80+ Pumpkin Spice Products, Ranked From Worst to Best
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Last year we tried everything peppermint that we could get our hands on to separate the naughty from the nice, so you wouldn't have to waste your time (or money) on the merely so-so. This year, we're doing the same with everything pumpkin spice. From crackers to Pop-Tarts to ice cream to cider, we present all the pumpkin spice edibles we've tracked down, ranked from low to high.
— Additional reporting by Nicole PerryPhotos: Anna Monette Roberts and Nicole Perry
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Yoplait Greek Pumpkin Cheesecake
At two percent fat vs. nonfat, we hoped that Yoplait Greek Pumpkin Cheescake wouldn't be chalky, but alas it is. Add to that two more sins (it's too sweet and woefully artificial in flavor), and you have a yogurt that we just can't even begin to recommend.
☆☆☆☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Wrigley’s Extra Pumpkin Spice
With vanilla bean and cinnamon on the packet of Wrigley’s Extra Pumpkin Spice ($1), we thought we were in for a innocuous-flavored gum, but a few chews in, we forcefully spit this stuff out. It’s horrifically sucralose sweet with just a hint of cinnamon flavor. Though not the worst thing we’ve ever tried, it’s pretty darn close.
☆☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie
Yoplait Light Pumpkin Pie just barely edges out its Greek sister because it (surprisingly) is a bit creamier. That said, it has the same problems flavor-wise; we couldn't get through more than one bite.
☆☆☆☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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.
★☆☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte Mix
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte Mix ($4) tastes like a lot of things that it’s not. Powdered milk and cider come to mind . . . To top it off the mix doesn’t emulsify properly, and the floating pieces of pumpkin on the surface of the drink honestly look gross.
★☆☆☆☆
Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Ciao Bella Pumpkin Sea Salt Caramel
Ciao Bella Pumpkin Sea Salt Caramel ($7) had the potential to be so good, yet it let us down in a major way. First off, the caramel is all on the bottom. Womp womp. As for pumpkin: the company earns one point for using real pumpkin bits but minus three for it tasting really grainy and squash-like. Plus, the ice cream itself is icy as if it’s freezer burned.
★☆☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Nature's Path Pumpkin-N-Spice Chewy Granola Bars
Despite picking up a fresh box of Nature's Path Pumpkin-N-Spice Chewy Granola Bars ($4) (and also checking the expiration date), these bars taste like rancid nuts and stale rice puffs. Do not, for the sake of your taste buds, go there.
★☆☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Caramel Sauce
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Caramel Sauce ($3) has an off, chemical taste. We really don’t want to drizzle this anywhere near or on our sweets.
★☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Lifeway Kefir Pumpkin Spice
As kefir fans, we really wanted to like Lifeway Kefir Pumpkin Spice ($5 for a 4-pack) but were put off by its unpalatably sour flavor, which just didn't jibe with the mild dose of spices.
★☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream
We've had delicious, inexpensive pumpkin ice cream, and Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream ($4) is not it. It's way too sweet and all spice but nothing nice. The funny, slippery texture doesn't help either.
★☆☆☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Chobani 2% Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt
First off, Chobani 2% Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt ($1) robs the consumer, since the package is only filled 2/3 of the way. Inside, the yogurt is watery and separated. What kind of Greek yogurt is this? The flavor is too sweet but also bitter from the spices. You'll suffer from dry mouth after one bite of this stuff.
★☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Hershey's Kisses Pumpkin Spice
Waxy in texture and potpourri-like in flavor, everything about these Hershey's Kisses Pumpkin Spice ($3) made us grimace. Stick to original Kisses if you know what's good for you.
★☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★☆☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★☆☆☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Kennebunkport Brewing Company Pumpkin Ale
We consider Kennebunkport Brewing Company Pumpkin Ale ($1) a bridge between beer and cider, as it's somewhat sweet and has a tame finish. The beer noticeably blasts you with pumpkin spice scent and flavor due to natural flavor added into the finished ale. Yep, that's what gives it the seasonal touch. We'd expect that in snacks but added to beer just seems sacrilegious.
★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★☆☆
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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread
With a beautiful, natural looking pumpkin hue, we thought we were in for a treat. However, Philadelphia’s version is way better, as TJ’s Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread ($3) is really sweet, chalky, and artificial tasting.
★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Nonni's Pumpkin Spice Biscotti
Nonni's Pumpkin Spice Biscotti ($3) start off with a really crisp texture, sweetness, and salt content but finish like Red Hots, aka like artificial cinnamon. It's . . . an acquired taste?
