"Food allergies are an unfortunate reality for a lot of people these days. As a gluten-free and dairy-sensitive girl whose partner is also allergic to tree nuts, I understand just how hard it is to meal plan and grocery shop. There are a lot of ingredients we have to think twice about when shopping the grocery aisles. However, it’s because of my food allergens that I’ve fallen even deeper in love with Trader Joe’s. Not only is TJ’s smaller than your average grocery store chain, which makes it less overwhelming to find exactly what you need, but most of their products have a clean and simple ingredient list. Thanks to their high-quality items and affordable prices, Trader Joe’s is my go-to destination for gluten- and dairy-free products.
This 24-ounce Stanley is the take-anywhere hydration essential that’ll make an everyday appearance.
And, in case you missed it, the beloved grocery store recently dropped their fall 2024 items. Many of Trader Joe’s fall items are gluten- and dairy-free, proving that just because you have a food allergy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fun seasonal goodies. Below, find my favorite gluten- and dairy-free Trader Joe’s fall items I’m bringing to tailgates, dinner parties, and weekend getaways this season. This way, I know for certain I can eat something delicious that my tummy can tolerate, and I can show others just how good gluten- and dairy-free food can taste. Hurry to your local Trader Joe’s to get them before they’re gone!
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Trader Joe’s Fall Items
1. Gluten Free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
My first experience with Trader Joe’s gluten-free muffins was this past summer when my mom, who is also gluten-free, picked up the strawberry flavor when I was home for the weekend. And, oh my goodness, was she onto something. This pumpkin streusel flavor is their best yet, and it’s so moist and flavorful that I had to double-check if they were actually gluten-free. The Trader Joe’s employee at the checkout even raved to me about these muffins. In fact, he told me the store is now only selling the gluten-free muffins because they’re that popular.
2. Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Spice Bagels
I’m obsessed with the gluten-free everything bagels at Trader Joe’s, and these pumpkin pie spice bagels are the perfect switch-up for fall. If I had to recommend only two gluten-free fall baked goods, it would be these bagels and the pumpkin streusel muffins. They are moist, pack the appropriate punch of pumpkin, and will even convert your non-gluten-free friends. Plus, after I pop one of these in the toaster, it leaves a lovely aroma of pumpkin spice and everything nice lingering through my apartment.
3. Gluten Free Cornbread Mix
Fall is synonymous with two things: football season and homemade chili. And in my household, you can’t eat chili without a side of cornbread. While you can easily make most baked goods gluten-free with the appropriate flour mix, sometimes you just need to quickly throw something together, especially if you’re already slaving away on a batch of homemade chili. Finding gluten-free box mixes is rare, so I was ecstatic to see this gluten-free cornbread mix at Trader Joe’s—and yes, it holds up beautifully. Top it with a fun buttery spread for the ultimate chili complement.
4. Maple Butter
Speaking of fun buttery spreads, this maple butter from Trader Joe’s may sound overrated, but trust me, this ingredient will take your fall charcuterie boards to the next level. I love that it contains just one ingredient—organic maple syrup—making it a clean yet flavorful spread to enjoy with crackers, toast, or pumpkin muffins.
5. Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Baking Mix
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Finding gluten-free box mixes at regular grocery stores can feel like a scavenger hunt. Trader Joe’s hits the mark yet again with this gluten-free mix you can use to bake pumpkin bread or muffins. While there are plenty of pre-made, gluten-free fall baked goods to buy, baking your own treats makes for a fun and cozy fall activity. Anytime a pumpkin craving hits, break out this box and consider your cravings satisfied.
6. Non-Dairy Cinnamon Bun Oat Creamer
If you’ve seen Trader Joe’s non-dairy brown sugar oat creamer, the cinnamon bun version is like this season’s cooler younger sister. It tastes just like the cinnamon bun spread but in coffee creamer form. What I love most is how well it froths. I add a little creamer to a cup, heat it in the microwave for 15 seconds, froth it, and pour it over black coffee. The non-dairy maple beverage is also a hit, but this creamer singlehandedly keeps me away from the Starbucks drive-thru in the fall.
7. Pumpkin Overnight Oats
I usually prefer to make my own overnight oats, but when I’m absurdly busy or headed on a weekend trip, I’ll stock up on these pre-made cups. And what better addition to the regular overnight oats flavors than pumpkin? The ingredients list doesn’t specify if the oats are certified gluten-free, so if you have celiac or are severely gluten-sensitive, I don’t recommend eating. They are dairy-free, however, and don’t use any plant-based milks to achieve the creamy consistency—just water, pumpkin purée, and almond butter!
8. Frozen Cauliflower Gnocchi
Though it’s not technically a limited-edition fall item, Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi can serve as the backbone for so many delicious fall recipes, including soups, sheet pan meals, and pasta dishes. This is the only gluten-free gnocchi Trader Joe’s sells, and it’s such a hit in my household. Plus, one package is only $2.99! I like to bake it on a sheet pan with butternut squash, chicken sausage, and kale for a cozy fall dinner.
