Trader Joe’s just rolled out a fresh wave of seasonal finds, and it’s tailor-made for cozy nights in, holiday grazing boards, and quick weeknight wins. From decadent sipping chocolate to an effervescent spin on English cheddar, here are the standouts worth grabbing before they’re gone.
Cozy Sips & Party-Ready Cheese
There’s no faster way to lean into fall than a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and Trader Joe’s Drinking Chocolate goes straight for the good stuff. Built from small chunks of Colombian cacao and rounded out with sugar, cocoa butter, natural vanilla flavor, and a sunflower oil emulsifier, the mix is all about velvety richness. As Trader Joe’s puts it, “It is literally a canister full of high-end Colombian Chocolate.” Stir a few spoonfuls into hot milk for a thick, European-style sip, or sprinkle it over whipped cream for a café-worthy finish at home.
For the snack boards and holiday open houses ahead, English Cheddar Cheese with Champagne brings celebratory sparkle to a classic favorite. The cheddar is infused with bright and bubbly Champagne and a hint of dry Marc de Champagne brandy, adding a subtly sweet lift that complements the cheese’s savory bite. It’s an easy centerpiece for charcuterie—pair it with tart apples, fig jam, and salted crackers—or melt it into a luxe grilled cheese for an instant upgrade.
Smart Pantry & Produce Picks
Breakfast (or snack time) gets a crunch-forward shake-up with Almond Ginger Sesame Granola. Built on maple syrup, tahini, sesame seeds, almonds, and generous shards of crystallized ginger, this blend swings savory-sweet with a zesty kick. It’s sturdy enough to double as a trail mix, but it really shines over Greek yogurt where the sesame-tahini notes add depth and the ginger wakes everything up.
When you want a prepped side that eats like a steakhouse salad, the Sweet Onion Salad Kit delivers built-in balance and texture. The mix layers romaine and kale with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions, and a cheese & garlic crouton crumble, then finishes with a sweet onion vinaigrette. It’s substantial enough to sit alongside pasta or roasted chicken, and quick enough to assemble while the main dish rests.
For the easiest pasta night on record, Vegetable Ravioli brings a hearty, veggie-forward filling without sacrificing comfort. Each pillow is stuffed with zucchini, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, caramelized onions, roasted onions, and red and yellow peppers, giving the pasta a savory-sweet complexity. Serve with classic marinara for tang, brown butter and sage for richness, or just a pat of butter with a shower of Parmesan when you’re keeping things simple.
Festive Treats For Pets (And One Standout Sweet)
Advent calendars aren’t just for kids—and Trader Joe’s is making sure four-legged family members get in on the festivities. The Advent Calendar for Cats hides 24 days of freeze-dried treats “made with purr-promoting salmon (95%) and sweet potato (5%),” according to the brand. The texture is light, the ingredient list is straightforward, and the daily ritual is pure fun during a busy month.
Dog lovers get a matching option with the Advent Calendar for Dogs, stocked with freeze-dried chicken breast treats to keep canines engaged all December long. It’s a simple way to build a countdown tradition with pets that doesn’t rely on sugar or fillers, and a crowd-pleaser for gift exchanges among pet parents.
Rounding out the sweet side, Mixed Berry & Lemon Curd is a bright, spoonable spread that works across breakfast and dessert. Trader Joe’s cites a rich, tangy flavor profile driven by blackberry purée, concentrated raspberry and blackcurrant juices, and a touch of lemon juice. Spread it on waffles, swirl it into yogurt, layer it in trifles, or spoon it over vanilla ice cream—the curd’s jammy berry notes and citrus pop make it a quick-fix topper for almost anything.
What To Grab First
If you’re prioritizing your cart, start with the Drinking Chocolate and English Cheddar Cheese with Champagne. One powers cozy movie nights; the other anchors an instant entertaining spread. From there, the Almond Ginger Sesame Granola and Sweet Onion Salad Kit cover everyday meals without feeling routine, while the Vegetable Ravioli is tailor-made for fast, satisfying dinners.
Pet advent calendars tend to sell fast, so consider picking those up on the early side. And if you lean toward bright, not-too-sweet desserts, the Mixed Berry & Lemon Curd is the sleeper hit that can swing from brunch to late-night snacks.
As always with Trader Joe’s seasonal drops, availability may vary by store and items can move quickly. Consider this your heads-up to stock up now—then settle in with your watchlist and let these new arrivals handle the cozy-season vibes.
