Here's Your Trader Joe's Haul for Halloween

Pumpkins, edible autumn leaves, and a Cemetarium (that lights up)

Trader Joe’s is a favorite stop for good reason. The store is staffed with friendly people, easy to navigate, and filled with a good mix of healthy choices and naughty indulgences. The company also has a high employee approval rating on Glassdoor and strives to be a good community partner by donating food to food banks and sponsoring local organizations.

Trader Joe’s, in my opinion, really leans into the holidays. While most grocers set up some obligatory display of pumpkins, Trader Joe’s goes all-ghoul with pumpkin-flavored treats, nutmeg-spiced food, and some great seasonal finds that practically dare you not to add them to your cart.

Here are some of the treasures I picked up on my latest TJ’s run. Grab your ghoul friends, get on your broomstick, and go!

Fall Leaves Tortilla Chips

I live in Miami now, where the leaves don’t change colors and the weather is perpetually hot and humid. Each year, I grab a bag or two of Trader Joe’s Fall Leaves chips as a reminder that somewhere in this big world, kids are jumping into leaf piles just like Charlie Brown did. And I smile.

Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli

Pumpkin ravioli is one of the most delicious — and easiest — dishes to make for a simple Halloween meal. While the ravioli is cooking, heat up some Irish butter with sea salt, cracked pepper, and sage (you can substitute any fresh herbs such as mint or basil). Drizzle the butter, and garnish with goat cheese crumbles.

Pumpkin Bagels and Pumpkin Cream Cheese

Trader Joe’s pumpkin cream cheese isn’t sweet, so the pumpkin-on-pumpkin action works. Alternatively, add some berry preserves for a sweet treat.

Maple Streusel Bread

This bread is almost babka-like in texture and taste. The bread is a little toothsome, with a cinnamon streusel in the middle. A layer of maple frost on top makes this bread irresistible. I’ve toasted it lightly with cream cheese, and I’ve eaten it straight from the package. Both ways are divine. If you’re feeling extra, this would make a great Monte Cristo.

Greek Pumpkin Yogurt

Once again, the fact that Trader Joe’s knows how to control the sugar content makes this yogurt delightful. I like it as an after-dinner, while watching TV snack instead of cake.

Ghosts & Bats Snacks

These delightful little potato puffs are shaped like ghosts and bats, making them the perfect Halloween party snack. I stockpile these because I believe in ghosts year-round.

Pumpkins

Trader Joe’s has the best tiny pumpkins and gourds for your table centerpiece — and 99 cents each. IF you’re planning a dinner, get one for each guest and let them serve as place holders. You can write names, add faces, or leave them in their natural state.

Cemetarium

Trader Joe’s Cemetarium is the item you never knew you needed — until you saw it. What, exactly, is a Cemetarium? Well, it’s a terrarium filled with mini cacti — plus a skull. And a tombstone that lights up an eerie purple. At $10.99, get one for yourself and one for your Halloween party host.

Fresh Marigolds

Trader Joe’s sells marigolds direct from Mexico. These flowers play an important part in the Dia de los Muertos ritual. When a family prepares an ofrenda for their loved ones, the distinct, musky smell and bright colors of marigolds guide the spirits back home from the land of the dead. For that reason, they are called Flor de Muerto (flower of the dead).