Choosing among the best Trader Joe’s groceries here comes down to how you want to use them: add a savory finish to everyday meals, or bring pumpkin flavor to snacks and spreads. I rank Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend first for its broad range of suggested uses and crunchy, savory ingredients. Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend is my pick for a more defined chile, cheese, and cumin profile, while Pumpkin Butter offers a spreadable option for buyers who specifically want pumpkin.
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The lineup has different levels of detail. Both seasoning blends have listed ingredients and suggested applications, while the product information for the cereal bars and pumpkin butter is sparse. I account for that by treating their descriptions cautiously instead of guessing about texture, sweetness, nutrition, or ingredients. My ranking favors the products whose stated ingredients and uses give shoppers a clearer sense of what they are choosing. The main tradeoff is versatility versus a focused flavor: a multipurpose topping can fit more meals, while a pumpkin snack or spread serves a narrower craving.
Key Takeaways
- Everything but the Bagel ranks first for its listed savory ingredients, crunch, and many suggested uses, from potatoes to dips.
- Everything but the Elote is the more distinctive seasoning choice, combining chile, Parmesan, chipotle, cumin, cilantro, and salt.
- Pumpkin Butter suits shoppers seeking a pumpkin spread in a stated 10-ounce size, though the supplied details do not describe its ingredients or texture.
- This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar is the only bar-style snack in this group, but its supplied description confirms only its pumpkin flavor and cereal-bar format.
- My ranking favors products with clearer ingredient and use information; shoppers with dietary restrictions should check the package for full ingredient and allergen details.
| Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, 2.3 oz |  | Best Overall | Brand: Trader Joe’s | Product type: Sesame seasoning blend | Weight: 2.3 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend |  | Best for a Bold Savory Kick | Brand: Trader Joe’s | Product type: Seasoning blend | Blend name: Everything but the Elote | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter, 10 Ounce |  | Best Pumpkin Spread | Brand: Trader Joe’s | Product type: Pumpkin butter | Format: Spread | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trader Joe’s This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar Cereal Bars |  | Best Pumpkin Snack Format | Brand: Trader Joe’s | Product type: Cereal bars | Flavor: Pumpkin-flavored | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Trader Joe’s grocerie | Brand | Product type | Listed ingredients | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s Everything but th | Trader Joe’s | Sesame seasoning blend | White and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, sea salt flakes | 2.3 oz |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but th | Trader Joe’s | Seasoning blend | Chile pepper, Parmesan cheese, chipotle powder, cumin, cilantro, and sea salt | Not provided |
| Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter | Trader Joe’s | Pumpkin butter | Not provided | — |
| Trader Joe’s This Pumpkin Walk | Trader Joe’s | Cereal bars | Not provided | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, 2.3 oz
I rank Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend first because it has the clearest case for earning a regular place in a grocery rotation. The described mix combines white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt flakes. That lineup points to a savory, crunchy finish rather than a sauce or a single-purpose ingredient. The description names uses across bagels, chicken, popcorn, potatoes, dips, pizza, salads, and pasta, which gives a shopper several ways to use the same jar.
Compared with Everything but the Elote, this blend is less tied to one flavor reference. Elote brings chile, Parmesan, chipotle, and cumin to the foreground, making it the more characterful choice when that specific savory-spicy profile is wanted. The sesame blend instead leans on seeds, garlic, onion, and salt; that broader profile may be easier to pair with different meals. Its listed sesame content is also a clear consideration: this is not a suitable pick for someone avoiding sesame, and shoppers should read the label for full allergen information.
The drawback is that a seasoning blend still asks the buyer to like its central flavors. Sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and salt will not suit every dish, and the description offers no precise guidance on how much to use. At 2.3 ounces, the stated package size is useful context, but the product notes do not explain how many servings that provides. I would choose it for flexible savory finishing, not for someone seeking a pumpkin-flavored grocery or a seasoning with a mild, neutral taste.
Pros:- Lists sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and sea salt flakes in one blend.
- The description suggests uses across breakfast foods, snacks, sides, and meals.
