Cassey Ho's Blog, page 17

The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe’s Seasonings

Seasoned and rookie Trader Joe’s shoppers: WHY is the seasoning section so enticing? Even when my spice cabinet is literally overflowing to the point of avalanche, I can’t resist. If there’s an interesting flavor I haven’t tried, I must buy it.

And most of the time it will inevitably sit in my cabinet for weeks until I work up the creative energy (or courage) to actually use it. Does anyone else do this? Am I the problem? 

The Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe’s Seasonings

There must be others like me who bought the Trader Joe’s seasoning they saw someone rave about on TikTok only to stare at it for months. The solution? I bought them ALL so I can help you decide what’s worth buying, and the best way to use them.

Okay, maybe not all of them because it’s hard to keep up! If there’s something missing on this list that I need to try, let me know in the comments!

Everything but the Bagel

Savory, salty, garlicky.

Starting off with the most classic Trader Joe’s seasoning to ever exist. The perfect example of a must-buy item for TJ’s rookies. If you’ve had an everything bagel, you know what this tastes like. It’s salty, garlicky, and slightly oniony. 

I like to press a little of this into the buttered side of my grilled cheese before I cook it. It creates a nice crust and adds a ton of flavor. 

It’s perfection on avocado toast, salmon, roasted veggies, salad, and that viral pepper cucumber salad everyone made this summer. 

Everything but the Elote

Cheesy, smoky, and slightly spicy.

One of my favorites! It’s super flavorful, with hints of cheese, chipotle powder, and cumin. I’m always discovering a new way to use it – sprinkled on popcorn, in guacamole, in eggs, or sprinkled on top of a burrito bowl.

 

Ketchup Flavored Sprinkle Seasoning Blend

Tomato-y, sweet, tangy.

Ketchup seasoning seems gimmicky, but ketchup in sprinkle form that doesn’t make things soggy is actually genius. You have to try it on eggs, hash browns, or French fries. 

 

Green Goddess Seasoning

Bright, herby, and versatile. 

How can this one not catch your eye? This seasoning lifts the flavor of anything you put it on. And you can do SO MUCH with it.

Sprinkle on roasted veggies (or even raw veggies)Top a baked potatoSeason chicken before roastingMake salad dressing (recipe is on the label!)

Did you just discover a new staple? Maybe.

 

Mushroom & Company Umami Seasoning Blend

Savory, slightly earthy, elevated

Funny how one of the most universal seasonings is for some, one of the most intimidating. If you’re not into mushrooms or just weirded out by a mushroom seasoning, trust. I don’t like mushrooms and I adore this seasoning.

We have 4 traditional categories of taste: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. “Umami” is a fifth category, meaning “pleasant savory taste” in Japanese. The flavor typically comes from MSG, but you won’t find any of that in this TJ’s seasoning. The umami flavor actually comes from the mushrooms!

Use this on basically everything. Sprinkle on roasted veggies, mix it into a turkey burger, or add it to panko for a yummy breading. You can even add this to avocado toast, soups, and sauces.

 

Cuban Style Citrusy Garlic

Bright, zesty, garlicky. 

This one is bright and flavorful. Garlic + citrus is just chef’s kiss.

I love using it to season chicken and fish, but I also read you can use it on rice or beans? Trying that ASAP.

 

Salmon Rub

Sweet, smoky, salty.

Anything with smoked paprika gets an immediate yes from me. I’ll be honest: I haven’t actually tried this on salmon yet but I have tried it on chicken. It packs a ton of flavor and I can confidently say it would taste great sprinkled on salmon before popping it into the oven or air fryer. Yum.

 

Nori Komi Furikake Japanese Multi-Purpose Seasoning

Crunchy, salty, mild

I’m not sure why I slept on this for so long. Now, I can’t remember life without it.

If you’ve ever had poké and some types of sushi, you’ve likely had Furikake seasoning. It’s made up of tiny strips of nori seaweed, black and white sesame seeds, salt, and kelp powder. I love it on so many things, like rice, ramen, sushi, potstickers, and soup dumplings. I also read it’s delicious on eggs, but haven’t tried for myself (yet).