9. Fall Leaf Corn Tortilla Chips
Corn tortilla chips are just a vehicle for salsa, in my opinion, but I can’t help but adore the fall leaf shapes in this bag. The shapes are adorable, and the colors—which are derived from ingredients like powdered beet and carrot—make them even more realistic. This fun fall take on the classic chip would be so cute for a dinner party or tailgate.
10. Pepita Salsa
If you’re looking for the perfect fall dip for your chips, my advice is to skip the fall harvest salsa and get this pepita salsa instead. It’s available year-round, but since it’s currently pumpkin season, this is the time it tends to sell out quickly. A jar of this doesn’t last long in my house, and it’s by far our preferred salsa flavor thanks to the unique flavor the pepitas add.
11. Spooky Bats & Cats Sour Gummy Candies
Trader Joe’s took their fan-favorite Scandinavian Swimmers and gave them a spooky, sour twist with these bat and cat gummies. I mean, does it get any cuter than these gummy candies? I don’t think so. Beware: A bag of these will go fast, so keep them somewhere safe before your roommate, partner, or kiddos steal them.
12. Spiced Cider
An oldie, but a goodie! From the look of it, there’s nothing wildly exciting about spiced cider since every grocery store sells its own variation, but it’s all about how you mix it! I love making fall-themed Moscow mules with a splash of Trader Joe’s spiced cider and a caramel rim. Or, if I’m hosting a dinner party, warming a big pot of this spiced cider with extra spices is always a highlight. You simply can’t let fall come and go without enjoying at least one mug of spiced cider.
13. Pumpkin Spice Ground Coffee
If you’re addicted to pumpkin spice-flavored coffee like me, do yourself a favor and pick up the Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice ground coffee. This blend has notes of orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and ground vanilla beans to achieve that warm, cozy flavor of pumpkin spice. Not only will your pumpkin coffee cravings be satisfied, but it’ll also save you money from hitting up the local coffee shop for your fall beverage fix.
14. Spiced Chai Tea
Pumpkin-flavored beverages tend to get all the love during fall, but we can’t forget about little miss spiced chai tea! Make the cozy beverage at home with these individual tea bags. Pour a little milk in it and your sweetener of choice, and you’re good to go!
Gluten-Free Fall Items That Contain Dairy
If you’re not bothered by a little milk or cheese, these Trader Joe’s fall items are the perfect indulgence while still sticking to a gluten-free diet.
1. Cinnamon Bun Spread
Hot take: skip the pumpkin butter and get this instead. Or you can buy both, but for the sake of this list, I’m going to recommend this cinnamon bun spread as the unsung hero of the Trader Joe’s baking aisle. Once again, this is another item my mom introduced me to last fall, and it’s the perfect companion on a toasted bagel, pumpkin bread, or even as a syrup in your morning iced latte.
2. Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix
There’s just something about waking up on the weekends that screams pancake breakfast. Just because you can’t eat gluten doesn’t mean you should miss out! Just like the pumpkin pie spice bagels, this pumpkin pancake mix adds fun variety as the weather gets chilly and all you’re craving is cuddling up on the couch. Or, add them to a waffle maker for even more fun fall breakfasts.
3. Gluten Free Pumpkin Ravioli
The easiest dinner I’ve made so far this season centered around these gluten-free ravioli stuffed with a cheesy pumpkin filling. The pumpkin flavor isn’t too overwhelming in my opinion, and I love the versatility of the pasta. Throw it in some marinara sauce with grilled chicken or lightly toss it in butter or olive oil, and voilà! Dinner is served in under 20 minutes.
4. Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce
Speaking of, this autumn-inspired creamy pasta sauce makes the perfect pairing for pumpkin ravioli. Unlike some creamy sauces, it doesn’t use flour as a thickener, so it’s totally gluten-free. Made with pumpkin and butternut squash purée, along with herbs like rosemary and sage, this pasta sauce instantly elevates lasagna, ravioli, gnocchi—you name it. This flavor also comes in soup form if that’s more your speed, but I much prefer the pasta sauce.
5. Pumpkin Bisque
Lobster bisque may be the superior type of bisque, but I will happily trade it for this autumnal version on a cool fall day. I highly recommend throwing in your protein of choice—heck, you can even throw in Trader Joe’s frozen Langostino lobster tails for the best of both bisques. Or pair a warm bowl of bisque with a gooey grilled cheese. Tomato soup and grilled cheese will always be a classic combo, but this pumpkin bisque might just become a new favorite.
6. La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Draft Latte
Speaking of staying out of the Starbucks drive-thru, the La Colombe draft lattes at Trader Joe’s are the best thing to happen to the refrigerated section. Even better, the pumpkin spice draft latte just dropped in time for spooky season. These are the best ready-to-drink iced lattes, and no one can convince me otherwise. One sip of the pumpkin spice draft latte can immediately put me in a fall mood.
Madi Koetting, Contributing Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Madi is a Denver-based freelance writer with a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism from Drake University. She’s currently a Commerce Editor for Us Weekly where she covers all things shopping from celeb-loved beauty and fashion products to the best home and kitchen wares. Beyond The Everygirl, Madi’s work has appeared in Stylecaster, Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens.