For pumpkin spice people, fall is all about one flavor profile—pumpkin spice (a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and occasionally cloves). They love it in lattes, cookies, cakes, breads and the occasional pie. It’s everywhere. The first pumpkin spice latte (or simply PSL, to the fans) was brewed by Starbucks employee Peter Dukes and his team in 2003, in a lab at the Starbucks Support Center in the coffee giant’s hometown of Seattle. Dukes’ group of coffee scientists had already developed the Eggnog Latte and the Peppermint Mocha, and were looking to put the taste of fall into a paper cup. Their blend of espresso, pumpkin pie spice sauce, and steamed milk started the pumpkin spice revolution in 2004. While that may be the year that launched a frenzy for pie spices, the actual use of nutmeg and other key pumpkin pie spices dates much further back to 3,500 years ago to Pulau Ay, one of the Banda Islands, or “Spice Islands” in Indonesia. It’s there that scientists discovered nutmeg residue on ceramic pottery shards, though it’s not clear how the nutmeg was used (we doubt it was a latte). At one point in history, nutmeg and other spices were worth more than gold, because it was only known to grow in the Banda Islands and was therefore expensive to export. We’ve done some not-very-scientific surveys (meaning we’ve asked our friends, neighbors and reviewers who are self-proclaimed experts) to whittle down the best and worst of the pumpkin spice products on the market. Some are available now, but others will make their appearance in mid-September or early October. We’ll update this article as soon as they’re available so you don’t miss a single pumpkin spice product.
Best Non-Edible Pumpkin Spice Products
Pumpkin spices aren’t just for edible treats. In addition to being a delicious combination of savory flavors in pies and lattes, they’re also extremely aromatic. Anyone who has baked a pumpkin pie knows the smell is absolutely delicious. It’s inconvenient to bake daily, but these non-edible treats give you all the aroma without the messy baking.
Bath and Body Works White Pumpkin Candle ($26.50 at Bath & Body Works)
Our good friend, who we assure you has excellent taste, goes through at least one of these candles per season. With notes of gingerbread, white pumpkin, caramel and spices, it’s not so overpowering that you think you’re inside a pumpkin pie. The soy-wax blend has lead-free wicks and a decorative lid to make it a lovely part of your fall decor. Another friend recommends the pumpkin spice-scented candle from DW Home, which adds cinnamon and vanilla buttercream scents to the well-known pumpkin spice scent profile. The large double-wick candle burns for around 56 hours, which ought to get you through fall. DW Home also has around 100 other pumpkin scent combinations from which to choose. Reviewers love that the pumpkin spice scent isn’t overwhelming, and the aloe and shea butter ingredients help soften your hands while they clean. Plus it’s made in the USA.
Bath & Body Works Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte Body Spray ($16.50 at Bath & Body Works)
For those of you who do want to smell like your latte, Bath & Body Works created this mist that has notes of toasted marshmallows, sandalwood and praline. It does lean a little more marshmallow than pumpkin, but it’s there.
Pumpkin Spice Beer
Beer is one of the original pumpkin spice products, believe it or not. Outdating the latte by more than 200 years, the first pumpkin ale was brewed in the Colonies in 1771. Pumpkins are native to North America, and while wheat and barley were in short supply in the 18th Century, pumpkins were plentiful and provided easy access to fermentable sugars.
Saint Arnold’s Pumpkinator (Releases annually on October 15)
This spicy, flavorful beer was recommended by a friend who really knows his beers, and would not steer us wrong. Released for the first time in 2009, the award-winning Pumpkinator is a malty, hoppy beer with flavors of pumpkin, molasses, brown sugar and spices.
Southern Tier Pumking (available now - October)
With an aroma of pumpkin pie spices and roasted pecans, this annual special edition beer is only moderately bitter with a beautiful deep copper color and the flavors of fall. Released in late August through the end of October, it’s available nationwide but in limited supplies.