★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Eggo Seasons Pumpkin Spice
We so wanted Eggo Seasons Pumpkin Spice ($3) to be delicious. The waffles crisp up nicely, but the awesome texture does not make up for the fake cinnamon flavor. You are better off passing on this one.
★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe's Pumpkin Nut Loaf Pastry
Trader Joe's Pumpkin Nut Loaf Pastry ($3) is a bit more floury in flavor than we'd prefer, but a generous smattering of crunchy nuts save it from mediocrity. If you do try it, a trip to the toaster and a pat of butter would round out a slice nicely.
★★★☆☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies
We typically love flavored Milano cookies, but we were disappointed by Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies ($3). The filling basically tastes like scented wax candles, though the cookie itself is as good as ever!
★★★☆☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Waffles
Though a really good toaster waffle, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Waffles ($2) didn’t deliver enough pumpkin or spice flavor. We’d still love to try them with a few dollops of pumpkin butter.
★★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s ($3) taste and look sort of like Apple Jacks. They are deliciously sweet but not very pumpkin-y or spicy.
★★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Tazo Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte
Those who can't jump aboard the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte bandwagon can still enjoy the syrupy goodness in a cup of Tazo Chai Pumpkin Spice Latte ($3). Our only complaints? It's so sugary, it'll make your teeth hurt, and we can't really distinguish it from Tazo's regular chai tea concentrate.
★★★☆☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Pumpkin Spice M&M's
Don't expect bold pumpkin flavor from Pumpkin Spice M&M's ($3 for 10 ounces). These are more like M&M's with a dash of cinnamon spice, almost like a Mexican hot chocolate. We like them, but they just don't bring home the pumpkin.
★★★☆☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Lucerne Farms Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Creamer
Sorry Starbucks, but Lucerne Farms Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Creamer ($4) has you beat. Thick and creamy, albeit very sweet, it’s a great solution for people looking to add autumnal flair to their coffee.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts
While the pastry and frosting are the most prominent flavors in the Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts ($3), there's still a hefty dose of cinnamon spice in the filling with just a teeny touch of pumpkin. These are a nostalgic indulgence that '90s children will particularly appreciate.
★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Uinta Brewing Company Punk’n Harvest Pumpkin Ale
Most people think sweet and malty when it comes to pumpkin ale, but not Uinta Brewing Company’s Punk’n ($10). Hoppy, bitter, earthy, and dare we say savory, this take on pumpkin ale is worth exploring with your tastebuds.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Ghirardelli Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares
If you like Ghirardelli's classic caramel squares, you'll be similarly smitten with Ghirardelli Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares ($16), as these taste near identical, save for a subtle pumpkin spice aftertaste.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter ($2) nails the acidity thanks to lots of lemon. It’s just a touch of sweet, which we love, but it’s a little thin compared to other pumpkin butters out there. For the price point, we are huge fans.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Cake
For being a prepackaged cake, Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Cake ($5) is extremely moist and dense. Heavy in the pumpkin and spice flavors, there's no mistaking what it's trying to be. The cake is on the sweet side, so serve it with coffee or tea.
★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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.
★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bagels
Made with pumpkin flour (whatever that means), Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bagels ($2) aren't for bagel snobs, but they are still fluffy with just a dash of pumpkin flavor, especially since they contain little pockets of pumpkin spice.
★★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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America's Original Pumpkin Ale
Buffalo Bill's America's Original Pumpkin Ale ($8 for a six-pack) is an amber-style ale brewed with fresh roasted pumpkins, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Though the pumpkin and spices are subtle on the nose and palate, many tasters consider this a coveted thing. With a full body and slightly bitter finish, it's a beer we'd like to drink throughout the Fall.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Nestlé Toll House Pumpkin Spice Morsels
Admittedly, we felt skeptical about Nestlé Toll House Pumpkin Spice Morsels ($3), 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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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?
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Suja Elements Call Me Pumpkin
Light, bright, and just sweet enough, Suja Elements Call Me Pumpkin ($5) is refreshing yet cozy, and it actually tastes like pumpkin (which makes sense since the gourd is one of the main ingredients). Look for it at Whole Foods Market (it's exclusive to there).
★★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Jet-Puffed Pumpkin Spice Mallows
Beyond looking totally adorable, Jet-Puffed Pumpkin Spice Mallows ($5) taste exactly like pumpkin pie with plenty of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove flavor. Go ahead and float a few in a homemade pumpkin spice latte.