 

Ranch Seasoning Blend

Zesty, garlicky, herby.

This is like those Hidden Valley packets, but better. You can make your own dressing or dipping sauce with this using yogurt or sour cream. I actually prefer to use this straight from the jar. This on popcorn? Perfection. A shake (or ten) on your baked potato or roasted veggies? Mouth watering. Salad, pizza, chicken, pasta, homemade croutons… I feel like I could go on forever.

 

Pizza Sprinkle Seasoning Blend

Zesty, tomato-ey, herby.

This is a great example of a TJ’s seasoning that I had to have and then did nothing with for way too long. The flavor is good and who hasn’t wished they could bottle (or jar in this case) the flavor of pizza? But really, I didn’t find it life-changing. I could take it or leave it.

If you decide to buy, try it on French fries, or eggs, or add it to canned tomato soup to give it some life.

 

Sriracha Sprinkle Seasoning Blend

Spicy, garlicky, peppery.

Sriracha Lovers rejoice (especially if you’ve been suffering through the shortage)! 

Add this to anything that needs a little spice – Noodles, veggies, popcorn, tofu, chicken, salad, or boiled eggs, just to list a few ideas.

In my opinion, this isn’t quite the same as the sauce and I found it very spice-forward. So consider that before you buy!

 

Chile Lime Seasoning Blend

Spicy, tangy, bright.

This seasoning is similar to Tajín but tastes sightly different. The tangy-spicy flavor is perfectly balanced. My favorite ways to use it are sprinkled on watermelon (seriously, try this) and on the rim of a margarita. 

Other ideas: Other fruits like mango or grilled pineapple, on a salad, on chicken, salmon or shrimp, or in guacamole. Delish.  

 

Green & Red Hatch Chile Flakes

Spicy, slightly sweet, sharp

I’m salivating just thinking about this. Hatch Chiles are red and green chiles serving as a major staple of New Mexican cuisine. The first time I tried anything Hatch Chile was in Colorado and not to be dramatic, but it changed my life.

Obviously, the dried version isn’t exactly the same as an authentic southwestern dish, but it’s nice to have if you live nowhere near this region (like me). These chile flakes are slightly spicy and more flavorful than traditional chili flakes. A little goes a long way!

You can sprinkle this over veggies, nachos, or anything that could use a little crunchy spice. I prefer to add it to foods with more liquid like chili, mac n’ cheese, or scrambled eggs. The liquid rehydrates the chiles and really brings out the flavor.

Herbes de Provence 

Savory, herb-y, aromatic.

Using this seasoning makes me feel a little fancy. The jar it comes in is beautiful (that cute spoon!), and there’s just something about cooking with herbs that really makes me feel like I have my life together.

This seasoning is especially tasty on roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, in soups, stews, and casseroles, and on root veggies like carrots.

Taco Seasoning Mix

Spicy, salty, bold.

The first time I tried this, I was not a fan. I thought it was way too spicy. Later on, I learned that I’d made a rookie mistake – I used too much seasoning. The trick here, especially if you’re a mild-medium spice girly like me, is to use ¼ to ½ of a packet per pound of meat when you’re making tacos. 

You can use this seasoning in other foods too, like chili or burgers.

What are your go-to Trader Joe’s seasonings?

Which one do you stock up on in fear that TJ’s will decide to discontinue it?

 

Another one for the modest girlies!

I really didn’t know what to expect after the release of my first ever sklegging but it turned out the right people saw it and completely sold it out! Thank you modest girlies for voicing your concerns with the lack of fashionable clothing options you have out there, and for actually backing it up by purchasing. (No really, thank you because oftentimes loud opinions don’t translate into sales and that could kill a small biz like mine.)

And now, I have a second design for you!

The Bungee Sklegging

 

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It’s not just for modest girlies! I’m obsessed with how this turned out.

