Pumpkin Spice Flavored Products | 2015
124 Pumpkin Spice Offerings, Ranked From Worst to Best

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Last year we tried everything and anything pumpkin spice — all told, 83 pumpkin-spice-flavored foods — to find the winners and the losers. This year, we're back at it: here's everything you can find on shelves now, ranked from worst to best.
— Additional reporting by Anna Monette Roberts
Sprouts Organic Pumpkin Spice Kale Chips
Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka
No; just no. Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka ($15) tastes exactly as you imagine, which is to say: cloying sweet and artificial. It might make for a good gag gift, but beyond that we just can't recommend its purchase.
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company Pumpkin Pie Truffles
For $11 we expect a lot better than Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company Pumpkin Pie Truffles. They taste like you put a red hot in the middle of a chocolate truffle. The intense cinnamon flavor overpowers everything else.
Brach's Pumpkin Spice Candy Corn
We unabashedly love tooth-achingly sweet, waxy classic candy corn (and Brach's version in particular), but Brach's Pumpkin Spice Candy Corn ($3) is a flop. The spices are far too assertive; paired with candy corn's waxy texture, candle comparisons are easy to make.
Boulder Canyon Pumpkin Pie Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
While we applaud the creativity of Boulder Canyon Pumpkin Pie Kettle Cooked Potato Chips ($5 for 4 bags), after one bite, it's clear why most chip manufacturers stick to pumpkin spice flavoring instead of going fully for it with a pumpkin pie flavor. These were way too sweet and just bizarre.
Angelino's Coffee Pumpkin Spice
Angelino's Coffee Pumpkin Spice ($6 for 12 pods) tastes like regular, black coffee without any discernible pumpkin spice aroma or flavor.
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Bark
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Bark ($14) is way too sweet and cinnamony, and the chocolate isn't as snappy as it ought to be.
Engine 2 Apple Pumpkin Granola
We had high hopes for Engine 2 Apple Pumpkin Granola ($5) but were puzzled by it's lack of flavor — cardboard-y was the best we could come up with. While the granola doesn't taste bad per se, it also doesn't really taste like anything.
Dannon Oikos Pumpkin Pie
Cloyingly sweet with an odd banana-y note and fake nutmeg flavor, Dannon Oikos Pumpkin Pie ($1) is one to skip.
Kimberley's Bakeshoppe Two-Bite Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
While Kimberley's Bakeshoppe Two-Bite Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes ($4) are undeniably adorable; there's not much else we can say to recommend them.
Gold Emblem Pumpkin Spice Candy Corn
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream
Hershey's Kisses Pumpkin Spice
Ready Pac Pumpkin Spice Bistro Bowl
If you're into sweet salad dressing like bottled raspberry vinaigrette or Italian, you might enjoy Ready Pac Pumpkin Spice Bistro Bowl ($4), which boasts not only a sweet pumpkin spice dressing, but also a generous amount of dried fruit. Points for creativity, but we just couldn't get into it.
365 Organic Pumpkin Spice Low Fat Yogurt
In a sea of delicious pumpkin spice yogurts, 365 Organic Pumpkin Spice Low Fat Yogurt ($1) leaves a lot less to be desired. The vanilla yogurt itself is gummy, and we struggled to find the "pumpkin spice" component.
Sprouts Toasted Pumpkin Loops
We really wanted to like Sprouts Toasted Pumpkin Loops ($3) — how good does a pumpkin spice take on Cheerios sound? — but they fell short of our expectations. While the crunchy texture and malty whole-grain base was on point, the pumpkin-spice flavor reminded us of a candle or air freshener.
Third Street Festivus Chai
Sadly, Third Street Festivus Chai ($5) is full of sugar and spice but isn't so nice. While not out-and-out offensive, we wish it tasted more like tea, as a bit of bitterness would round the flavor out nicely.
Lucerne Pumpkin Spice Eggnog
Celestial Seasonings Sweet Harvest Pumpkin
If you're sensitive to Stevia's flavor, avoid Celestial Seasonings Sweet Harvest Pumpkin ($3) as its flavor is apparent. Mildly spicy and middle of the road, it boasts an odd note of cherry candy cane but is otherwise not bad.
