When those orange tubs hit the freezer section, I always get a little excited. Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream is one of those seasonal treats you look forward to - creamy, spiced, and comfortingly familiar. I've tasted it a few times now, and here's what I think.
What I notice first
Opening the carton, you get blast of warm spice: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a whisper of clove. The color is that bright pumpkin orange that says "fall" without being garish.
The texture is smooth and rich, just the kind you want in an ice cream that isn't trying to be anything fancy - just cozy and dessert-y.
Flavor & balance
This ice cream leans more toward the spices than pure pumpkin. You'll taste warm spice notes immediately - the kind you'd associate with pumpkin pie - and the cream base softens and rounds out those stronger edges. The pumpkin purée is present, but not bold. It's more of a supporting flavor than star.
Related: The best Trader Joe's Pumpkin Products of all Time
Some scoops have moments where the spice is bolder; others feel more mellow, depending on how thawed it is. Overall though, for a seasonal ice cream, it delivers what I want - warmth, spice, creaminess - without trying too hard. It also makes great pumpkin spice affogato( espresso with ice cream in a cup)!
Best ways I like it
I usually enjoy it straight from the freezer, letting it soften just a little so it's easy to scoop but not melty. One of my favorite combos is a scoop over a warm pumpkin brioche waffle or beside a slice of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cheesecake - double down on the cozy.
Another favorite is adding a sprinkle of crunchy pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup. It's perfect after a fall dinner or as a late-evening treat when you want seasonal flavor without too much effort.
Location in store
You'll spot Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream in the ice cream / frozen dessert section. It's a seasonal item, so once winter hits, it tends to disappear until next fall. In peak fall season, it often sits next to other limited-time ice creams or pumpkin-flavored desserts. If you see a big pumpkin display, that's a good place to check.
Similar products worth trying
If you like this ice cream, here are a few more seasonal Trader Joe's items you might want to check out:
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cheesecake - dessert meets ice cream, but in cake form
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Brioche Waffles - great for pairing or turning into ice cream sandwiches
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Biscotti - crisp and spiced, ideal for dunking into ice cream or coffee
- Trader Joe's Maple Leaf Cookies - sweet, buttery, and maple-filled - a cozy match for pumpkin
Final thoughts
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream is comforting, cream-forward, and pleasantly spiced. It's not a flavor bomb of pumpkin purée, but it doesn't need to be - the spices and cream do the heavy lifting. If you're someone who leans into fall desserts, this is one to scoop up when you see it.
I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars - it gives you the seasonal vibe and dessert satisfaction without trying to be perfect.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐☆
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