- Adds a described crunchy, savory element.
- The 2.3-ounce size and single-package quantity are specified.
Cons:- Contains sesame, which is a stated allergen concern.
- Its seed, garlic, onion, and salt profile may not match every dish.
- The supplied details do not specify nutrition, serving guidance, or full allergen handling.
Best for: Shoppers who want one crunchy savory blend for several foods, including bagels, potatoes, popcorn, salads, and dips.
Not ideal for: Anyone avoiding sesame or looking for a spicy, cheesy blend or a pumpkin-flavored snack.
- Brand:Trader Joe’s
- Product type:Sesame seasoning blend
- Weight:2.3 oz
- Package quantity:1
- Country of origin:United States
- Listed ingredients:White and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, sea salt flakes
- Stated texture and flavor:Crunchy and savory
- Allergen note:Contains sesame
Our verdict“I rank it first for shoppers who want a clearly described, crunchy savory seasoning with uses across many kinds of food.”
Trader Joe’s Everything but the Elote Seasoning Blend
Everything but the Elote is my choice for shoppers who want a seasoning with a more recognizable flavor direction than the sesame blend. Its listed ingredients include chile pepper, Parmesan cheese, chipotle powder, cumin, cilantro, and sea salt. Together, those details signal a mix that aims for savory, spicy, and cheesy notes. That gives it a more specific job in this lineup: it can add an elote-inspired character when plain salt or a more seed-forward topping feels too restrained.
The comparison with Everything but the Bagel helps clarify the choice. The sesame blend has a longer list of suggested applications, from bagels and popcorn to salads and pasta, and its flavor description centers on crunchy savory ingredients. Elote is the more focused option: chile, chipotle, cumin, and Parmesan point toward a stronger, more layered seasoning profile. If that combination appeals to you, the Elote blend may bring more of the flavor you are after in one step. If you want a flexible seed-and-garlic topping, the Bagel blend is the safer match for this lineup.
The tradeoff is that a distinctive blend can be less interchangeable. A buyer who dislikes heat, cumin, cilantro, or cheese-forward flavors may find the Elote profile less appealing; the supplied details do not state how intense the spice is. The notes also give no weight, package quantity, nutrition information, or explicit serving suggestions. I would pick it for shoppers who already know they want a spicy, cheesy seasoning direction, while anyone with dietary restrictions should check the label, especially because Parmesan is listed.
Pros:- Combines several savory, spicy, and cheesy ingredients in one blend.
- The ingredient list includes Parmesan, chile pepper, chipotle, cumin, and cilantro.
- Offers a more focused flavor direction than the sesame blend.
- Could suit shoppers seeking an elote-inspired seasoning profile.
Cons:- Its chile, chipotle, cumin, and cheese profile may be less flexible than the Bagel blend.
- The supplied description does not state heat intensity or suggested applications.
- Package weight, quantity, and nutrition details are not provided.
Best for: Shoppers seeking a savory blend with chile, chipotle, cumin, cilantro, Parmesan, and sea salt.
Not ideal for: People who prefer mild, neutral seasonings or who need to avoid cheese, chile, or any listed ingredient.
- Brand:Trader Joe’s
- Product type:Seasoning blend
- Blend name:Everything but the Elote
- Listed ingredients:Chile pepper, Parmesan cheese, chipotle powder, cumin, cilantro, and sea salt
- Flavor direction:Savory, spicy, and cheesy
- Inspired by:Mexican street corn
- Weight:Not provided
- Package quantity:Not provided
Our verdict“I recommend it to buyers who want a defined spicy, cheesy seasoning profile and prefer that character over the Bagel blend’s broader savory crunch.”
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter, 10 Ounce
Pumpkin Butter fills a different role from either seasoning blend: it is described as a spread, and its stated size is 10 ounces. That makes it the most direct choice here for someone whose shopping goal is specifically a pumpkin spread. The sesame and Elote blends are savory seasonings, not substitutes for a spread, so comparing them is less about which tastes better and more about which grocery format matches the intended use. If pumpkin is the priority, this is the only product in the lineup that answers that request directly.
