trader Joe's is basically a pumpkin-flavored jam, and it comes in the most adorable packaging. The employee we spoke to at TJ's said that they loved to put this spread on crackers, sandwiches, and even on a charcuterie board. It's a multidimensional product, that's for sure!
If you are doing a charcuterie board this Thanksgiving, this Pumpkin Spread would be a seasonally-appropriate add-on to dip pretzels, crackers, and anything else your guests want in it. It's sweet to be sure, but it could add a nice contrast to a savory Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich. It would also work perfectly slathered on a biscuit or piece of bread with your Thanksgiving dinner, so putting it out next to the butter could give your guests a fun new spread option.
Autumnal Pie Truffles
These little delights are the perfect size for when you need something sweet after the savory mashed potatoes, turkey, and stuffing, but are too full for an entire piece of the pie. Trader Joe's Autumnal Pie Truffles are both shaped like a pie and have pie-inspired flavors.
These truffles have a few different flavors: Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, and Pecan Caramel Pie, but our favorite was the Silk Mousse Pie. It almost tasted like cookies and cream flavor, and the little crumbles on top of the truffle added a nice crunch. All of the truffles are creamy and satisfying and perfect to pop in your mouth. As a fun experiment, you could even get actual pies corresponding to the truffle flavors and see how much they match up.
Spiced Cider
Looking to spice up your drinks station this Thanksgiving? This Spiced Cider from Trader Joe's is exactly what you need. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this variation isn't too sweet and gives you that apple bite you want in a good non-alcoholic cider.
Of course, you can use this as a base for an alcoholic beverage, too. The Trader Joe's website even has a recipe for you, adding bourbon, mandarin juice (though you could just use orange juice), and a cinnamon stick. That sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving drink to us. And if you don't want to make it alcoholic, it's perfectly tasty on its own as it is. While you're at it, pull out the copper Moscow Mule mugs (or any fun cups) to make the holiday even more festive. Who doesn't love that?
Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips
We were so skeptical about these at first. It's a bit hard to get into the idea of trying chips that taste like turkey and gravy, but these absolutely blew us away. Genuinely, these were some of the most unique chips we've ever had. Called the Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips, we wouldn't say they taste exactly like stuffing, but we will say they taste exceptionally good.
With a flavor akin to sour cream and onion chips, they were very flavorful without being spicy or abrasive. Even someone with the mildest palate would enjoy these chips. We think they would make the perfect pre-Thanksgiving dinner snack for your guests to nosh on, as the flavor is so fun it makes you want to reach back for more. The kettle-cooked element upgrades them, too, in our opinion, adding a nice crunch without being difficult to eat at all. We're obsessed, and will be going back to TJ's for more.
Pumpkin Bisque
Even if you think you're sick of pumpkin at this point in November, think again. This Pumpkin Bisque brings new life to the pumpkin spice flavor, and if you serve it on Thanksgiving, we guarantee your guests will be asking for your recipe.
This soup is creamy, so easy to make (no outside ingredients required — just open the jar, put it in a bowl, and warm it up), and delicious. The pumpkin flavor isn't too sweet or too savory, and this soup would serve as the perfect start to your Thanksgiving meal. We recommend buying a few jars of it if you have a large party. One jar serves about three people, but with how good it is, we have a feeling folks will be coming back for seconds.
Apple Crumble Pie
There is absolutely no shame in the store-bought pie game, especially if you go with a pie from Trader Joe's. This Apple Crumble Pie is a unique take on an apple pie, with some oats mixed in the crumble topping for some extra texture and intrigue. If you have a loved one who makes overnight oats, oatmeal, and baked oats like it's their job, you have to get this pie for them on Thanksgiving.
The pie crust is flavorful and not too crumbly, and the apple filling is satisfying and sweet without being sickly. It's likely that the Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pies will be sold out, as pumpkin pie is very popular, and if you went in looking for pumpkin pie and see this Apple Crumble Pie in the store, it's worth the money. Your guests may even thank you for switching it up this year and ask you for the recipe for this pie.
Butternut Squash Ravioli
We know what you're thinking — ravioli on Thanksgiving? Don't rule it out just yet. Sure, it's not mashed potatoes or stuffing, but the butternut squash flavors have that perfect seasonal kick, and it is a carb just like many other traditional Thanksgiving sides. Think of it like this: If you serve macaroni and cheese as a side on turkey day, what's the difference in serving this Butternut Squash Ravioli as a side?
We think this would be a great introductory dish for kids to try butternut squash, and aside from that, it also just tastes good for people of any age. If you're wondering what sauce to put on it, we recommend a good pumpkin pasta sauce, like this Whole Foods Market one. An easy brown butter sage sauce would also complement the butternut squash flavors nicely. But if you're strapped for time or can't find a pumpkin pasta sauce, a simple Alfredo sauce will work as well.
