Pumpkin season at Trader Joe's is basically a personality trait at this point. As soon as I see those orange boxes and the shelves start smelling like cinnamon and nutmeg, I'm instantly in fall mode - cozy socks, strong coffee, and pumpkin everything.
And honestly? Trader Joe's breakfasts are where they really shine. From buttery breads to warm oatmeal, these pumpkin breakfast items make even the busiest mornings feel a little special. Here are my absolute favorites - the ones I wake up excited for (even if I still hit snooze once or twice).
Pumpkin brioche twist
This one deserves a crown. Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Twist is soft, buttery, and beautifully golden with just the right swirl of pumpkin spice. It smells like your kitchen's been baking for hours - but all you did was open the bag.
I like mine toasted with a touch of butter or cream cheese, but when I'm feeling extra cozy, I use it to make a pumpkin French toast that disappears before I can sit down. The texture is pillowy, and the flavor tastes like fall in every bite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pumpkin spice brioche-style liège waffles
Yes, waffles count as self-care. Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Brioche-Style Liège Waffles aren't frozen - they come fresh and ready to toast, which makes them ideal for those half-awake mornings.
I pop one in the toaster and top it with fresh blueberries or sliced bananas. The sugar pearls caramelize just a bit when toasted, and it smells amazing. No syrup needed - they're already sweet, soft, and indulgent enough.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐☆
Pumpkin bagels
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bagels are a returning classic that I look forward to every year. They're chewy, lightly sweet, and full of warm pumpkin flavor. I love spreading them with regular cream cheese or Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread when I'm feeling extra fall-obsessed.
They're also perfect for kids' breakfasts or packed snacks - basically an easy win in the morning chaos.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pumpkin pancake & waffle mix
If you like the idea of a cozy weekend breakfast without the effort, Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix is for you. It makes fluffy pancakes that taste homemade - sweet but not cloying, with the perfect amount of spice.
I usually make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for busy mornings. A quick reheat in the toaster and breakfast is done. The mix also works great for mini waffles or even pumpkin muffins if you want to get creative.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐☆
Pecan pumpkin oatmeal
When the weather starts cooling down, I crave warm breakfasts, and Trader Joe's Pecan Pumpkin Oatmeal is perfect for that. It's sweet - definitely more of a treat than plain oatmeal - but it's filling and comforting.
I like to top it with extra chopped pecans and a spoonful of Greek yogurt to tone down the sweetness. It's one of those quick breakfasts that still feels cozy, like wrapping your morning in a blanket.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐☆
Pumpkin cereal bars
For grab-and-go mornings, Trader Joe's This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar Cereal Bars are a lifesaver. Soft, chewy, and filled with pumpkin-spiced filling, they're perfect for school mornings or a quick bite before Pilates.
They're sweet enough to feel like a treat but not too sugary. I keep a box in my bag for emergency snack moments - which happen more often than I'd like to admit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐☆
Pumpkin overnight oats
One of the newer finds this season - Trader Joe's Pumpkin Overnight Oats are perfect for those who want a ready-to-eat breakfast that's still healthy-ish. The oats are creamy and perfectly spiced, and they taste like pumpkin pie filling in breakfast form.
I grab these when I know I'll be on the go - no heating, no dishes, no excuses.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐☆
Where to find them
Most of these pumpkin breakfast items live in the bakery or breakfast section. The Pumpkin Brioche Twist and Bagels are usually on the seasonal bread shelf near the end of the aisle, while the Pancake Mix and Oatmeal hide in the cereal section.
The Liège Waffles are near the fresh baked goods (not frozen), and the Pumpkin Overnight Oats chill in the refrigerated section beside the yogurt cups.
As always with Trader Joe's, pumpkin season moves fast - so if you see them, grab a few extras. You'll thank yourself later.
Final thoughts
Fall mornings just hit differently with pumpkin on the table. These breakfasts are comforting, quick, and easy - whether you're sipping coffee alone before everyone wakes up or rushing kids out the door with waffles in hand.
Trader Joe's somehow makes mornings feel cozy again, and that's exactly what I need this time of year. 🍂
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