Every fall, Trader Joe's This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar cereal bars make their way back onto the shelves, and I always end up grabbing a box. They look like something between a breakfast snack and a sweet treat - soft, spiced, and filled with that gooey pumpkin goodness that feels like fall in a wrapper. But are they more breakfast or dessert? Honestly, a little of both. I also tried Trader Joe's This Blueberry Walks Into a Bar Cereal Bars and Trader Joe's This Apple Walks Into a Bar Cereal Bars.
First impression
Right out of the box, these bars smell like pumpkin pie. The aroma hits you with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, and the soft golden crust looks almost like a mini pastry. Each bar has a pumpkin-spiced filling inside that stays gooey even after sitting at room temperature, which makes it great for eating on the go.
They come six to a box, individually wrapped, so it's easy to toss one in a lunchbox or bag for later. At first glance, they look like something that could pass for a healthy breakfast - but the sweetness says otherwise.
How they taste
These bars are definitely sweet. The pumpkin flavor is mild, and the spices do most of the talking. You get cinnamon first, then brown sugar, and a soft finish of pumpkin purée. The outer crust is chewy and soft, not crumbly, and the filling reminds me of pumpkin jam - thick and sticky.
I enjoy them as a light fall snack or a quick breakfast with coffee, but they lean more dessert than cereal. I'd compare the sweetness level to a pumpkin pie filling rather than an oatmeal bar. One bar is enough to satisfy a craving - eating two might be too much.
Nutrition profile
Each bar has about 130 calories, 2,5 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbs, 1 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of protein. The sugar content sits at around 14 grams per bar, which explains why they taste so sweet. They're low in protein and high in carbs, so they're more of a treat than a balanced breakfast.
I like them as an occasional fall snack, but I wouldn't rely on them for energy the way I would a granola bar or protein bar.
How I like to eat them
I usually have one in the morning with my coffee or as a mid-afternoon snack when I want something cozy. Sometimes I warm one up for about ten seconds in the microwave - it makes the filling taste extra gooey, almost like a warm mini pie. The crust softens and the cinnamon scent fills the kitchen, which makes it feel way fancier than it really is.
They're also great for tossing into my kids' backpacks as a quick snack. My daughter loves them, though she usually eats just half because they're pretty sweet.
Location in store
You'll find these in the breakfast and snack bar aisle, right next to the other "This ___ Walks Into a Bar" flavors like apple and fig. Around fall, Trader Joe's usually moves the pumpkin ones to the front seasonal display, so they're easy to spot when you first walk in.
Similar fall snacks at Trader Joe's
If you like these, you might also enjoy
- Pumpkin Biscotti - perfect for dunking in your morning coffee
- Maple Leaf Cookies - buttery and sweet, another fall favorite
- Apple Cinnamon Buns - a soft, bakery-style breakfast treat
- Pumpkin Brioche Twist - delicious toasted with butter on chilly mornings
My final thoughts
Trader Joe's This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar cereal bars are sweet, chewy, and loaded with fall flavor. They're not exactly health food, but they make a quick, cozy snack when you're craving pumpkin spice without the fuss. I wouldn't eat them daily because of the sugar, but as a seasonal grab-and-go breakfast or an afternoon treat, they're perfect.
I'd give them 3.5 out of 5 stars - tasty, festive, and fun while they last.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½☆
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