5 Items To Think Twice About at Trader Joe’s This October
Written by
Gabriel Vito
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Trader Joe’s fall rollout is hard to resist with all the pumpkin spice, limited-edition snacks and cozy candles. But not everything with a seasonal label deserves a spot in your shopping cart every year.
GOBankingRates went through Reddit threads, YouTube taste tests and shopper reviews to see which products people are talking about the most. Here’s what you may want to consider avoiding before your fall Trader Joe’s haul.
1. Fall Scented Candles Trio
- Price: $9.99
The Fall Scented Candles Trio smells fantastic. Shoppers on Reddit report a rich and warm scent, the kind you want around when the weather cools. Still, Redditors complain about wicks that won’t stay lit and flames that tunnel straight down and leave wax on the sides.
One person even said it’s the first TJ’s item they’ve ever thought about returning. Another mentioned that a candle warmer lamp helped the scent release without a fight. If you love the smell, it could be worth a try. Just expect a little extra work and patience to get an even burn.
2. Pumpkin Overnight Oats
- Price: $1.99
The Pumpkin Overnight Oats inspire strong opinions.
A few people on Reddit call them their favorite flavor in the lineup, but many describe them as bland, too mushy or heavy on pumpkin spice. One commenter said they tasted “super artificial” and planned to return them, wishing they’d bought the Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps instead. YouTuber DaLindaTV liked the $1.99 price but mentioned she still wouldn’t buy it again in a video review.
If you like bold pumpkin spice and don’t mind a soft texture, you might enjoy it, but it’s not a sure bet.
3. Speculoos Cookie Butter Beer
- Price: $3.79
The Cookie Butter Beer also divides the room. While some fans wait all year for its rich, dessert-like flavor, others think it’s too sweet or spiced, with one Reddit thread mentioning a clay-like taste.
Several people said it tastes more like pumpkin spice than cookie butter, and a few repurposed it for baking bread. At 9.5% ABV, it’s strong and filling. If you’re curious, start with one can and see how it sits with you.
4. Meatball Calzone
- Price: $6.99
Trader Joe’s Meatball Calzone can shine, depending on how you heat it, according to reviewers. Reddit commenters and a YouTube reviewer swear by the air fryer for the best texture. Without that, some say it comes off soggy and under-cheesed.
Trader Joe’s reviewer BossVin said he “won’t buy this again,” on a YouTube video, calling out the missing mozzarella and a flavor that reminded him of Pizza Rolls. In another video review, Ms. Ming, Ph.D., reported she enjoyed the calzone after an air-fry session.
5. Pumpkin Spice Joe-Joe’s
- Price: $4.49
The Pumpkin Spice Joe-Joe’s cookie has fans, but it’s not universal. Negative Reddit threads and a YouTube taste test say the pumpkin flavor is faint, the filling overly sweet and the texture dry.
HJ Evelyn on YouTube went as far as rating them negative 10 out of 10 for being too sweet. Others enjoy the seasonal aroma and creamy center and think they’re a fun fall twist on a classic.
If you love Joe-Joe’s these may be worth a try. Just don’t expect a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Final Take To GO
Trader Joe’s seasonal shelves are full of gems, but a few of these products have earned mixed reviews for taste, texture or how they’re made. That doesn’t mean you have to skip them, just go in knowing what people are saying. Whether you end up loving them or passing next time, you’ll shop smarter and save room for your current and new fall favorites from Trader Joe’s.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Oct. 24, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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