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cups
If you have a Keurig, it's a great idea to stock up on some K-cups (or off-brand coffee cups) before Thanksgiving arrives. It's nice to be the person to offer a cup of coffee either with dessert or for your guests to take on the road home, and what better coffee to have on hand than a seasonally-appropriate one? These Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cups are the perfect balance of a good medium roast with a noticeable (but not overpowering) pumpkin flavor.
Something nice about these Trader Joe's K-cups in particular is that they aren't made from plastic like many other K-cups, and a lot of the packaging is recyclable. Especially when paired with the Non-Dairy Pumpkin Oat Beverage, these coffee cups are a winner in our book.
Gingerbread Turkey Trot Cookie Decorating Kit
If you're looking for the perfect activity to keep the little ones occupied, the Gingerbread Turkey Trot Cookie Decorating Kit is it. Less messy than a gingerbread house, this kit has genuinely tasty gingerbread cookies in the shapes of turkeys, turkey feathers, and ovals, and comes with two separate colored packs of icing to decorate with (or snack on). The kit also includes two packs of sprinkles, and the only things you have to do are open the box, snip open the icing bags, and open the sprinkles baggies.
This kit is perfect for kids, and a good idea is to even have them present their decorations to the rest of the group after they're done. The icing is a little bit hard to manipulate, so we suggest warming it up by massaging it with your hands or putting it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Pumpkin Spice Hummus
Hummus is one of our favorite snacks, and we enjoy dipping everything from carrots to crackers in it. We usually opt for savory hummus, so we were unsure if we were going to like this Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Hummus. Luckily, we're happy to report we thoroughly enjoyed it. It's on the sweeter side, so it would be perfect if you're doing a charcuterie board appetizer and need a sweeter (or more festive) dip for your snacks.
This hummus is creamy and sweet, but the pumpkin spice flavor isn't too overpowering like some other pumpkin-flavored products we've tried in the past. Hummus isn't a traditional Thanksgiving item, but we think it's a solid addition to any turkey day feast as an appetizer to go with your chips and crackers.
Gingerbread Oat Latte
Whether you are busy cooking all the food, don't have a coffee maker, or don't know where to start with making a solid at-home latte, grabbing a bunch of pre-made lattes is a great idea for Thanksgiving. You can even have fun with it and grab a few different flavors from different brands so that your guests have some festive options. A good option you can include is the Gingerbread Oat Latte from TJ's.
Some of the nice things about this beverage are that it's made with oat milk, so it's perfect for any of your guests avoiding dairy. It's also cold, so all you have to do is keep it in the fridge, and you won't have to heat anything up. It's also got a unique flavor of gingerbread, which isn't as common as your standard Pumpkin Spice Latte (which we love — don't get it twisted), so it can be nice to switch it up sometimes. This latte is very, very ginger-forward, so that's something to keep in mind. But it's still a good option for your guests wanting to try a fun seasonal latte this Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Bagels
The Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bagels will make you wonder why all bagels don't taste as good as they do. Obviously, nothing is comparable to a local New Jersey or New York bagel, but these are very solid for a pre-made grocery store bagel. The pumpkin flavor works wonderfully in these bagels, especially if you put a nice cold cream cheese on top after toasting it.
You may be wondering how bagels could possibly fit into your Thanksgiving eating plans. But you have a few smart options for when to indulge in these sweet bagels. First, you could have them on hand the morning of Thanksgiving when you're preparing for people to come over so that you have a festive but quick breakfast before the main meal. Alternatively, if you and your crew do an earlier Thanksgiving meal, like a brunch situation, you could put the bagels out as an appetizer.
Triple Ginger Brew
Holy ginger. This drink takes the ginger flavor to the next level (yes, even more than that earlier Gingerbread Oat Latte). For your guests who get a little bored with basic water or soda, this Triple Ginger Brew will knock their socks off. It's carbonated, which helps cut through some of the abrasive ginger flavors, but it's also a tad sweet, which also balances out that ginger flavor. Even with those elements combating the ginger snap, though, ginger is still the main element here.
If you love ginger-flavored products, this is the beverage for you. We also think it would be the ideal mixer, as you could use this alongside ginger beer for an extra kick in a classic Moscow Mule recipe (another excuse to whip out those copper mugs). The bottle it comes in is very aesthetically pleasing as well, and it'll make you want to display it for your guests.
Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix
The saving grace for all folks with Celiac disease and gluten sensitivities, Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Stuffing Mix is outstanding. Your gluten-intolerant guests will be very thankful (pun intended) that you have this option available for them. And even your guests who can tolerate gluten would adore this, too.
You would have no idea this is a gluten-free stuffing just based on taste and texture; it tastes exactly the same as regular packaged stuffing. The seasoning mix in there is tasty, the directions are easy to follow, and it tastes best when it's eaten right after being made. We found that the leftovers of this just were not as good as the day we made it, but that's the case with most things, right?