Fall Haul: What to Buy on Your First Trader Joe’s Run

This is it, folks. The long-awaited, much-talked-about Trader Joe’s is finally opening its first Arkansas location at 11500 Financial Centre Pkwy. in Little Rock. 

After years of anticipation and months of will they/won’t they, the neighborhood grocery store chain will open on Tuesday, Oct. 22, offering shoppers its affordable, cult-favorite lineup of unique eats, drinks and produce.

We know you’re excited, but if you’re not sure where to start, load up on these seasonal items from TJ’s and you’ll go home a happy camper. 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trader Joe’s (@traderjoes) on

Cinnamon Bun Spread

The best part of the cinnamon roll is going on tour. Vanilla, honey, cinnamon, cream — the gang’s all here with your toast’s new BFF.

 

Credit: Trader Joe's

Pumpkin Spice Biocellulose Face Mask

Pro tip: TJ’s has a not-so-secretly fantastic beauty section. Put it to the test with this seasonal sheet mask that offers soothing and ultra-moisturizing ingredients in a new compostable material (that’s the biocellulose) that can retain up to four times more liquid than other sheet masks.

 

Credit: Trader Joe's

Autumnal Harvest Soup

Whether you’re a soup-all-year-round person or a soup season purist, you’ll want to pick up this edible “tribute to the flavors and feelings of fall.” Think: butternut squash, pumpkin, rosemary, sage and slow-simmered California tomatoes. Fire pit not included.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trader Joe’s (@traderjoes) on

Maple Ginger Cookie Swirl Ice Cream

By no means does cooler weather mean ditching ice cream until spring. (Could you even imagine?) A pint of this seasonal flavor features 100% Vermont maple syrup and TJ’s triple ginger cookies. Yes and yes, please.

 

Credit: Trader Joe's
 

Harvest Grain Salad

Filling, flavorful and healthy, this is a must for busy (or nonexistent) lunch breaks. The ingredients list reads like an autumn dream: quinoa, roasted butternut squash, jalapeños, kale, cranberries, apple, pecans and lots of seasonal spices.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trader Joe’s (@traderjoes) on

Honeycrisp Apple Candle

Again, we’re straying off the grocery path and feel no remorse. Prepare your senses for delightful notes of sweet, farm-fresh, honeycrisp apples and just a dash of pear blossom.

 

Credit: Trader Joe's

Organic Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark

Oats, almonds, quinoa, pumpkin purée, Vermont maple syrup, rich dark chocolate and maple sea salt pumpkin seeds? Did we just find the perfect desk snack?

  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trader Joe’s (@traderjoes) on

Maple & Sea Salt Kettle Corn

When your snack needs need to be met but you’ve sworn off Halloween candy (for today, anyway), reach for this sweet and salty treat. Tip from TJ’s: Enjoy it alone or DIY your own fall-inspired party pix.

 

Credit: Trader Joe's
 

Harvest Spaghetti Squash Spirals

Part of the magic of TJ’s is its seemingly endless supply of tasty, ready-made meals. In this case, that means taking the work out of shredding spaghetti squash. This dish also includes butternut squash, pumpkin, Parmesan cheese and seasonal herbs and is ready to hit your plate in 10 minutes. Score.

 

Credit: Trader Joe's

Rustic Apple Tart

Speaking of no-fuss eats, this one takes the cake, er, tart. Sweet apple filling, cream cheese, flaky crust… Need we go on?

 

Credit: Trader Joe's

The Gourd Tree Pumpkin Cider

PSL by day, pumpkin cider by night. This hard cider is made with fermented apple juice, pumpkin puree and spices, and some sippers liken it to a cross between pumpkin pie and apple cider.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trader Joe’s (@traderjoes) on

Maple Streusel Bread

Dessert disguised as bread? You know the way to our hearts, TJ’s. One slice of this glaze-steeped, crumble-streusel-topped treat and you’ll be hooked. We suggest enjoying alongside a hot cup of your favorite seasonal coffee blend.

 

Credit: Trader Joe's

Fall Harvest Salsa

This isn’t your Cinco de Mayo party’s salsa. This scoopable side is packed with fire-roasted tomatillos, tomatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, red bell peppers, jalapeños and apples. Yes, apples. 

 

Credit: Trader Joe's

Organic Hot Cocoa Toaster Pastries

The unofficial drink of cozy season just got a makeover. No artificial flavors or preservatives to be found here, just a creamy fudge filling and cocoa icing. Your toaster has never been happier.

 

Credit: Trader Joe's

Antipasto Assortment Tray

Easy, breezy, dinner party appetizer or your actual dinner, how you enjoy this combo of salami, cheddar and olives is entirely up to you. Spoiler alert: There is no wrong way.

 

Store hours are 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. For more info on Trader Joe’s, head to the grocery chain’s website and follow along on Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trader Joe’s (@traderjoes) on

Related Articles