10 Pumpkin Spice Foods You Should Eat With No Shame [Opinion]

As with any other year since Starbucks gave the world the Pumpkin Spice Latté in 2003, we now enter a time period in early October I affectionately refer to each year as the “Pumpkin Spice Zone.” It seems like each year, food manufacturers slam this fall flavor into everything they can think of, even… hummus?! Here are 10 food items you can find this year that contain the magical flavor that is pumpkin spice.

1. Cheerios

What better way to start your day than with a heart-healthy, gluten-free bowl of Cheerios. Not just any Cheerios, however. Pumpkin spice Cheerios! Refinery29 reported the cereal’s September release and promising initial reactions from taste testers. I can tell you that these are definitely on the grocery list for my first October trek to the local supermarket.

2. Bagels

Thomas’ is at it again with their seasonal bagel offering. Recently, the bread company has drawn attention for their “limited edition” varieties of bagels and English muffins (see PR Newswire’s write-up on the Salted Caramel flavor); this fall will be no different with the availability of a pumpkin spice bagel and most likely a similarly flavored English muffin to boot.

3. Cream Cheese

A major player in the cream cheese space, Kraft’s Philadelphia is offering pumpkin spice cream cheese this fall season. Just imagine spreading this on the aforementioned pumpkin spice bagel… a pumpkin explosion!

4. Pancakes

If you haven’t been able to tell already, I’m big on breakfast. And anything pumpkin spice very easily and comfortably finds its way onto my breakfast table. There are several brands that offer their rendition of this seasonal pancake mix, however Krusteaz is in the space with a “complete” mix, a.k.a. “Just Add Water.” Put them on the griddle, slather with syrup (there is probably a pumpkin spice-flavored bottle out there somewhere), and enjoy.

5. Potato Chips

Shifting over to lunch/snack time, TERRA is selling pumpkin spice chips just in time for October. This is the first item on the list that has that sweet and salty contrast so if you’re into that dynamic, go and find a bag at your local grocer. TERRA arguably first gained fame for their TERRA Blues, a potato chip served on JetBlue flights and made from purple potatoes. They recently planted a potato farm at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 5, effectively launching the “farm-to-air” market.

6. Almonds

Planters is offering pumpkin spice almonds. A great and seasonal twist on one of the classic snacks for an on-the-go lifestyle. Whether you’re a road warrior or desk jockey, this high-protein nut dressed for the fall weather will be a nutritious companion for these brisk October days.

7. Soft Pretzel Nuggets

Auntie Anne’s has been known to recently offer pretzels in this autumnal variety. Whether they will follow through again this year remains to be seen; one thing is for certain, however. If they sell these morsels of limited edition heaven again, I’ll be lining up.

8. Sandwich Cookies

For this article, I have chosen to highlight Pepperidge Farm’s Milano cookies. You won’t find their special pumpkin spice cookies on their website; this simply makes them all the more elusive. Grab your pipe and magnifying glass to find them before they’re gone for good… or just another 365 days.

9. Chocolate Chips

Toll House has released… you guessed it, pumpkin spice chocolate chips! With the package bragging of cinnamon and spices, and whether you bake them into your homemade kitchen concoction, or just eat them by the handful, I don’t think you’ll be judged.

10. Peeps?!

Long an Easter staple, Peeps have been decked out for the PSL set. This fall you can find them in all their spiced wonder, and if you’re a marshmallow fan, these will be right up your alley.

BONUS: Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Crescents With Cream Cheese Icing!

I did some homework for you and found this recipe that will fill your home with the aroma of pumpkin, spices, and by extension: fall. Enjoy the season and hopefully, these snacks will get you in the mood for the crisp air, changing colors, and holiday eats to come. If you’ll excuse me, I have a shopping cart full of all 10 of these items that I have to attend to…