Nonni's Pumpkin Spice Biscotti
Sprouts Organic Pumpkin Flax Granola
The Popcorn Factory Pumpkin Caramel Praline Crunch
The Popcorn Factory Pumpkin Caramel Praline Crunch ($15) earns points for including pecans in this caramel corn, but besides that, it's way too sweet, and the caramel sticks in your teeth in an unpleasant way.
Entenmann's Little Bites Pumpkin Muffins
Franklly, you can do better than Entenmann's Little Bites Pumpkin Muffins ($3). The texture isn't bad, per se — unsurprisingly, it's nothing like a freshly baked muffin — but the pumpkin spice is nearly absent; instead these taste like applesauce.
Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat Ale
There's no doubt Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat Ale ($8 for four) contains pumpkin, from its funky, gourd scent to the starchy-sweet flavor. However, the lack of spices and the sharp finish knock it back a few stars. We'd sip this at a party, but it's not our go-to autumnal beer.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Joe-Joe's
We were so very excited by the idea of a new Joe-Joe's flavor (we adore the peppermint version), but Trader Joe's Pumpkin Joe-Joe's ($3) are just not very good. On the pro side, the texture is solid; there's a good contrast between crunchy cookie and creamy center. On the con side, the flavor is artificial-tasting and mild. Womp womp.
Green Mountain Coffee Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Green Mountain Coffee Pumpkin Spice Coffee ($15 for 24 pods) smells like a Michael's store in Fall. While the pumpkin spice scent is apparent, its taste is a bit milder than we'd like.
Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Waffles
Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights
Little Debbie Pumpkin Delights ($2) have a texture kind of like a gummier Fig Newton. While not bad in a pinch, as they're not too sweet and nicely spiced, there are much better options out there.
Clif Bar Spiced Pumpkin Pie
Clif Bar Spiced Pumpkin Pie ($2) is basically just like the Clif carrot cake bar but with a pumpkin aftertaste. In terms of deliciousness, we give it a "meh," but we might pack a bar while hiking or camping.
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bar Pumpkin Spice
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bar – Pumpkin Spice are gourd-tasting and whole wheat-y. We're could see them being at home on a camping trip or hike.
Sprouts Old Fashioned Pumpkin Snaps
Tastykake Pumpkin Spice Mini Doughnuts
If you're a fan of classic Tastykake doughnuts, you'll enjoy Tastykake Pumpkin Spice Mini Doughnuts ($3). The texture's a little gummy and they're extremely sweet, but they get points for their nostalgic appeal.
Chobani Flip Pumpkin Harvest Crisp
Honestly, we preferred Chobani Flip Pumpkin Harvest Crisp ($2) without its dessert-y topping. Your mileage may vary, but we'd be more inclined to buy a tub of pumpkin spice yogurt and pair it with granola.
Gevalia Pumpkin Spice Latte
Gevalia Pumpkin Spice Latte ($9 for 6) comes with all of the makings of a latte: both the coffee and a packet of powdered "froth" (essentially creamer). While neat in concept, and not too sweet, we docked points for its bizarre eggy flavor.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookie Butter
We wanted to love Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookie Butter ($4), but here's the honest truth: it's not worth the calories. We appreciate the crunchy bits of speculoos cookies that are mixed in, but it's not as good as the TJ's speculoos cookie butter (and far inferior compared to Biscoff butter). We were put off by the greasy texture and the flavor is just so-so. If you just broke up with your SO, this might be a good option for eating your feelings, otherwise it's a pass.
Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin
Chances are, Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin ($8) is not what you expect; while it brings a high alcohol content to the table (at nine percent alcohol by volume), it tastes undeniably girlie with a sweet pumpkin finish.
Tastykake Pumpkin Spice Cupkakes
While Tastykake Pumpkin Spice Cupkakes ($4) aren't easily identifiable as a pumpkin spice item, as a spice cupcake, they're pretty tasty. Do note that the frosting is not of the cream cheese variety (this may be a pro or con, depending on your opinion).
Nestlé Toll House Pumpkin Spice Refrigerated Cookie Dough
There’s no mistaking that Nestlé Toll House Pumpkin Spice Refrigerated Cookie Dough ($3) is pumpkin spiced flavored; it almost tastes like a caricature of itself, despite being made with Libby’s pumpkin purée. That said, we’d still probably eat these mindlessly at a party.
