It’s a pumpkin spice world right now, and we’re all just living it. Yes. It’s fall, which means your grocery store shelves are stocked with every conceivable fall-flavored product that can be found. Some are a hit and some a definite miss. We’ve put together a compendium of what you can expect to see on your next shopping trip.
Fall-themed Alcohol
Given all the options, we couldn’t pick just one. From pumpkin- and pecan-flavored beers to unusual liquors, here are some options to spice up your next get-together. For the second year in a row, Bishop Cider is releasing their Pecan Pie Cider brewed with nuts from the Texas Pecan Company. For something completely different, Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Pumpkin whiskey should be an interesting addition to hot toddies everywhere. Samuel Adams Jack O Pumpkin Ale is always a winner.
Pumpkin Yogurt
The number of pumpkin-flavored yogurts in the dairy case this year is truly staggering. Oui By Yoplait Pumpkin Caramel is actually a pretty good substitute for pumpkin pie. Cobani Pumpkin & Spice is a bit healthier. Noosa is a bit heavy on the spices but still delicious. Ellenos Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt has real pumpkin puree and can be topped with the included oat-based cookie crumble.
All Things Apple
Apple-flavored foods can be found year-round, but some food companies save a few interesting items for fall. It does make a nice break from pumpkin spice. Oreo Apple Cider Donut cookies seem like a winner for afterschool snacks. If you want to spike your coffee with apple spirit, there’s Bailey’s Apple Pie liquor. If you like mochi, you might actually like My/Mo Apple Pie a la Mode. Pillsbury released a limited edition Salted Caramel ready-to-bake cookie dough, and we’re here for it.
Trader Joe’s
When it comes to unusual fall-flavored foods, no grocery store has more offerings than Trader Joe’s. Just about every quirky item we wanted to feature can be found exclusively on their shelves, so we decided to list a few of our favorites and move on. Pasta lovers should consider partaking of the chain’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli. Add their Autumnal Harvest pasta sauce or Pumpkin Alfredo sauce and you have autumn in a bowl. Pumpkin with an international flair? Yep, they have it in the form of Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas and Pumpkin Empanadas. Ready for dessert? Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Ice Cream hits the spot.
We’re Kind of Terrified
There are a few items on the shelves that have us a perplexed and a little terrified.
Coming soon to a H-E-B near you is Mexican Hot Chocolate Wavy Potato Chips. Described as an ode to “warm and cozy South Texas flavors” we expect them to be more mole than marshmallows and chocolate. Pumpkin Spice Spam. Yes, it exists. The question is, “should it?” Give it a try and let us know on our Facebook page.
