Typically, an October round-up of Trader Joe’s offerings would spotlight every pumpkin-spice item imaginable. If you’d like a full breakdown of pumpkin-spice products available this fall, our dedicated piece is here. For this article, however, we’ll largely bypass pumpkin spice and shift focus to other exciting new foods we’re eager to try. Let’s dive in.
Chicken Flautas
Few things beat the thrill of rummaging through Trader Joe’s frozen aisle for a do-it-yourself dinner. And when a completely new item appears in the lineup, we definitely gravitate toward it. The chicken flautas are a recent addition to the frozen foods section, and we can’t wait to put them to the test. They consist of rolled flour tortillas filled with shredded, seasoned dark-meat chicken, green chilies, and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s essentially a cross between a chicken enchilada and a taquito, and we’re all in on it.
Swedish Princess Cake
From my perspective—being married to a Scandinavian—we find it amusing that princess cakes have surged into mainstream popularity, given their long-standing cultural roots. They’ve endured in Scandinavian culture for good reason: they’re incredibly tasty, and making them more accessible is genuinely thrilling. We’re curious to assess how well Trader Joe’s executes this dessert and grateful that it’s finally arriving in an American grocery chain.
Apple-Cabbage Slaw Salad Kit
While we enthusiastically embrace autumn flavors as the weather cools, practicality remains important. With school back in session and busy schedules, having an easy way to weave fall flavors into our meals without adding hassle is essential. We generally enjoy the salad kits at Trader Joe’s, so this one should be no exception. It features pecans, apples, and currants, along with a lemon-dijon vinaigrette that promises a tasty bite in every mouthful.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Croissant
Okay, I did say we’d steer clear of pumpkin-flavored items. Yet this is a brand-new offering in the Trader Joe’s lineup, and our curiosity has gotten the better of us. Pumpkin and cream cheese have long been a pairing, but how this duo will mingle with a prepackaged croissant remains to be seen. That said, we enjoy pumpkin, cream cheese, and croissants, so chances are it won’t disappoint, right?
Seasoned Grated Parmesan Cheese Blend
As mentioned, life stays busy, and in such times, convenience and comfort often take precedence. There’s nothing quite as comforting as familiar Italian-American flavors, which is precisely what this Parmesan blend delivers. The grated cheese is incredibly easy to use and makes a great addition to a range of dishes (I’m picturing an outstanding garlic bread). The mix also includes parsley, basil, black pepper, and garlic, which sounds absolutely delicious. You could sprinkle this on nearly any dish that calls for grated Parmesan, and it would provide a flavorful kick.