Hammond's Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Bar
We weren't wild about the slightly-waxy texture of Hammond's Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Bar ($3), but on the flavor front it's spot-on. Neither the pumpkin spice nor the dark chocolate dominates.
Sprouts Old Fashioned Pumpkin Dippers
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels
If you simply ate with your eyes, Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels ($5) would be a winner, through and through. The sprinkling of Hawaiian sea salt helps to balance the sweet caramel and bitter chocolate, but the chocolate to caramel ratio is way off. (The chocolate shell is twice as thick as it ought to be, at least.)
Coffee Mate Pumpkin Spice
Coffee-mate's Pumpkin Spice creamer ($4) might be better than the original Starbucks PSL. With just a hint of spice, it's not too sweet, is very creamy, and is an affordable and convenient way to get your latte fix.
Seattle Chocolates Choc-o-Lantern Truffle Bar
Seattle Chocolates Choc-o-Lantern Truffle Bar ($4) is very lightly spiced; if we didn't know it was pumpkin-spice-flavored we might think it's a standard milk chocolate bar. That said, it's inoffensive.
Trader Joe's Country Pumpkin Spice Granola Cereal
Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt
Points to Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt ($1) for not being way too sweet and for actually tasting like pumpkin. That said, it's not very memorable and a bit chalky.
Trader Joe's Mini Pumpkin Tea Scones
First things first, Trader Joe's Mini Pumpkin Tea Scones ($4) have nothing to do with scones. They're very cakey, and not rich enough or appropriately dense to qualify as the biscuit-like pastry. if you think of them as muffin tops they're pretty good, and the icing is tasty.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pannetone
Gold Emblem Pumpkin Cookies
While Gold Emblem Pumpkin Cookies ($4) are nothing to write home about, CVS's store-brand option is pretty solid. We wish the filling had a bit more of the characteristic tang of cheesecake (since they're advertised as such and it would help temper the sweetness), but the cookies themselves are nice and crunchy.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Coffee
Greyston Bakery Pumpkin Spice Blondie
We absolutely love Greyston Bakery's mission, but it's pumpkin spice offering, Greyston Bakery Pumpkin Spice Blondie ($2), didn't blow us away. Good, but not great, the blondies are cakey, sweet, and lightly spiced.
Frosted Mini Wheats Pumpkin Spice
Props to Kellogg’s for using real spices in its Frosted Mini Wheats Pumpkin Spice. Despite the orange-hued frosting, this cereal contains no pumpkin. It tastes almost identical to the original, with a gingery finish. It’s inoffensive but not incredibly crave-able.
Sprouts Pumpkin Spice Flavored Black Tea
Nature's Path Pumpkin-N-Spice Chewy Granola Bars
365 Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies
365 Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies ($4) smell like a combination of pumpkin pie and Betty Crocker tub icing. The cookies themselves taste similar to graham crackers, while the icing has a slight tartness, thanks to the cream cheese powder and yogurt powder. All in all, these aren't bad. We'd enjoy them with hot coffee or a chai latte.
Quaker Pumpkin Spice Instant Oatmeal
Despite the sugar overload of Quaker Pumpkin Spice Instant Oatmeal ($7), it still has a pumpkin flavor and almost milky texture that can’t be beat. We’re apt to cut the sugar by mixing half a packet of the pumpkin with Quaker’s unsweetened original oats.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
Clearly a knockoff of Lesley Stowe's Raincoast Crisps, Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps ($4) aren't quite the same, as they are smaller and crunchier. However, they are still snackable, and at about half the price they're quite the deal. All the Fall flavors are represented in the cracker; we can't wait to try them topped with a gooey hunk of brie or blue cheese.
Talenti Gelato Pumpkin Pie
Talenti Gelato Pumpkin Pie ($5) knocked us over the head with its nutmeg flavor but makes up for that with a really creamy texture. We’d eat and enjoy this at a friend’s house, but it’s not our preferred pint of the season.
David's Tea Pumpkin Chai
With festive Fall packaging and adorable pumpkin-shaped sprinkles mixed into the tea, David's Tea Pumpkin Chai ($9) might just win most beautiful. As for flavor, it's not too spiced, very caramel heavy, and sweet tasting (the third ingredient is caramel and the sixth pumpkin candies), without being very sugary.