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale (September - November)
Cinnamon takes the lead in this full-bodied ale from Dogfish Head Brewery. Originally released in 1995, it’s named after the celebrated Punkin Chunkin events in Delaware, and it’s made with pumpkin meat, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spices.
Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby Pumpkin Ale (available in August until it’s sold out)
Aging this pumpkin ale in rum barrels gives this beer a little more complexity and a layer of rum flavoring on top of the traditional pumpkin spices. Beeradvocate.com reviewers really enjoy the light touch of the pumpkin spices, which don’t overwhelm the palate.
Best Pumpkin Spice Coffee Drinks
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (Available now)
The OG of the pumpkin spice craze, the Starbucks latte is made with espresso and steamed milk infused with pumpkin spice sauce, topped with whipped cream and a blend of pumpkin spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (Available now)
There are those who are devoted Dunkin’ Donuts coffee fans, who eschew the lattes at Starbucks in favor of the donut king’s coffees. The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has become a fan favorite, with the mix of cold brew coffee and brown sugar cinnamon syrup, topped with a pumpkin cream cold foam (instead of plain whipped cream) and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
La Colombe Oatmilk Pumpkin Spice Latte (Available now)
Vegan and dairy-free, this oat milk pumpkin delight is also kosher, gluten free, and low sugar, so it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions who still want to indulge in the pumpkin spice craze. Best served cold, reviewers love the subtlety of the pumpkin spice flavor and the convenience of keeping it in your own fridge at home. No need to venture out of the house for this latte. Green Mountain coffee is 100% sustainably sourced and doesn’t need a lot of extra frills to make it delicious or pumpkin flavored, though some reviewers swear by adding a little bit of cinnamon and vanilla creamer to take it to the next level. The pods are compatible with most Keurig devices, so you can enjoy your pumpkin spice in the comfort of your PJs.
Best Pumpkin Spice Trader Joe’s products
Trader Joe’s has really taken the pumpkin spice craze to a new level, and developed quite a cult following for many of the products. Most products are released at the same time, around the first of September. Until then, be watching the homepage for the arrival of these amazing pumpkin spice products.
Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli
We are huge fans of this slightly sweet ravioli, stuffed with pumpkin and ricotta cheese. It doesn’t need a fancy sauce to accompany it, and we prefer a gentle brown butter sauce to let the pumpkin flavor shine through. Top with a little shaved parmesan and toasted pumpkin seeds and you’re serving up heaven on a plate.
Pumpkin Bread Mix
This mix flies off the shelves come late August/early September. Seriously, people have been known to hoard this bread and muffin mix, it’s that good. It’s great to make as is, or use one of the many additional recipes like pumpkin bars or chocolate chip muffins.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese
Want to die of sheer delight? Put the TJ’s pumpkin cream cheese on your freshly baked pumpkin bread from the TJ’s mix. You’re welcome. It’s also delightful on plain bagels or anything, really.
Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps
These little crackers pack so much flavor, that it ought to be criminal. Lucky for us, it’s not. Serve them at all your fall parties with just about any soft cheese (we prefer the goat cheese), or the Syrah-soaked Creamy Toscano.
Best Pumpkin Spice Flavored Cereal
Pumpkin Spice Cheerios ($4.79 at Target)
A little sweet and a little pumpkin spicy, Pumpkin Spice Cheerios are all you love about the simple Cheerio with a taste of fall. Some reviewers cut them with regular Cheerios to ease the sweetness, but others dive right into a full bowl of nutmeg and cinnamon goodness. Like most Cheerios, the Pumpkin Spice flavor is gluten-free, as an added bonus.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Frosted Mini-Wheats
Shredded wheat isn’t for everyone, but for those of us who love Frosted Mini-Wheats, this delicious cinnamon-spiced version is a joy to eat. Reviewers beg for it to be available all year, but alas, like so many pumpkin spice flavors, it’s limited to fall months only.
