Ah, November. It’s undoubtedly my favorite month of the year. Namely, because it houses my birthday. Added perk: Thanksgiving. Of course, I’m not here for all the appropriation, colonization, and needless killing of turkeys. But I’m not one to turn down a good ol’ plate of green bean casserole, stuffing, and mashed potatoes loaded with gravy. And don’t get me started on the desserts … What better place to stock up on seasonal staples than my one true love: Trader Joe’s.
I decided to shake things up this go-around with a trip over to the TJ’s in WeHo (that’s West Hollywood for you non-Angelenos). This particular Trader Joe’s is approximately 14 miles from my apartment, which equates to roughly 77 miles driven in any other city outside Los Angeles. (Seriously, going just 10 miles can take anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. Gotta love LA traffic.) In preparation for the cross-town road trip, I stocked my car with the essentials: Vegan protein bars? Check. Water canteen? Check. Sleeping bag and pop-up tent? Check check.
After successfully maneuvering through the uber-congested 101 freeway and the pothole-and-cracked-pavement-ridden, twisty, curvy abyss that is Laurel Canyon Boulevard, I managed to find a parking spot (all hail the parking gods).
Once inside, I shimmied my way over to the pets section for the pumpkin-flavored dog treats I wrote about last month (my pooch, Gullah, requested I pick up two more boxes). And then I was off to shop for myself. And you won’t believe what I found …
What’s new at Trader Joe’s for November 2021
Some brand spanking new items, many returning seasonal staples—all absolute faves. (Stock up on the latter while you can!)
O’Nog Non-Dairy Oat Beverage
Okay, I saved the best for first. That’s right, you can sip on a refreshing glass of plant-based egg nog this holiday season, courtesy of good ol’ TJ’s. Just be sure to snag some while you can, because it’s flying off of store shelves.
Ridge Cut Potato Chips Seasoned With Horseradish & Chives
They’re baaack. They’re perfect for scooping up your favorite dip. And these ridge-cut chips are bursting with flavor: horseradish, chive, and garlic—all the good stuff. Make sure you grab two (four) bags.
Criollo Chocolate
Eighty percent cacao, this Italian dark chocolate bar is free of anthocyanins—pigments that give various plants their coloring—which makes it naturally super smooth and super sweet. Sharing is optional.
Organic Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark
Crunchy, chocolate-y, and perfect for fall, this granola bark is all the pumpkin spice you need this holiday season. Featuring yummy ingredients like organic dark chocolate, rolled oats, pumpkin seeds and puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, you seriously won’t want to put these down.
Holiday Vegetable Hash
A returning fave, this seasonal side deserves a spot in your Thanksgiving spread. It’s loaded with all the tastiest veggies: butternut squash, sweet potato, red onion, celery, parsley, sage, and rosemary.
Vegan Creamy Dill Dressing
TJ’s just upped their vegan salad dressing game. Heaven in a bottle, this creamy dressing features cauliflower, almond butter, garlic, lemon juice, shallots, and herbs. And your salads were never the same again.
Seasoned Kettle Chips
Back on store shelves this season: Thanksgiving stuffing-seasoned potato chips. Each chip is packed with all the juicy flavors of your favorite holiday dish. The thickly-sliced potatoes are slow-cooked to crispy perfection and then doused with all the best Thanksgiving seasonings. I’m talking thyme, sage, celery, salt … It’s holiday dinner in chip form.
Sparkling Pomegranate Punch Beverage
Move aside LaCroix and Perrier. There’s a new sparkling water in town … And Trader Joe’s carbonated pomegranate punch is dang good. In addition to pomegranate juice, it contains pineapple, orange, apple, and ginger juice, the latter of which you can really taste. 10/10, TJ’s. Well done.
Everything but the Leftovers Seasoning Blend
The only seasoning you’ll need for your holiday cooking, this blend is deserving of a spot in your potatoes or mixed veggies. Onion, sea salt, ground black pepper, turmeric powder, dried celery seed, rosemary powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, and ground sage top the ingredients list.
Mini Marshmallows
Holy s’mores … Technically not new, these seasonal treats are back in stock. Perfect for throwing into a piping cup of hot cocoa, TJ’s vegan mini marshmallows are free of gelatin and extra sweet. I’m not the biggest fan of marshmallows, but I have to admit, these things are pretty good. They have a mild vanilla-y flavor and are a bit more on the firm side. Toss them in your sweet potato casserole or eat them straight out of the bag.
Vegan Gingerbread Loaf
I may or may not have had two slices of this vegan loaf for breakfast. TJ’s launched this festive treat in the fall of 2020, but it’s finally made its grand return. It’s bursting with flavors of ginger and cinnamon. You won’t regret it.
Ethiopia Small Lot Coffee
New at TJ’s: A whole lotta coffee. This 100 percent Arabica whole bean coffee is a medium roast with notes of cocoa nibs, cinnamon, and strawberry. And if you’ve ever seen my wardrobe, you know I’m a huge fan of leopard print, so I may or may not have bought a package of this because of the bag …
Mexico Peaberry Small Lot Coffee
More medium roast for your morning cup of joe, this kosher and 100 percent Arabica bean coffee features a decadent blend of tasting notes, including dark chocolate, pear, and brown sugar.
Italian Roast Ground Espresso Coffee
In need of a pick-me-up? Snag a canister of Trader Joe’s own espresso. Two sips and you’ll be ready to take on the day.
Can’t get enough Trader Joe’s? Check out our complete (yes, complete) guide to everything vegan at TJ’, which you’ll want to bookmark. You’re welcome. Got a hot tip for a new vegan item spotted at a Trader Joe’s near you? Send in your pics and store location to editorial@livekindly.com. Include Vegan Trader Joe’s Finds in the subject line.
