What’s New at Trader Joe’s in October? Vanilla Bean Sweet Potatoes, Crispy Garlic and More

I'll take garlic in all its forms, from sautéed to roasted to confit. Here, it's sliced and fried to a crisp golden-brown to create a crunchy garnish you'll want on every plate you prepare. I'm talking burgers, pizzas, salads, rice, noodles and everything in between.

A heat-and-eat holiday side? Don't mind if I do. Heavy cream makes the spuds super creamy, while brown sugar, nutmeg and vanilla bean paste give it plenty of dessert-inspired flair, even sans marshmallows. (P.S.: There are also new Loaded Mashed Potatoes in stores, complete with sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and scallions.)

Trader Joe's has no shortage of adventurous ice creams to try, but if you don't consume dairy, odds are you haven't tasted them. Thanks to this vegan, coconut-based alternative, there's something new in the freezer aisle that you can chow down on, whether you pair it with your favorite cookies or turn it into a sundae.

I'm a *huge* fan of tomato powder's fruity, vinegary tang, so I'm personally stoked to get my hands on this Trader Joe's snack. Despite its summery vibe that may say "picnic" or "barbecue" to you, these thick, crunchy chips will hit the spot any time of year—I'm sure of it.

For the uninitiated, simit is a baked (not boiled!) bread that's found at bakeries and street carts alike in Turkey. On the inside, it's supremely nutty and soft, while the exterior offers a dense crunch for contrast. It comes frozen, but once thawed, it's ready to devour.

Delightfully sweet-tart and rich with umami, this new iteration of TJ's beloved ravioli is the definition of comfort food. You can toss it in lemon-kissed butter or olive oil, or finish it with burrata (and perhaps onion jam) for a more decadent meal.

Egg is the secret to the waffles' texture. They're denser than what you order at chains like IHOP, but don't knock 'em 'til you try 'em. Pumpkin purée, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg are used to spruce them up for the season, but the highlight is no doubt the crunchy bits of pearl sugar dusted on top.

You can never have too many frozen dinners at the ready for a busy weeknight. Whether you bake them in the oven, crisp them in the air fryer or toss them in the microwave for maximum convenience, these chipotle-tomato chicken-based handhelds are guaranteed to hold you over. Might I suggest making homemade guacamole if you have time?

This isn't your run-of-the-mill granola. The rolled oat base has maple syrup, brown sugar and EVOO for a uniquely sophisticated, sweet-and-savory flavor. There are also dried tart cherries, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, pecans and coconut flakes, which I felt dominated the overall flavor upon tasting. The sourness of the cherries and the earthy richness of the pistachio clusters were my favorite components.

I'm calling it: On the heels of TikTok's viral dumpling bake comes a Thai red curry wave of popularity. This limited-time new Trader Joe's item boasts garlic, ginger, lemongrass, hot chiles and all the herbs and spices you crave. Add chicken for protein or grains to make it more filling (and finish it with a spritz of lime, will ya?).

Break-and-bake cookies are impossible to dislike (or decline, IMO). These are sweet, simple and festive, begging to be served at a Halloween party or after an apple picking excursion. Can you believe they're only 12 minutes—and one sheet pan—away?