Special K Pumpkin Spice ($13.99 at Walmart)
Special K’s blend of rice and wheat flakes gets kicked up a notch with a blend of pumpkin pie spices that’s still relatively healthy for a breakfast cereal. This mix is good enough to use as a granola-like topping on smoothies or yogurt, or to just nosh on as a snack minus the milk. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a recipe for a Special K Pumpkin Spice Latte bowl, which mixes espresso powder in the milk before adding to the cereal.
Best of the Rest of Pumpkin Spice Products
Pumpkin Spice Oreos ($4.28 at Walmart)
Missing from store shelves since 2017, Nabisco has brought back the Pumpkin Spice Oreo Sandwich Cookie. The outside wafers are the golden vanilla Oreo cookie base, with a pumpkin spice creme filling. They just hit store shelves on August 15, and they’re so popular we wonder if they’ll make it all the way through fall.
Grove Collaborative Cleaning Essentials ($79.99 at Grove)
Grove Collaborative is all about sustainability and cleaning with products that are gentle on the environment. This limited edition collection of products, including hand soap, dish soap, multi-purpose cleaner and laundry detergent will leave your home smelling like a fresh pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies ($30.98 for a pack of 4 at Walmart)
When we were kids, we thought Milano cookies were the ultimate in sophistication, because our Grandmother hid them from us. These subtle pumpkin-flavored versions of that cookie are the perfect treat for our now-adult-sized taste. Still sophisticated, but we can buy our own now.
Goldfish DUNKIN’ Pumpkin Spice Grahams ($2.39 at Target)
Another throwback to childhood are the tiny Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers, which have been mixed with the famous Dunkin’ Donuts pumpkin spice blend to create something that’s more graham cracker than traditional Goldfish cracker, but delicious nonetheless because of the added taste of donut glaze.
Nestlė Toll House Pumpkin Spice Latte Flavored Morsels & More
For those of you who’ve thought your PSL might make a good cookie, you’re right, and Nestlė created these Pumpkin Spice Latte morsels to mix in your favorite recipe wherever chocolate chips might have gone. We think they’d be great in oatmeal cookies, with the mix of white chocolate, coffee biscuits and pumpkin spice chunks.
Dairy Queen Pumpkin Pie Blizzard ® Treat (available August 29)
We love a Blizzard ®, as it’s the perfect blend of DQ soft serve and fun toppings, whirled together. This version uses real pumpkin pie pieces blended with vanilla soft serve and topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. You might not think ice cream and fall weather go together very well, but we’d never turn down a trip to DQ, no matter the season.
Worst Pumpkin Spice Products
Even die-hard PSPs know there are some products that should just be left out of the pumpkin spice craze.
Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice SPAM
It was a real thing, and it sold out nationwide in just seven HOURS in 2019. Yes, that’s right. Hours. Not days. Reviews were mixed, which is expected as SPAM itself is definitely an acquired taste. Suitable for breakfast with its nutmeg and cinnamon notes, we’ve not heard if SPAM plans to bring back the flavor in 2022, but if it does, it would launch in mid-September. If you don’t want to wait, we did see a few available on Ebay…for $150 a can.
Nissin Pumpkin Spice Cup Noodles
Even creator Nissin describes these pumpkin seasoned noodles as “a fine line between genius and insanity.” They’re going big into the sweetness, even suggesting a dollop of whipped cream added in after microwaving. First introduced in August of 2021 exclusively at Walmart, the pumpkin spice Cup Noodles will be back in select stores in the northeast, south, and a few in Texas, starting in October. Reviews have been decidedly mixed, but that seems to apply to most pumpkin spice products. We might be biased, in that we don’t want any fragrance in our personal care products, but if we did it definitely wouldn’t be this one. Like a lot of pumpkin spice products, this falls in the category of “love it or hate it.” For PS lovers, it’s a limited edition scent, so stock up now. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing. Next up, an easy copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe!