Wide, stretchy waistband
High-waisted
Adjustable bungee
Anti-cameltoe)
POCKETS
3 inseams!

Modest dressing does not come natural to me but I actually really enjoy designing for it because it pushes me creatively.

I love how the Bungee Sklegging turned out because not only is it sleek and sporty…it gets me even closer to pink ranger status

This time, the sklegging comes in 3 inseams (25”, 27”, and 29”) so you can pick your perfect length! I hope you love because I would love to continue testing myself as a designer in the modest fashion space. I think there’s a lot of opportunity here and together, we can make some real cute stuff happen!

PS: I am 5’5” wearing the Bungee Sklegging in a size small 27” inseam! Comes in XXS to 3X.

And YES POPFLEX ships worldwide!

SHOP SKLEGGING

This is My “Pinch Me” Moment

And just like that, the 2023 BlogiFam Retreat is over. From permanent bracelets (apparently next year everyone wants tattoos now) to posing like Zara models in our denim on denim to a group GRWM to squealing with joy at seeing Saturn. I’m exhausted but filled.

 

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During our fireside chat portion, I was asked what my “pinch me” moment has been and my answer was this: I never knew that the people and the energy in this room could ever be real. To be surrounded by passionate humans, battling through the challenges of growing a business together, but also soaking in the joys of seeing you guys wear POPFLEX proudly, it’s really a journey like no other.

Growth drives me. I love it. I live for it. I like going fast and I want to go FASTER. But like with fitness, you can’t see progress without rest.

It’s tough when you guys are excited, I’m excited, the team is excited and we want to do more more MORE for you! But the truth is, we need to learn to slow down before we break down.

I care about all the people you see in these pics so much (plus 2 new mamas/soon-to-be mamas who were there in spirit) and it is my responsibility to keep everyone here strong and happy. The energy that we have right now must be protected and I’ll do everything in my power to keep it that way.

Daily, things are changing, and keeping up with the demands of the business while taking care of fam is proving to be extremely difficult.

It’s all new… every day is new…and every day feels like a test that keeps getting harder. A test you can’t study for. A test you have to ace.

I don’t know all the answers but what I do know is that it begins with nurturing the hearts and souls of the people on the team first, and the rest, we’ll figure out together.

What is a Cycle Syncing Diet, and Should You Try It?

If you’re someone who deals with a menstrual cycle, it’s safe to say you’re no stranger to the ups and downs of each month. Thanks to hormonal changes with each phase, it can be quite a bumpy ride. Can cycle syncing food smooth the journey and help you feel better? Let’s find out!

What is Cycle Syncing?

Cycle syncing is adjusting your nutrition and exercise to the phases of your cycle. These adjustments cater to the changes in your hormones to help balance things out. In this article, we’ll focus on the best foods to eat during each phase.

The Benefits

Hormones can be chaotic (is there anything we haven’t blamed them for?). But did you know that certain foods may help balance them out and improve symptoms of hormonal changes during your cycle? Other foods replenish vitamins and minerals or remedy symptoms.

Some reported benefits of cycle syncing food include:

Decreased cramping, bloating, and other period symptomsImproved moodDecreased stress and anxietyDecreased fatigue

 

Cycle Syncing Diet

But not like, a diet diet.

Here are some nutrients to target during each phase of your cycle with some easy ways to get them on your plate.

Menstrual Phase (Days 0-7)

Ugh, your period. Maybe you’re bloated and crampy, and all you’re craving is some comfort food and a nap. This is when estrogen is the lowest. Here’s what to eat.

Iron

When you lose blood, you lose iron. Eat iron-rich foods like lean meat, beans, leafy green vegetables, and lentils, PLUS Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, and broccoli to help maximize iron absorption.

Omega-3s

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts fight inflammation and might help with cramping.

Foods to support energy levels

The best way to keep your energy levels up? Don’t skip meals! And try to include a serving of protein with each meal and snack.

Magnesium

If you suffer from menstrual migraines (same, ugh), some studies suggest that supplementing with magnesium could prevent an attack.

