Is that a whiff of pumpkin spice in the air? Yes, Trader Joe’s brought back a few icons (pumpkin brioche, gnocchi, cheesecake, etc.), and introduced some new horrors (Pumpkin & Spice Caramel Sauce). There was also a hint of apple, a droplet of maple—all reviewed here today. And I experienced one of the most Trader Joe’s-iest cashiers I’ve ever encountered, a young dude who told me he had his morning cereal on his backyard trampoline. While he scanned my autumnal riff-raff, he waved across the store. “That’s my history teacher!” he exclaimed. “He introduced me to a great TV show.” What was it? I asked, ever a student of history. “ Lost, ” he grinned.

Snacky

Autumn Harvest Sweet & Salty Snack Mix

This snack mix has some highlights—mini Reese’s dupes and sprinkle-coated pretzels—and some lowlights. Shreds of dried apple like stray wood chips. Dry mini pretzel barrels that look like they should have peanut butter in them but don’t.…