Even though the weather is still jumping up close to 90 where I live, I’m almost wondering if it’s too late to be talking about pumpkin spice. And yet, it’s October which means it’s full-on pumpkin spice season. for some of us — clichés be damned — we love it!
That said, I’ve found that not all pumpkin spice snacks are created equal. I in fact tried a certain popular pumpkin-spice flavored breakfast cereal, and let’s just say 3 of my 4 kids spit it right out. And I joined them.
But don’t fear. I’ve put together a few pumpkin spice snacks this fall that are actually delicious, and my family can’t quite get enough of these perfectly spicy, not-too-sweet, pumpkin-flavored treats.
CMP is an rstyle affiliate.
Related: 6 mouth-watering fall donut recipes, from pumpkin spice to apple cinnamon to chai.
Pumpkin Spice Pecans
I received a sample of Santé Pumpkin Spice Pecans from this small, family-run business, and they are so good, they are what inspired me to share my other favorites too. These flavored pecans offer that warm flavor I’m craving, without the sickening sweetness I get from so much pumpkin spice in the fall.
I actually wanted to make a pecan pie and cover it with these spiced nuts instead of plain ones. But, I already ate the whole bag. Oops. Guess I have to get more.
Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Of course, I had to hit up Trader Joe’s for some favorite pumpkin spice snacks, and my son asked to try these Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Waffles. They were a big hit, although you have to eat them moderation. I have to say, with a cup of coffee in the morning and some apple butter on top, these are not bad.
If you happen to be more into semi-homemade waffles in the morning, maybe give the TJ’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix a try. They include cinnamon, natural pumpkin spice flavor, ground ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. Could be great!
Related: 5 must-try fall coffee drink recipes to keep us awake when Daylight Savings ends
Pumpkin Spice Protein Bar
Our family is big on grabbing protein bars for breakfast or for snacks, especially when we’re late and running out the door. So I wanted to give this new Pumpkin Spice Rx Bar a try. While the texture is a little chewy for me (though what you’d expect if you already enjoy Rx Bars), the flavor is quite good. In fact, this particular one was swiped from me and eaten by my kids before I could finish it. So that’s saying something.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
If you like the icing-covered circus animal cookies from our childhood, then you’ll want to try these Petite Pumpkin Spice cookies from Trader Joe’s. The spice flavor is subtle, and the “icing” is actually yogurt, making them not too sweet. They’re the perfect little cookie to add to your kids’ lunch boxes.
Or if you’re feeling fancy, TJ’s is out now with Pumpkin Spice Biscotti. I can’t vouch for it, but for $3.99, worth a taste.
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookie Mix
If you need a semi-homemade treat for a party or tailgate coming up, you’re going to want to get this Pumpkin Chocolate-Chunk Oatmeal Cookie Mix by Trader Joe’s (also at top). You do have to mix them up with some butter and eggs, but it’s easy. We went a little “extra” with ours and dipped the baked cookies halfway in dark chocolate, and they were so so good. Highly recommend.