★★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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).
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Trader Joe's Pumpkin Macarons
Found in the freezer section, Trader Joe's Pumpkin Macarons ($5) win major points for being extremely cute and emanating everything wonderful about pumpkin spices. The filling tastes exactly like pumpkin pie and the macarons act like a nutty almond crust. Can we have another . . . and another?
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Planters Pumpkin Spice Almonds
If candied nuts are what you're after, Planters Pumpkin Spice Almonds ($4) will do you right. Covered in a crunchy, crackly pumpkin spice glaze, they might not be subtle, but they are satisfying.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Pillsbury Pumpkin Pie Toaster Strudel
The Pillsbury Pumpkin Pie Toaster Strudel ($2) has a doughnut-like taste, flaky exterior, and creamy pumpkin filling that's only slightly fake tasting. We still dig toaster strudels as much as we did back in the '90s.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Blue Diamond Almonds Pumpkin Spice
Take deeply toasted crunchy almonds and sprinkle them with just enough pumpkin spice flavor (and a teeny-tiny pinch of sweetness), and you have Blue Diamond Almonds Pumpkin Spice ($4).
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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).
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Art of Tea Pumpkin Spice Chai
While some might dock Art of Tea Pumpkin Spice Chai ($11) a bit for not bringing bold pumpkin flavor, we praise its subtlety, as so many pumpkin chai blends we've tried taste artificial and just plain gross. A delicate note of gourdy, earthy-goodness rounds out the spices for a sip that's smoother and less peppery than your typical chai blend.
★★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Brinton Parker
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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 ($7) would pair equally as well with a sweet snack like pumpkin pie dip as they would with guacamole.
★★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Pumpkin Cookies
We were surprised by just how much we liked Pillsbury Ready to Bake! Pumpkin Cookies ($2). When slightly underbaked (do it!), the edges crisp up while the center stays tender and cakey. We much prefer these snickerdoodle-like cookies fresh from the oven, but that's not really a problem since the dough is already portioned, making it easy to bake off just as many cookies as you plan to devour.
★★★★☆ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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.
★★★★☆ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★ Photo: Nicole Perry
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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.
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Nice! Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Nice! Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies ($3) look like knockoff Oreos, but they are so different. Open the box and catch an authentic whiff of cream cheese frosting. The cookies themselves are so crunchy, nutty, and gingersnap spicy. They are like the Fall version of Girl Scout Cookies Do-si-dos (Peanut Butter Sandwiches). Who knew store brand cookies could taste so amazing? BTW, Nice! is Walgreens’s label, but they are also labeled under Target’s Market Pantry
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Dean & Deluca Pumpkin Spice Maltballs
Pumpkin and chocolate are near always a winning combination, and Dean & Deluca Pumpkin Spice Maltballs ($6) are no exception. Generously spiced without being heavy handed, malty, and sweet, they're pretty darn perfect. (Fun fact: these are also included in our October Must Have box, so we're not alone in the love.)
★★★★ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Timmermans Pumpkin Lambicus
If you love kombucha's tanginess, Timmermans Pumpkin Lambicus ($12) is likely the pumpkin brew for you. Light in alcohol (like all lambics), sweet, sour, and well spiced, it's an easy beer to love.
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Pumpkin Noosa
Pumpkin Noosa ($2) 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.
★★★★ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Trader Joe's Nonfat Pumpkin Greek Yogurt
Trader Joe's Nonfat Pumpkin Greek Yogurt ($1) may be an equally delicious alternative to Noosa's pumpkin flavor. Not chalky, thick, and velvety, not very sweet, definitely pumpkin-y, filled with spices, and a tad spicy from ginger (can you tell we liked this one?!), this is a really well-balanced yogurt that we definitely care to enjoy throughout the season.
★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Howe Sound Pumpkineater Imperial Pumpkin Ale
For truly exceptional pumpkin beer, turn to Howe Sound Pumpkineater Imperial Pumpkin Ale ($14), a malty, chocolate-rich, strong beer with pronounced notes of barley, freshly roasted pumpkin, hops, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and star anise.
★★★★ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Thomas Pumpkin Spice Bagels
We have our first five-star winner! 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.
★★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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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.
★★★★★ Photo: Nicole Perry
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Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps Pumpkin Spice Crackers
Exclusive to Whole Foods, Lesley Stowe Raincoast Crisps Pumpkin Spice Crackers ($7) are a 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.
★★★★★ Photo: Anna Monette Roberts