Follicular Phase (Days 8-13)

Your energy is back and you’re feeling great! Support your energy levels with lean protein, whole grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, and fruit.

Fermented foods

Fermented foods improve your gut microbiota, which is vital for estrogen metabolism. We’re here to support hormone balance, so we want to support that metabolism in any way we can! Plus, we love gut health.

Healthy fats

Finally, healthy fats like avocado, salmon, and olive oil, plus fat-soluble vitamin E foods like sweet potato, leafy greens, and nuts support healthy ovaries and reproductive health – especially important if you’re trying to conceive!

Ovulatory Phase (Days 14-15)

The ovulatory phase is…when you ovulate! During this short phase, keep eating a healthy, balanced diet and the foods that support estrogen balance.

Cruciferous vegetables

Think broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

A chemical in cruciferous veggies called 3,3-Diindolylmethane may support the liver to help your body get rid of excess estrogen.

Zinc, folate, and antioxidants

These are especially important if you’re trying to conceive, but also play a role in reproductive health even if you aren’t!

Luteal Phase (Days 16-28)

Here we are, approaching menstruation again. A lot of us start to feel PMS symptoms like mood swings, headaches, and bloating. You might feel extra hungry too.

Drink your water!

Hydration is important in every phase, but especially when you’re headache and bloat-prone.

Starchy vegetables

Carbs will help with the hunger part, especially if you’re incorporating the right ones. Starchy veggies like sweet potatoes will fuel your body with carbs, but also pack in some nutrients, like our bestie fiber!

Magnesium

Magnesium can help with anxiety, headaches, and even water retention. Oh, and research shows that many Americans aren’t getting enough! One study actually states that around 48% aren’t meeting the recommended intake. A supplement may help, but you can also include magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate (yes!), avocado, nuts, and legumes.

The Cons of Cycle Syncing

Cycle syncing can be great BUT (there’s always a but, right?), as with all wellness trends, there are some cons to cycle syncing. First, it’s not supported by a ton of science yet. We really just need more research to confidently say this works, who it works for, and really nail down the benefits.

Second, this may not work for people with irregular periods or people who are on birth control. If you have an irregular period, it’s going to be a lot harder to track which phase you’re in. Birth control uses synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation, which means cycle syncing likely will not be as effective.

Don’t overthink it

If planning your diet around your cycle feels like too much, that’s FINE! The best thing is to eat a balanced, varied diet made up of foods that make YOU feel good.

Adding in some of these nutrients may help, but there’s no way to say one thing will work for everyone. Our bodies, lifestyles, menstrual cycles, and hormone levels are all different. If you feel like your symptoms are impacting your life or require special attention, definitely chat with your healthcare provider to construct the best plan for you.

Have you tried cycle syncing food? Did you notice a difference? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

The Blogilates October 2023 Workout Calendar!!

Hey guys!

It’s officially FALL, even though it feels like everyone decided to kick off spooky season WEEKS ago. Did you do that too or are you wishing summer would never end? I had a lil taste of moody, fall weather in Switzerland last week and now I’m in the desert heat of Palm Springs for the annual Blogifam retreat!

Here’s something not so spooky to get you excited for the first full month of autumn!!

Here's your October Workout Calendar!!!

Download PDF

How to follow the October Workout Calendar

Check the Blogilates YouTube playlists to find all of the videos you need for this month’s calendar!!

OR you can get everything you need (and more motivational tools!) on the BODY By Blogilates app! If you don’t have the app yet, it will make following along with this month’s workouts easier! You can access not only the calendar but all of the videos in one place. Find challenges and free programs like the Glow Up Sessions and the 200 Ab Challenge there too!

Now that you know where to find your workouts, here’s what you can expect each day of the October Workout Calendar. You ready?!!!

SUNDAY: Recovery
MONDAY: Total Body
TUESDAY: Abs
WEDNESDAY: Booty
THURSDAY: Total Body
FRIDAY: Arms
SATURDAY: Legs & Thighs

Do each video once (unless otherwise stated) and check off as you go! Most days will be 45 min max of exercise.