Trader Joe's Iced Pumpkin Scone Scones
Trader Joe's Iced Pumpkin Scone Scones ($3) taste like a denser iced pumpkin spice doughnut hole. Some tasters felt that the supersweet, heavily-spiced icing overpowers the cookie-scone hybrid, others thought they were on par with Starbucks line-up of seasonal treats.
Salty Road Pumpkin Pie Salt Water Taffy
Fans of salt water taffy should try Salty Road Pumpkin Pie Salt Water Taffy ($7). The cinnamon-dominated spiciness is subtle at first, but builds as you chew the salty sweet.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Tortilla Chips
It’s It Pumpkin
You need to love pumpkin and chocolate paired together to appreciate It’s It Pumpkin, an autumnal take on the iconic San Franciscan treat. It almost tastes like an icebox pumpkin pie, if there is such a thing.
365 Pumpkin Spice Granola
365 Pumpkin Spice Granola ($4) isn't as toasted as we prefer for granola, but is still pretty appealing. Reminiscent of oat clusters in Honey Bunches of Oats, or similar cereals, the granola is cinnamon-heavy and sweet.
Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale
Malty and dark, with savory notes that remind us of soy sauce, Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Beer ($8 for 6) is mild on the spice (it's most apparent on the nose) yet still screams Fall.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter
Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
There’s only one way to describe Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies ($4): like guilty pleasure grocery store cookies. Soft and cakey, cinnamon-y and sweet, the cookies could definitely pair well with a cup of coffee or glass of milk. The only thing we didn’t love: the ultrasweet "cheesecake" chips.
Dr. Lucy's Pumpkin Patch Cookies
Don't expect a soft, chewy cookie here; Dr. Lucy's Pumpkin Patch Cookies ($6) are more akin to a gingersnap in texture. Heavily spiced (nutmeg stands out in particular), they're a solid option for gluten-free nibbling.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Cake
McCann's Pumpkin Pecan With Vietnamese Cinnamon Irish Oatmeal
If you're into supersweet oatmeal then you'll love McCann's Pumpkin Pecan With Vietnamese Cinnamon Irish Oatmeal ($9). It definitely boasts a lovely pumpkin-cinnamon flavor, and the toasted pecan pieces offer a nice crunch to the thick oats.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Pie
Garden Of Eatin' Pumpkin Corn Tortilla Chips
If you're a fan of healthier-tasting, less-salty corn chips, Garden Of Eatin' Pumpkin Corn Tortilla Chips ($3) will do you right. They're slightly sweet and spiced with a gritty corn texture and plenty of pumpkin flavor.
Samuel Adams Fat Jack
Despite being a strong beer (it clocks in at eight and a half percent alcohol), Samuel Adams Fat Jack ($6) is surprisingly easy drinking. Rather than delivering a knock-you-out boozy kick, it warms you gently, while bringing a concentrated, slightly syrupy pumpkin flavor to each sip.
Nestlé Toll House Pumpkin Spice Morsels
Admittedly, we felt skeptical about Nestlé Toll House Pumpkin Spice Morsels ($2), but one chip is all it took to become a fan. Smooth and melty, bursting with pumpkin and Fall spice flavors — and just salty enough — these chips would taste great in baked goods or just eaten by the morsel.
Entenmann's Classic Pumpkin Donuts
It is pretty much impossible to eat Entenmann's Classic Pumpkin Donuts ($4) without pondering how they manage to stay perfectly moist seemingly indefinitely. Still, we're pretty into them.
Trader Joe's Mini Pumpkin Pies
Rudi's Pumpkin Sandwich Bread
Rudi's Pumpkin Sandwich Bread ($5) isn't sweet, but rather toasty and warm from a subtle dose of pumpkin and Fall spices.
Way Better Snacks Pumpkin Cranberry Tortilla Chips
We're tempted to dock Way Better Snacks Pumpkin Cranberry Tortilla Chips ($4) a point for the irritatingly cutesy misspelling of pumpkin in it's name, but we'll let it slide. Despite the pumpkin and cranberry, they're not sweet, are fried to a just-right crisp texture, and have a nutty flavor we're quite into.
Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread
We recommend slathering Philadelphia Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread ($3) on bagels and toast, but frankly, it could double as icing for cupcakes and cookies. The scary orange color is off-putting, but try to overlook that since the flavor delivers. It’s sweet, creamy, and subtle in pumpkin spice.
Thomas Pumpkin Spice English Muffins
The sour buttermilk-like flavor and gritty cornmeal exterior make Thomas Pumpkin Spice English Muffins ($4) one of our favorites of the season. Pick up a pack for someone who isn't all about pumpkin, as the flavor is very subtle. We can't wait to slather ours with pumpkin butter.
Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice
'Tis the season for adult pumpkin spice lattes, and the easiest way to make that happen is with Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice ($21). The sweet concoction definitely hits you with a blast of seasonal flavor without being too boozy. Coffee will never be the same.
Trader Joe’s This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar . . . Cereal Bars
Basically identical to a Quaker Oats Cereal Bar, Trader Joe’s This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar . . . Cereal Bars ($2) almost fall into the territory of apple pie (apple flakes are the second ingredient), but they are nevertheless good, sweet, and salty too.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Biscotti
Sweet Home Farm Pumpkin Flax Granola
Sweet Home Farm Pumpkin Flax Granola ($9) is like granola for people that don't really like granola. It has a much lighter texture and flavor than is typical, as it's a mix of puffed rice (think Rice Krispies) and very lightly toasted oats.
Baileys Coffee Creamer Pumpkin Spice
Even the creamer averse can’t help but top their coffee and tea with a splash of Baileys Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer ($3). The secret is the pumpkin-y creamer uses real cream! Who would have thought?
Ace Hard Pumpkin Cider
If pumpkin beer isn't your thing, may we suggest trying Ace Hard Pumpkin Cider ($10 for a six-pack)? Despite being made with apples, it brings the pumpkin pie flavor thanks to a generous dose of warm and cozy Fall spices (allspice, cinnamon, and cloves).
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Macarons
Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Pie Caramels
Like an upscale, pumpkin-spiced version of Cow Tales, Williams-Sonoma Pumpkin Pie Caramels ($15) are more fudgey and less chewy in texture than your typical caramel, but we're not complaining. Buttery, not too sweet, and a little spicy, they'll win over nearly anyone with one caveat: they're missing that pop of salinity that salted-caramel-lovers might be looking for.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Rolls With Pumpkin Spice Icing
Everything about these Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Rolls With Pumpkin Spice Icing ($4) is reminiscent of Pillsbury ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls, except for the pumpkin part, of course! We would gladly serve these up for special (and, um, lazy) weekend mornings.
Sprouts Pumpkin Cheesecake Sandwich Creme Cookies
Planters Pumpkin Spice Almonds
If candied nuts are what you're after, Planters Pumpkin Spice Almonds ($8) will do you right. Covered in a crunchy, crackly pumpkin spice glaze, they might not be subtle, but they are satisfying.
Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread
While we wish it was a bit more moist, we're otherwise smitten with Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread ($4). Not terribly sweet, it tastes akin to the brand's cinnamon swirl bread with just a hint of pumpkin to differentiate the two. Toast up a slice and slather it with salted butter (or pumpkin butter, for a more-is-more treat).
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Oreo Pumpkin Spice
Open up a package of Oreo Pumpkin Spice ($4) and you're assaulted with the scent of a pumpkin spice candle. Thankfully they're worlds more delicious than a glob of wax. More pumpkin spice than actually pumpkin in flavor, they taste like Golden Oreos with a hint of cinnamon and graham cracker.
Dreyer's Slow Churned Pumpkin Patch
Dreyer's Slow Churned Pumpkin Patch ($6) is cheap ice cream at its finest. The fluffy, slightly chewy texture and nice spice content make it something we'd scoop up on the regular.
Oroweat Whole Grains Pumpkin Spice and Roasted Seeds
If you've had (and enjoyed) Oroweat's soft, seeded bread before, Oroweat Whole Grains Pumpkin Spice and Roasted Seeds ($4) won't disappoint. Not sweet with a subtle pumpkin spice note and plenty of pumpkin seeds, it'd be great toasted with salted butter or cream cheese.
