The New Sam’s Club Freezer Item That's 'An Explosion of Fall'
Sorry, Starbucks. Trader Joe's is basically Pumpkintown come fall. The grocery store even has a name for going all-in on all things pumpkin: Pumpkin Palooza.
When the Palooza is in session, Trader Joe's fans know to head to the aisle for the brand's ever-popular Pumpkin Empanadas, which debuted in 2020 as one of the few good things that year brought us. The flaky pastry is spicy in a sweet way, combining subtle notes of cinnamon, clove, ginger and allspice with creamy coconut milk. Though empanadas are usually savory, the TJ's option is intentionally on the sweeter side. "It’s like a pumpkin pie you can hold in your hand" according to the TJ's website. Fans love them, calling them "so good" in a Reddit thread when the product first dropped.
But just as everyone was gearing up for the TJ's pumpkin drop, Member's Mark Pumpkin Spice Empanadas arrived on the scene and shoppers are excited to give them a try. Here's what we know so far.
Related: Excitement High As Pumpkin Palooza Dates Leak
It all started when a Sam's Club account, @samsclubmembers, spotted the new frozen option during a recent haul and posted about it on Instagram.
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"Pumpkin Spice empanadas? SURE, I’LL GIVE THEM A TRY," said @samsclubmembers.
Prices vary, but @samsclubmembers and the Sam's Club site list the box of 20 empanadas at $12.68 at Sam’s Club ($0.63 per empanada). Trader Joe's sells boxes of four empanadas. This year's price isn't listed, but the boxes have been $3.99 in previous years ($0.99 per empanada).
Judging Sam's Club's website, the Member's Mark Pumpkin Empanadas are dessert adjacent — just like Trader Joe's. They're made with real pumpkin and cream cheese and pair perfectly with a scoop of ice cream for an after-dinner treat or by themselves for a kiddie-crowd-pleasing afterschool snack.
Related: The Controversial List of Best Board Cheeses from Trader Joe's
Sam's Club Fans Weigh In on New Pumpkin Empanadas
The reaction to the new release of Member's Mark Pumpkin Empanadas ranges from "That's a no from me" to "You had me at pumpkin."
"This is a hard no for me," wrote one person. "Empanadas are life, but not with that."
"Yuck, no way," said another less-enthused but rather blunt commenter.
Others had a more open mind.
"I wanna try these," someone replied.
Many others tagged friends, asking if they wanted to try. According to commenters who already took the leap of faith, those who dare to take a bite won't regret it.
"These are amazing!" declared one fan.
Others weighed in with recommendations on how to prepare and serve the
"In the air fryer, and toss them in cinnamon sugar after," someone suggested.
Another agreed.
"With my air fryer, these are perfect for just a few — delish," the commenter said.
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Meanwhile, TikTok-famous foodies Meg and Maddie, the mother-daughter duo behind @floridamomof3, also tried the air fryer trick and posted a real-time look at their reaction.
"It's an explosion of fall," Meg said.
"It tastes just like a pumpkin pie, but obviously with a different crust," Maddie said between bites.
In the end, Meg decided, "This is fantastic."
Up Next: I Just Got a Sam's Club Membership. These are the 25 Things I Bought on My First Trip.