If you get the BODY By Blogilates app, your workout calendar and workouts will all be in one place! And it’s so fun and motivating to get that “Workout Complete” checkmark

Speaking of the app!

The Blogilates community is the BEST. So, I wanted to create a space where we could all feel a little more connected to each other! The social feature (in the most updated version of the app) is a place where you can share photos and/or text thoughts and comment on each other’s post. Think the good ol’ days of Instagram!

ANNNND

This spring we launched PPCYCLE, a place where you can list and shop for gently used POPFLEX and Blogilates items! You can read more about it here!

If you're just getting started...

Or want to ease into working out, my Beginner’s Calendar is a great place to start! It’s a free 4-week program to get you stronger so that you can join in on the monthlies when you are ready.

Want MORE?! Take on a challenge

Take on the No Abs Left Behind Challenge or discover some fun new meals with the Build-A-Bowl Challenge!

You can find more challenges here!

Time to check in!

You’re IN for October, right?! Lemme know in the comments!

Chasing waterfalls in Switzerland 🇨🇭

Somehow fit in a Switzerland trip between a crazy photoshoot, a few product launches, moving out of our old office, and prepping for our annual company retreat this coming Monday…am I tired? Yes. But we made the choice to live this life and I’m grateful for it every day.

Youtube invited Sam and I to their Zurich HQ to consult the engineers and designers on how to make a better product for creators, so it was firstly a work trip but we managed to squeeze in a little extra time to explore this charming country! We even got in a little fight about HOW MUCH exploration we could do in one day. But don’t worry, all is resolved…because we ended up doing what I wanted .

 

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I always feel so lucky that we get to travel together for work and experience new places as a couple! But also, if I didn’t have Sam I’d be showing up at airports on the wrong days (yes it’s happened), missing flights while literally sitting at the gate (yeah that’s happened too), and getting caught by the authorities (soooo on this trip I jumped on a train thinking I had paid the fare and Sam wanted to check my ticket to make sure I did but I didn’t let him bc INDEPENDENT WOMAN and then when the ticket checkers went around I got in trouble…SO YAH I WAS WARNED AND IT STILL HAPPENED.)

Switzerland exploration recap!

Okay here are the highlights!

The power of the Rhine Falls

I saw a video of this platform next to Rhine Falls and knew we HAD to find it. I needed to feel the power!

Riding the gondola to toboggan at Mt. Pilatus and seeing the Lucerne cows

A lil scary going up but totally worth it!

 

Visiting Lauterbrunnen to see a town in the Swiss Alps with a dramatic waterfall backdrop

Literally a fairytale town.

 

Old Town Zurich

I cannot get over these natural water colors omg!

 

Alright now time to head back bc it’s about to be retreat time!

This might be the fastest I’ve ever gotten ready…

How fast can I get ready?! Take your guesses now.

 

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17. SECONDS.

I seriously love rompers and jumpsuits SO MUCH bc they save me SO MUCH TIME getting ready. I take FOREVER trying to find the perfect top to match to the perfect bottom, so dresses are great…except I don’t like how I can’t be as free as when I’m in shorts/pants.

The POPFLEX Go with the Flow Jumpsuit can be dressed up or down or even just worn inside the house to lounge. It is SO COMFY. I’m wearing XS (recommend to size down) and the regular length. I’m 5’5”.

And if you have concerns with the bathroom, all you do is slip the shoulders off, pull down, pee, wipe, and pull up. Please don’t ask me for a demo

SHOP JUMPSUITS

The most flattering and comfortable thing I’ve ever put on my body

Hey guys!

Today, you are witnessing the beginning of something new.

In 2016, I started POPFLEX to make cute workout clothes. Then as the brand evolved, and I evolved, the mission became so much more. It became about solving problems. It became about innovation. It became about making the best fitting clothes in the world for women.

8 years I’ve practiced making activewear. And today, I challenge myself to expand into a new space.