Against This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar, Pumpkin Butter offers a spread format rather than a cereal bar. That distinction matters to how a shopper might plan to serve it: a spread can be added to another food, while a bar is presented as a snack format. However, the supplied product details do not suggest particular pairings or serving occasions, so I would not assume how it tastes on toast, in baking, or with other foods. The product name and size tell me the category and package volume, but little beyond that.
Its main limitation in this roundup is the sparse description. No ingredient list, texture, sweetness level, nutrition panel, or storage information is provided, so a buyer cannot use this information alone to judge those points. That makes it less straightforward for anyone comparing dietary needs or looking for a particular consistency. I place it below both seasoning blends because their ingredients and uses are more clearly described, not because the available details establish a quality problem. Choose Pumpkin Butter when a pumpkin spread is the specific need; check the current package before buying if ingredients or nutrition matter to your decision.
Pros:- The product is identified as a pumpkin spread.
- The stated package size is 10 ounces.
- Offers a spread format distinct from the cereal bars and seasonings.
- Directly fits shoppers who have pumpkin butter on their list.
Cons:- The supplied details do not list ingredients or nutrition information.
- No texture, sweetness, or serving suggestions are provided.
- The description offers less basis for comparison than either seasoning blend.
Best for: Shoppers who specifically want a pumpkin spread in a stated 10-ounce package.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a detailed ingredient list, nutrition facts, or a described texture before choosing.
- Brand:Trader Joe’s
- Product type:Pumpkin butter
- Format:Spread
- Size:10 ounces
- Flavor:Pumpkin, as stated in the product name
- Listed ingredients:Not provided
- Nutrition information:Not provided
- Serving suggestions:Not provided
Our verdict“I would choose this for a pumpkin spread in a 10-ounce package, while checking the label for details absent from the supplied description.”
Trader Joe’s This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar Cereal Bars
This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar Cereal Bars are the snack-format pick in this group. The supplied description identifies pumpkin flavor and a cereal-bar format, which makes the product distinct from Pumpkin Butter’s spread format and the two savory seasoning blends. For someone looking specifically for a pumpkin-flavored bar, that format is the deciding point: it is the only item in this comparison presented as a cereal bar. The product name also signals a pumpkin focus, though the available notes do not say how strong that flavor is.
The nearest comparison is Pumpkin Butter. Both picks are centered on pumpkin, but the buyer would use them differently: the cereal bars are a ready-made bar-style food, while the butter is a spread. I rank the bar last because the information supplied gives less basis for comparing it with the other three products. The description includes no ingredient list, package count, weight, nutrition facts, or stated use beyond its identity as a pumpkin-flavored cereal bar. The Pumpkin Butter at least has a specified 10-ounce size, and each seasoning has more detail about ingredients or applications.
That information gap is a real buying drawback if you are comparing dietary needs or want to know the bar’s composition before adding it to a shopping list. I would check the package for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition information rather than assume what cereals, sweeteners, or other components it contains. I also cannot infer whether the bars are soft, crunchy, filling, or individually wrapped from the description. This pick makes the most sense for a shopper who wants a pumpkin-flavored cereal-bar format and is prepared to consult the package for the details that are missing here.
Pros:- The description identifies a pumpkin-flavored cereal-bar format.
- Offers a snack format distinct from the pumpkin spread.
- May fit shoppers specifically seeking a bar rather than a condiment.
- Its pumpkin focus complements the seasonal-style options in the lineup.
Cons:- No ingredient list or nutrition information is supplied.
- Package size and bar count are not stated.
- The supplied details do not describe texture, sweetness, or allergens.
Best for: Shoppers who want a pumpkin-flavored cereal bar rather than a spread or savory seasoning.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs ingredient, allergen, nutrition, size, or package-count details before deciding.