Food Should Taste Good Harvest Pumpkin Tortilla Chips
Warmly spiced, crisp, salty, and ever-so-slightly sweet, Food Should Taste Good Harvest Pumpkin Tortilla Chips ($4) would pair equally as well with a sweet snack like pumpkin pie dip as they would with guacamole.
Terra Pumpkin Spice Sweets
Terra Pumpkin Spice Sweets ($4) remind us of apple chips (in a good way). Not too sweet, they pack a hefty dose of authentic cinnamon and nutmeg flavor and just enough salt.
Trader Joe's Mini Ginger Pumpkin Ice Cream Mouthfuls
The flavor of Trader Joe's Mini Ginger Pumpkin Ice Cream Mouthfuls ($4) is great, the combination of ice cream and cookie makes for a ginger-heavy salty-sweet experience. The cookies are a bit gummy (not at all like a gingersnap); this may or may not bother you.
Boom Chicka Pop Pumpkin Spice
Boom Chicka Pop Pumpkin Spice ($4) flavor doesn’t hold back on the spices — it’s really sweet and salty, almost like a cinnamon roll. What you won’t find is the pumpkin; instead you’ll detect cinnamon and nutmeg. We approve of this decision wholeheartedly.
Hostess Pumpkin Spice Twinkies
Hostess Pumpkin Spice Twinkies ($3) taste exactly like you'd expect (they're extraordinarily sweet). If you're a fan of the originals, pick up a box for sure; the frosting is like pumpkin-spiced marshmallow fluff, and the cake is like cake mix (in the best way possible).
Williams-Sonoma Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Despite essentially being a slab of sugar and pepitas, Williams-Sonoma Spiced Pumpkin Seed Brittle ($30) isn't too sweet. Crunchy, fresh, nutty, and perfectly spiced, this toffee-like treat would be a great hostess gift.
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cheesecake
Barbara's Puffins Pumpkin
OMG, Barbara's Puffins Pumpkin ($5) are Fall at its finest. Don’t let the alarming color dissuade you. These puffs are very pumpkin-y (but not on the spicy side). We couldn’t help but go back for a second handfull . . . and then a third.
Garrett Pumpkin Spice CaramelCrisp
While definitely a splurge, Garrett Pumpkin Spice CaramelCrisp ($31) is worth it for caramel-corn-lovers. Not too sweet and very balanced, this caramel corn isn't too chewy or tooth-shatteringly crunchy — just right — and the pumpkin spice is prominent but doesn't overpower everything else.
Republic of Tea Pumpkin Spice Black Tea
If you're a tea snob, Republic of Tea Pumpkin Spice Black Tea ($12) might not be your proverbial cup of, but pretty much anyone else will appreciate its heady mix of spices and bitter tea tannins. Best served unsweetened with a splash of milk, it's a seasonal staple in our office.
Dandies Pumpkin Marshmallows
If you've never tried vegan marshmallows, the denser, less-springy texture of Dandies Pumpkin Marshmallows ($5) might surprise you — it's not better or worse than gelatin-based marshmallows, just different. The delicate but assertive pumpkin spice flavor makes them quite addictive.
Shipyard Pumpkinhead
Shipyard Pumpkinhead ($10) smells like apple picking in Fall and has a distinct, pumpkin flavor, frothy head, light(er) body, and a slight bitterness. However, the most interesting feature is the petrol finish. Gassy may be a weird way to describe fermented beer, but think of it this way: it's a sought-after scent in Riesling wine. The brewing company recommends rimming a pint glass with cinnamon sugar, and we can’t wait to try that. This beer doesn’t taste serious. It’s good but not fussy, and we like that.
Peeps Pumpkin Spice Dipped Marshmallow Chicks
Peeps Pumpkin Spice Dipped Marshmallow Chicks are pretty great. They boast a just-right amount of spice, and the white-fudge bottom is reminiscent of a Pumpkin Spice Latte's sweet whipped cream topper.
Siggi's Pumpkin & Spice
If you love Greek yogurt, skyr — a thick, tart, fresh cheese that is akin to yogurt — certainly deserves your attention. Siggi's Pumpkin & Spice ($2) takes that creamy texture and adds a nutmeg-heavy dose of pumpkin spice.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Though the packaging of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Seed Brittle ($4) isn’t much to write home about, the contents are purely delicious. Salty, buttery, and adequately spiced, the brittle tastes almost like cinnamon toast, plus the nuts are perfectly roasted.