Today I introduce you to Popflex Active Casual.

 

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I’m taking all the comfort and performance features from my workout wear and integrating it into casual wear, because WHY NOT? You guys have lives outside of the gym and I wanna be there with you too.

I’m starting with my favorite closet staple: a jumpsuit!

The Go With The Flow Jumpsuit

YOU GUYS.

The Go with the Flow Jumpsuit is literally the most flattering and most comfortable thing I’ve EVER put on my body.

The cut

This is a wide-leg jumpsuit which means the lower half is super flowy and the top is more snatched. It has a wide, square-cut neckline and a racerback. You can dress it up or down and wear it literally anywhere.

You have OPTIONS

I love it so much that I had to make it in multiple inseams (petite, regular, tall) AND in a sleeveless and long sleeve version…WITH THUMBHOLES.

This comes in XXS to 3X and is extremely stretchyyy! You can get your normal size if you like things loose or you can size down one if you want a little more waist snatch. I also made the inseams extra long so that you can wear it with heels, which is how I like to wear my jumpsuits! I’m wearing the XS in the regular inseam with heels. I’m 5’5”.

Pockets!

Duhh.

What do you think?!

Are you making the Go With The Flow Jumpsuit your fall staple outfit?!

This is the beginning of Active Casual but it doesn’t mean it’s the end of Activewear. I’ll still be designing your leggings, sports bras, and hoodies, but I hope from here on out I can make clothes for you in more parts of your life.

SHOP JUMPSUITS

Since we all have different headlight intensities…

Hey guys!

You asked for no mesh so here you go!

The Cleo Crop Bralette

 

 

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She turned out super cute with her corset seams. I’m obsessed! But you know what makes her even more special?

When I released my first design with a nip smoothing layer and no removable pads, y’all ate it up! The Celeste Mesh Bralette sold out so fast! But I noticed a range of reviews on the nip smoothing layer – some saying it was enough and others saying that their were still showing through! I getchu. We’ve all got diff headlight intensities.

So with the launch of my new no mesh design the Cleo Crop Bralette, I wanted to test out a new feature:

Optional pad pockets.

Use it or don’t, but up to you. Some girlies love the rounded shape and extra coverage the pads give them so I’m putting pockets there in case you need them! If you don’t, don’t worry. But everyone gets that cushy nip smoothing layer regardless!

This style comes in XXS to 3X, is meant to be a lower impact sports bralette, and I’m wearing size small! If you’re looking for higher impact, check out my Superbra!

K hope you love! Any q’s leave em below!

SHOP BRAS

Fall Has Arrived at Trader Joe’s!

It’s time to shop fall items at Trader Joe’s!

 

This was literally me as I prepared to go into the store, on a Sunday (scary), searching for seasonal items. I had my list, plus my 5-year-old with a mini cart by my side for extra space and support.

Indy is often behind when it comes to receiving new items so I was pleasantly surprised to find almost everything I was looking for. Go Indy!

Shopping the big seasonal drops at TJ’s is an experience, and often an overwhelming one. If you’re wondering what to look for without looking totally lost in the store, here’s what was in my Trader Joe’s Fall Haul. We’ll start with seasonal items that I look forward to all year, new items that I’m trying, and some honorable mentions.

The items I wait for all year

Here are the items that were at the top of my list, added to cart without hesitation, sometimes in multiples.

Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese

Hands down the best frozen macaroni and cheese ever created. It’s creamy, the pasta is perfectly cooked, and the flavor isn’t overpowering. If you see this in stock, grab it.

Pumpkin Pancake Mix

I always grab two or three boxes of this. I’m not gluten-free, but there’s something about the texture of these that I love. They get a little crispy, kind of like a mochi pancake! And pumpkin?! Obsessed.

Fall Leaf Tortilla Chips

I know, they’re just tortilla chips in different shapes. It’s FUN, okay?! Imagine serving these at a fall party or Sunday Night Football group hang. It’s little details like leaf-shaped chips that set the vibe.

