My fav pumpkin products! This is probably the easiest blog I have ever had to write. It is a well-known fact that Trader Joe’s (TJ’s for short) and I are in a pretty serious relationship. I absolutely LOVE the wide variety of products TJ’s has and spending an afternoon there browsing the shelves is my idea of a perfect date. Another thing you should know about me: fall is my favorite season when it comes to food. Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, apples, cranberries… and PUMPKIN. Trader Joe’s has some of the best pumpkin products out there!

Pumpkin is my favorite part about fall (as basic as that sounds). I love trying new recipes that have pumpkin and experimenting with different products. Lucky for me, TJ’s has a ton of pumpkin products… creating a love triangle between me, pumpkin and TJ’s… and I am going to share my favorites with you. Trust me, it was really tough to narrow it down, but here goes nothing

8: Trader Joe’s Canned Pumpkin

This one obviously had to make the list since it’s the original pumpkin of pumpkin products! There are SO many health benefits to pumpkin–it’s packed with vitamin A and C! Pumpkin is also low in carbs for those who are trying to manage their blood sugars, and it also has about 2g of fiber per serving!

Pumpkin products

I would have to say, most people don’t eat canned pumpkin out of that can, but no judgement if you do, so here is a list of a few things you may want to try with your canned pumpkin!

  1. Put a few tablespoons in plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. Sprinkle some cinnamon and pumpkin spice on there!
  2. Put about ¼ cup in oatmeal and stir in some peanut butter
  3. Make pumpkin spice overnight oats! Use about ⅓ cup Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup oats, ⅓ cup milk and mix in some of the canned pumpkin. Add nutmeg and pumpkin spice
  4. Make a pumpkin dessert!
  5. Make pumpkin chili! My favorite fall dinner. 

7: Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix

If you already love pancakes and waffles, chances are, you’ll love this pumpkin mix from TJ’s even more. They even have a gluten free option! This pancake mix is ideal for breakfast or brunch. I would recommend to have 1-2 pancakes with a side of eggs to get in some protein power in the morning and help make the meal more well-rounded.

pumpkin products

That’ll help to fill you up and give you long lasting energy throughout the day. Plus you started your day with pumpkin, so what could be better?

6: Pumpkin Pie Spice

Doesn’t taste any differently than the pumpkin pie spice you buy at another grocery store. But it’s made at Trader Joe’s, so therefore, it’s better. I love putting this in oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and I have even flavored my coffee with pumpkin spice by mixing it in with coffee grinds before brewing.

pumpkin pie spice pumpkin products

 

5: Pumpkin Soup

Let me set the scene. It’s a chili fall night in the Washington DC (DMV) area. You are curled up on the couch binge watching your favorite Netflix show. What’s better than having a nice, warm bowl of Pumpkin Soup? I can’t think of anything better! I usually mix in some shredded chicken into the soup and add a little bit of sautéed spinach. Def one of the best pumpkin products I have found.

yum! Warm pumpkin soup on a cold fall night

4: An Actual Pumpkin

Might as well buy a pumpkin while you’re there! You can cut it up and roast the seeds for a healthy snack. Or you can just make it into a Jack O’Lantern. Your call.

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3: Pumpkin O’s

There are still more pumpkin products at TJ’s. Cereal is actually one of my favorite post run go-to snacks. I’ll add some nuts and coconut flakes to it to add a bit more protein/fat and I usually have a hard boiled egg on the side. And, let me tell you, these Pumpkin O’s are a game changer. I will never again eat another cereal.

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Okay, I am being a bit dramatic, but adding cinnamon, mini chocolate chips and almonds to this cereal will change your life.

2: Pumpkin Vinaigrette Dressing

I get bored of salad dressings pretty easily, so I am always trying new dressings. I also quite often browse the salad dressing aisle for options that would suite my clients (aka options low in sodium and saturated fat). The pumpkin vinaigrette is a pretty good option, although not as low in sodium as some other TJ’s dressings.

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What I like about it though, is it tends to be a tad creamier than the other dressing and obviously goes deliciously on top of a fall salad. Here is how I make a fall salad: spinach, apple slices, roasted sweet potatoes, craisins, and some sort of protein (I prefer chicken on this type of salad. 

1: Pumpkin Flavored Greek Yogurt

I am a huge fan of the consistency and texture of Greek yogurt. I’ve been really aiming to get my 3 servings of dairy in during a day. At least one of my snacks has been Greek yogurt and this pumpkin one is so yummy. I like to add a teaspoon of mini chocolate chips and some granola.

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So there you have it! My Top-8 favorite pumpkin products from Trader Joe’s. Get into the fall spirit and let us know your favorite pumpkin products for the fall! To make an appointment with one of our dietitians, call 301-474-2499 or click here.

The views, experiences, and opinions expressed on our blog are purely our own. We have not received any compensation from the companies highlighted in this post. 

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Whether you are a novice in the kitchen, or a seasoned chef, Dietitian Klara will work with you to help you reach your nutrition goals. Co-author of Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating, Cooking with Diabetes and Cooking with Food Sensitivities Guide.

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