- Brand:Trader Joe’s
- Product type:Cereal bars
- Flavor:Pumpkin-flavored
- Package size:Not provided
- Bar count:Not provided
- Listed ingredients:Not provided
- Nutrition information:Not provided
- Texture:Not provided
Our verdict“I would shortlist it only when a pumpkin cereal bar is the format you want, then use the package label to fill in the missing details.”
How We Picked
I compared these four products on the details shoppers can actually see in the supplied descriptions: ingredient information, stated uses, format, and flavor direction. I gave more weight to products whose descriptions explain what contributes to their taste and how they might fit into meals. That puts the sesame seasoning first: its seeds, garlic, onion, and salt flakes suggest a crunchy savory topping, and its listed uses span several kinds of food. The Elote blend follows closely because its ingredient list gives it a more specific spicy, cheesy direction, though that focus may suit fewer dishes.
I placed Pumpkin Butter third and the cereal bars fourth because their descriptions provide far less to compare. Pumpkin Butter has a named spread format and a 10-ounce size, but no ingredient list or suggested serving ideas. The cereal bars are identified as pumpkin-flavored, but no package size, ingredient detail, or nutrition information is supplied. That missing information does not prove a drawback in the products themselves; it does make a confident comparison harder for a shopper using this information alone.
I did not infer nutrition, sweetness, texture, shelf life, dietary suitability, or availability. The product notes do not establish those details. I also treated the sesame allergen note as relevant when comparing the sesame blend with the other picks. My ranking reflects the usefulness and clarity of the supplied product information as well as the products’ stated formats and flavor profiles. Before buying, I would check the current package for the complete ingredient and allergen statements, especially if a particular diet or sensitivity shapes the decision.
| Trader Joe’s grocerie | Product type | Listed ingredients | Flavor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trader Joe’s Everything but th | Sesame seasoning blend | White and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, sea salt flakes | — |
| Trader Joe’s Everything but th | Seasoning blend | Chile pepper, Parmesan cheese, chipotle powder, cumin, cilantro, and sea salt | — |
| Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter | Pumpkin butter | Not provided | Pumpkin, as stated in the product name |
| Trader Joe’s This Pumpkin Walk | Cereal bars | Not provided | Pumpkin-flavored |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Trader Joe’s Groceries
I would start by deciding whether this grocery is meant to season a meal, provide a snack, or act as a spread. Those formats shape the comparison more than the shared Trader Joe’s label: two picks are savory seasonings, while the pumpkin products serve different roles.Choose the format before the flavor
If you want something to finish a meal or snack, compare the two seasoning blends first. Everything but the Bagel is described as crunchy and savory, with seed, garlic, onion, and salt components. Its listed applications cover many foods. Everything but the Elote has a more specific combination of chile, chipotle, Parmesan, cumin, cilantro, and salt. That difference matters: the sesame blend sounds like the more adaptable choice across the listed foods, while the Elote blend is better matched to a buyer drawn to its particular savory-spicy character.
If you want a pumpkin item, decide whether you want a bar or a spread. The cereal bars are described as pumpkin-flavored and packaged in a cereal-bar format; Pumpkin Butter is described as a spread in a 10-ounce size. Those descriptions do not tell me that one is sweeter, more filling, or better suited to a particular meal. They do make the use format the clearest distinction between the two. If neither format fits the way you plan to eat it, the seasoning options may be a better match.
Use ingredient detail to compare the seasonings
The seasoning descriptions provide the strongest basis for comparing flavor. The sesame blend has white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt flakes. The Elote blend lists chile pepper, Parmesan, chipotle powder, cumin, cilantro, and sea salt. I would use those ingredient lists to decide which direction sounds more appealing, rather than assume a particular heat level or intensity; no such measurement is supplied. A shopper who wants seed crunch and familiar savory notes may prefer the Bagel blend. Someone after chile, cheese, and cumin may lean toward Elote.
Ingredient detail also matters for dietary needs. The sesame blend is explicitly noted as containing sesame, and the Elote ingredients include Parmesan cheese. Those facts may rule out a pick for some shoppers, but the supplied descriptions do not replace the package’s full ingredient and allergen statements. If you avoid a specific ingredient, verify the current label before buying. For the pumpkin products, the available information does not list ingredients, so I would not infer suitability for a dietary preference from the product name alone.