Larabar Pumpkin Pie
Like all Larabar products, the ingredient list for Larabar Pumpkin Pie ($2) is reassuringly short: dates, cashews, almonds, dried pumpkin, spices, and that's it. It's sweet, pumpkin-y, and spiced enough to satisfy cravings, and we'll be stashing one in our bags for on-the-go snacking.
Kashi Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Flax Granola Bars
Let's not kid ourselves by calling these granola bars. Kashi Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Flax Granola Bars ($4) are just crunchy cookies but in the best way possible. We liken them to a more toasty, brown sugary, grown-up version of Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars. Take these skiing; throw them in your purse; stash them at your desk. You won't be disappointed.
Pumpkin Spice Latte M&M's
Pumpkin Spice Latte M&M's ($3) have a really strong nutmeg-y flavor, with a hint of coffee. We loved that the pumpkin spice isn't overpowering — it tastes cozy and just like Fall.
Muirhead Pecan Pumpkin Butter
Muirhead Pecan Pumpkin Butter ($7) has a tart, acidic flavor profile very similar to apple butter, except for the gourd-y aftertaste. Swirl it in oatmeal, smear it on toast, or use it in baked goods.
365 Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Whole Foods has nailed its 365 Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches ($5). The cookie part resembles a chewy gingersnap, and the ice cream manages to taste just like the treats you enjoyed as a kid, but with pumpkin and pie spice flavors.
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
We'll attempt to contain our excitement over Dogfish Head Punkin Ale ($11 for four). The brown ale brew has a cult following amongst hip beer drinkers and for good reason. It's a very unique rendition of pumpkin spice. The caramel scent, sweet malty flavor, delicate trace of pumpkin, and nutmeg-brown sugar finish make this almost better than pumpkin pie. Almost.
Cosmos Creations Pumpkin Spice
If you took the texture of Pirate's Booty, the sweet malty cereal notes of Apple Jax, a dusting of legit pumpkin spice flavor, and a not-too-sweet caramel coating, you'd basically have Cosmos Creations Pumpkin Spice ($4). In sum, they're not too sweet, nor too austere, and the texture is killer.
Uinta Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin
Malty with a pumpkin pie spice finish, Uinta Oak Jacked Imperial Pumpkin ($14) is for those who enjoy a heavier beer with a slightly bitter ending. The oak and pumpkin flavors are mild, but the vanilla, caramel, and spice are really amped up.
Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola
Purely Elizabeth's cranberry pecan granola is our all-time favorite packaged granola, so it was hardly surprising that it's take on pumpkin spice, Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola ($7), is also top-notch. The oats and other grains are salty, deeply-toasted, caramelized in flavor, and crisp, and the bits of dried fig match, but don't overpower, the granola's intensity.
Pumpkin Noosa
Pumpkin Noosa ($3) tastes like you took yogurt and swirled in pumpkin pie. Admittedly it's a bit indulgent (the yogurt base is bolstered by cream!), but the dreamy pumpkin-butter swirl makes it worth your while.
Thomas Pumpkin Spice Bagels
Thomas Pumpkin Spice Bagels ($5) are everything you want in a pumpkin-spiced goodie. Made with real pumpkin and cinnamon, the bagels have visible flecks of spice and intoxicatingly delicious bits of gourd studded throughout. The scent (even when the bagels are enclosed in the bag) will waft through your kitchen in a delightful, gimme-more way. Toast a bagel up and watch your tub of cream cheese disappear at an alarming rate.
Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Latte
If you like the idea of Starbucks's pumpkin spice latte, but you aren't too keen on how sweet it is, Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Latte ($4) might just be the drink for you. Creamy with a gentle balance between coffee's bitter flavor and pumpkin spice, this almond-milk-based cold brew coffee tastes like if you combined pumpkin pie and eggnog, but without the sugar coma.
Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps Pumpkin Spice Crackers
Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps Pumpkin Spice Crackers ($7) are the most authentic pumpkin-spicy thing we’ve tried thus far. Pumpkin seeds, brown sugar, oats, and spices offer a nutty, slightly sweet cracker that we’re happy to munch on with cheese all season long.