Actually, these chips are an unintentional tradition for my husband and I. Every year, we have these with TJ’s buffalo chicken dip while we watch one of the first games of the NFL regular season.

Autumnal Harvest Soup

I can eat soup all year, no matter the temp outside. But fall is officially soup season and this is a good one.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Either these weren’t at my store yet or I missed them because the freezer aisle was unhinged. These mashed potatoes are frozen into cubes, and the only ingredient is sweet potatoes. You can heat up as much as you need, add whatever you like, or keep them plain. Amazing for meal prep!

Maple Oat Beverage

FYI, this is pretty sweet. My favorite way to use it is in oatmeal.

Vanilla Bean Paste

You need this for the holiday baking season. Or just always. The rich flavor makes it hard to go back to store-bought vanilla extract. Plus it just feels fancy.

Brussels Sprouts Saute Kit

This is one of my favorite meal prep hacks. I use this kit to make this sheet pan recipe all the time in the fall and winter. If you’re on the fence about Brussels sprouts or even hate them, try this kit. Trust me.

Pumpkin Gnocchi

Please PLEASE learn from my mistake and don’t forget that this gnocchi needs to be refrigerated. Mine ended up in the pantry overnight and I had to throw it out. Probably making another trip just to buy more. It’s that good.

Pumpkin Samosas

I fell in love with these last year! They’re warm (temperature warm and flavor warm) and perfectly spicy.

New Fall Items (New-new and new to me)

I love a good taste test.

Roasted Cauliflower and Orzo

This one met my expectations, meaning I’m usually disappointed when we sub cauliflower for rice…or in this case, orzo. It wasn’t bad, but the cauliflower texture was a little mushy.

Murasaki Sweet Potatoes

I know these aren’t exclusive to fall or even Trader Joe’s but they are exotic enough that they’re not a common grocery store find here in Indiana. I cut these into wedges and roasted them with salt, pepper, and paprika and they were *chef’s kiss*.

Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Cakes

Kelsey from Trader Joe’s Food Reviews gave these a 9.5/10, so I had to get some. I haven’t tried them yet but I’m pretty confident they’re going to be delicious.

Honeycrisp Apple Granola

I got this for my kids but when I tried it myself I realized the right thing to do is make apple crisp with it. Yum.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

This had me at béchamel sauce.

Spatchcocked Sweet & Savory Chicken

Don’t be weirded out by the name, which just means it’s butterflied so it can cook more quickly (win #1). It’s also pre-marinated in a blend of maple syrup and Dijon mustard (win #2).

Pumpkin Brioche Twist

Buy this and make French toast with it! Tip: You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices for fall French toast whenever the craving strikes.

Honorable Mentions

The fall items at Trader Joe’s other people love and I feel more so-so about. I might buy them if I see them, but I might not. Depends on my mood while I shop!

Pumpkin Bagels

Don’t come for me! These are good, but I bought two bags last year and burnt myself out pretty quickly. I’d rather have a plain bagel, with the pumpkin cream cheese (wait, this should be on the must-buy list).

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Croissants

These ARE good and worth a buy at least once. But the box only contains two and that just moves them down my priority list.

Frozen Pumpkin Waffles

These are fine, but nothing compared to the GF Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix.

Caramel Apple Mochi

Funny story. I bought a box of these, completely forgetting that I didn’t love them last year. Someone will eat them and life will go on, but I wish I had grabbed the Salted Maple or Pumpkin Ice Cream instead.

Pumpkin Spiced Teeny Tiny Pretzels

They were sampling these in my store during my visit and they were good, but not mindblowing. I skipped them this time!

Spooky Bats & Cats

I can appreciate how fun these are, but they’re not as good as the Super Sour Scandinavian Swimmers. I’ll die on this hill.

 

What did I miss?

What do I need to grab on my next trip?! Tell me in the comments and I’ll add it to my list.

If you’re shopping for non-fall items, check out our list of Trader Joe’s All-Time Faves and my favorite High Protein TJ’s Picks.