Treat missing product details as a shopping question
Two products are described with enough information to compare their ingredients and intended flavor, and two are not. The cereal-bar description gives its pumpkin flavor and format, while the Pumpkin Butter notes give its spread category and 10-ounce size. Neither has a supplied ingredient list or nutrition facts. That does not tell me whether the products have any particular quality issue; it means the description leaves ordinary buyer questions unanswered. Check the package for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition if those details influence your choice.
Package size is another useful comparison point, but only where it is provided. The Bagel blend is listed as 2.3 ounces in one package, and Pumpkin Butter as 10 ounces. No weight or count is supplied for Elote or the bars. I would avoid comparing how long each lasts from those figures alone: the products have different formats, and serving sizes are not given. Instead, use the stated sizes as facts about those two packages and look at the actual labels for the others.
Match the pick to your shopping priority
My overall recommendation is the sesame seasoning for buyers who value range and a clear ingredient description. The Elote blend is the stronger choice for a focused flavor profile. For a pumpkin craving, choose between the spread and the bar by format: Pumpkin Butter is the only described spread, while This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar is the only cereal-bar product. Those roles keep the ranking useful even though the pumpkin entries have less supporting detail.
For a quick shortlist, ask yourself which job the item needs to do. If it should add crunchy savory flavor to varied foods, start with Everything but the Bagel. If you want a blend built around chile, Parmesan, and cumin, consider Everything but the Elote. If pumpkin is the point, select the bar or spread format that fits your plan, then review the product label for information not included here. That approach follows the available evidence without relying on assumptions about taste, nutrition, or serving size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which product is the most versatile choice in this comparison?
I rank Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend as the most versatile based on its listed uses: bagels, chicken, popcorn, potatoes, dips, pizza, salads, and pasta. The Elote blend has a more specific chile, cheese, and cumin profile, while the pumpkin products have snack and spread formats. The suggested uses come from the product description; I would still check the package for preparation guidance.
How do the two seasoning blends differ?
The Bagel blend combines sesame and poppy seeds with dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt flakes, and is described as crunchy and savory. The Elote blend lists chile pepper, Parmesan, chipotle powder, cumin, cilantro, and sea salt, giving it a more defined spicy and cheesy direction. I would choose between them by flavor preference: seed-forward and broadly usable, or a more focused elote-inspired blend.
Which pumpkin product should I choose?
Choose Pumpkin Butter if you want the spread format; its stated size is 10 ounces. Choose This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar if you want a pumpkin-flavored cereal bar. The supplied descriptions do not provide enough information to compare their ingredients, sweetness, nutrition, or texture, so check their current labels if those details matter to you.
Are any allergens identified in the supplied product details?
The sesame blend is specifically noted as containing sesame, and the Elote ingredient list includes Parmesan cheese. The supplied descriptions do not include complete allergen statements for all four products. If you have an allergy or sensitivity, read the current package label and follow the information provided there before choosing any item.
Why is the sesame seasoning ranked above the Elote blend?
I place the sesame blend first because the description gives a clear ingredient list, a crunchy savory profile, a stated 2.3-ounce size, and more suggested uses. Elote remains a strong pick for shoppers who want its chile, Parmesan, chipotle, and cumin direction, but the supplied description gives fewer details about package size and applications. The ranking reflects the comparison information available and the breadth of uses stated for each product.
Conclusion
For a single pick with the broadest stated range of uses, I recommend Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, provided sesame works for your diet. Choose Everything but the Elote if its chile, Parmesan, chipotle, and cumin profile is the flavor direction you want. If your shopping list calls for pumpkin, match the format to your plan: Pumpkin Butter is the spread, and This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar is the cereal bar. The pumpkin descriptions leave key product details unstated, so check those packages for ingredients and nutrition before deciding. My ranking favors the seasoning blends for clearer descriptions, while the right pumpkin pick depends on whether you want a spread or a snack.
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