For the three years that I worked at Trader Joe’s, the holiday season signaled stressful shifts and seasonal specialties. The latter got me through the former, as I’d often end my shifts and decompress by trying some of the store’s new items.
Trader Joe’s has some of the most creative, flavorful groceries year-round, but they really go all out for the holidays. Some of their seasonal items, like the first item on this list, sound pretty wacky, but I’d encourage you to give them a try. Like me, you just might find a new favorite, like these 10 items that are on my TJ’s must-buy Thanksgiving list this year.
10 Must-Have Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving Groceries
1. Thanksgiving Stuffing Seasoned Kettle Chips
When I first saw these at TJ’s, I was hesitant to try them. But, just like TJ’s stuffing (more on that later), it’s become a seasonal favorite that I look forward to every year. These chips are the perfect snack when you’re craving the savory, saltiness of Thanksgiving food but are too tired to cook. Potato chips that taste like stuffing doesn’t seem like it should work, but through the power of Trader Joe’s, it somehow does.
2. Cranberry Chèvre
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This pretty cheese will be the star of your holiday charcuterie board. Tart, tangy fresh goat cheese is rolled in lightly sweetened dried cranberries for the perfect sweet-tart bite. Because it’s both sweet and savory, this cheese is great sliced into rounds and served with crackers for an appetizer or as part of an after-dinner cheese course with a glass of dessert wine.
Related: Our Favorite New November Trader Joe’s Groceries
3. Cornbread Stuffing Mix
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Stuffing mixes are everywhere during Thanksgiving, but I always get mine from TJ’s. I love the herby flavor of this cornbread version of the Turkey Day classic. I’m not a professional in the kitchen, but this mix makes cooking stuffing easy. My partner and I do a vegetarian Thanksgiving, so we use vegetable broth and bake ours with veggies like celery, carrots, mushrooms and most importantly, lots of fresh herbs.
4. Autumn Maple Coffee
I get tired of drinking the same coffee blend day in and day out, so I look forward to mixing up my morning routine with this seasonal blend. The hint of maple comes from Vermont maple syrup and adds just the right amount of sweetness and a rich, caramelly note to this seasonal brew. Because of how flavorful this coffee is, you don’t have to add much, if anything!
Related: 27 ‘Holy Grail’ Trader Joe’s Groceries, According to Fans
5. Pumpkin Pie Spice
This versatile spice is an ideal ingredient for fall food and drinks. Its obvious use is in pumpkin pie, but I also like shaking a little bit on top of the finished pie, too. But this little jar can do so much more than dessert. Use some as a festive topping or a rim for a seasonal drink. Shake some on butternut squash before roasting for a flavorful fall veggie side. Mix with butter and use it on pancakes or waffles.
6. A Turkey Walks into a Pumpkin Patch Cookie Kit
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Let’s be real…holiday get-togethers can drag on and on and on. To keep the kids (and yourself) entertained, pick up this cookie decorating kit. It comes with 8 cookies, icing and sprinkles, so you can get creative with your cookies. It’s a fun and easy way to start a sweet tradition without even turning on the oven.
7. Rustic Apple Tarte
Sometimes you need to call in reinforcements to help you get the feast on the table. In those moments, Trader Joe’s is here to help. This frozen dessert reheats in just 20 minutes and just might unseat the apple pie on your Thanksgiving table. The sweetness of the cinnamon and sugar pairs perfectly with the apples and cream cheese in the filling. It’s delicious as is, but adding a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would all be delicious additions.
8. Almond Danish Kringle
The flavors of this fan-favorite treat vary by season—for November it’s almond. It’s one of my favorite kringle flavors because of the subtle sweetness of the almond filling paired with the flaky croissant-like dough. I love to eat it as-is for a snack, but if you warm it up it could easily be a Thanksgiving centerpiece dessert. And don’t let the size scare you off. The large pastry ring is substantial, but it won’t go to waste. Because it’s flaky like a croissant, it feels right to eat at all times of day, like for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving (maybe with a cup of Autumn Maple Coffee).
Related: Trader Joe’s New Croissants Have Fans Talking
9. Spiced Cider
Every fall, I wait for this spiced cider. The rich apple flavor is enhanced with cinnamon, cloves, orange oil and lemon peel, which combine for a flavorful drink that dances with spices. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfectly delicious as is, or can be warmed up for the ideal festive fall beverage.
10. Honeycrisp Apple Candle
TJ’s is known for its food, but don’t forget the other fun stuff they carry, like their wide array of seasonal candles. Some fall candles can have an overwhelming, powerful scent, but that’s not the case with this apple-scented candle. It smells clean, crisp and sweet, just like the apple that inspired it. It’s a nice candle to have going in the kitchen while you’re cooking the feast and also makes a great gift for whoever is doing the hosting. Because they’re just $3.99, I stock up on these so I can have several in my cabinet whenever I need them.
Next up: The Easy Side Dish That’s the First to Go on Martha Stewart’s Thanksgiving Table
