It’s that time of year when the sun goes down earlier, the air is colder, Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes are back, and Trader Joe’s is stocking its shelves with fall favorites. 

While assignments stack up and midterms loom over students, they can find solace in knowing that they have their favorite Trader Joe’s fall item waiting for them in their kitchen. Jacqueline Fox, a senior public relations and advertising major, looks forward to being able to buy her personal favorite — the butternut squash mac and cheese. 

“I literally have seven of them in my freezer at all times,” said Fox. “It’s just comforting to have the mac and cheese while I’m watching something.”

Fox said that her love of Trader Joe’s fall runs deeper than just seeing items stocked on the shelves. Since the weather in Southern California doesn’t change much, Fox uses the festive foods as a way to embrace the different seasons.

“People like to correspond a season with a different food,” said Fox. “I love pumpkin, so I get really excited for fall. The winter time when all that stuff comes, everyone gets so excited because the seasonal items make it more fun.” 

Along with their item drop, Trader Joe’s releases a “Fearless Flyer” with each season. The thin-leaf paper pamphlet is reminiscent of a classic newspaper and details some of the drop’s featured items.

In the fall 2024 newsletter, which is appropriately themed black, orange and purple, the first feature is given to Fox’s favorite mac and cheese. 

“Subtly sweet Butternut Squash puree balances a rich, nutty, and tangy blend of Gouda, Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, while a sprinkling of sage, nutmeg, and thyme adds seasonal aromatics,” the paper advertises. 

Senior psychology major Hannah Manneh is a self-proclaimed Trader Joe’s fall item superfan. Her favorite picks include the pumpkin and spice snickerdoodle cookie mix, cinnamon roll blondie bars, pumpkin brioche, maple leaf cookies and, of course, the butternut squash mac and cheese.

“These items are so good even pumpkin haters will love it,” she said.

Manneh is a big fan of all things autumnal — she loves to make her surroundings reflect the fall season.

“During the fall, I prioritize all the comfy cozy vibes, and love lighting a fall scented candle, baking a seasonal sweet treat, watching movies, and carving pumpkins,” said Manneh.

The appeal doesn’t just stop at the food items for Manneh. She welcomes the collection for all things fall-related to help complete her ideal autumn atmosphere.

“Because Trader Joe’s has everything you could want or imagine for the fall season, I don’t go anywhere else,” said Manneh. “From their fall candles to pumpkin cream cheese, Trader Joe’s overwhelms their customers with their seasonal items — and I’m never complaining.” 

Trader Joe’s fall is a tradition, a college delicacy and even for some, a way of life. The newsletter, store decorations, and item packaging are all part of a recipe that creates the perfect fall experience for California college students. 

“I love walking into a Trader Joe’s and being greeted with all the fall decor, items and food that immediately puts me in the fall mood,” said Manneh. “There is nothing like Trader Joe’s during the fall season!”