A welcomed crispness is in the air and the leaves are turning gorgeous shades of gold – fall is announcing its presence. It is my favorite time of the year because PUMPKIN. Why do we only focus on pumpkin around the holidays? Pumpkin, a seasonal squash, is a tasty source of vitamin A and its high fiber content has been known to aid digestion. We keep canned pumpkin in the pantry year round and use it whenever the craving hits.
But I digress. Pumpkin and pumpkin spice everything is taking over store shelves around the country and I say bring it on! Here are some of our favorite and new pumpkin-flavored products launched this year.
1. Cali’flour Foods Pumpkin Pie & Cinnamon Spice cauliflower crust
Got to hand it to Cali’flour Foods for creating aseasonal Pumpkin Pie & Cinnamon Spice cauliflower crust. With eight grams of protein and only four carbs, the crust is a grain-free alternative to traditional ones, and it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients and only the necessary ingredients, so you get all the flavor without any nasty fillers. I can only imagine how insanely delicious my homemade pumpkin pie filling is going to taste in this crust!
2. JJ’s Sweets Pumpkin Spice Cocomels®
Vegan caramels have gotten an epic seasonal makeover with the launch of JJ’s Sweets Pumpkin Spice Cocomels®. Available in single serve packs, their creamy coconut milk caramel is blended with an organic pumpkin spice mix with cinnamon and nutmeg. Designed to illicit all the fall feels, this seasonal treat has only two grams of sugar per piece, so indulge and embrace the flavors of autumn.
3. Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar
All hail the return of the Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar. With a taste and texture that is akin to eating a slice of pumpkin pie, the popularity of this season-inspired refrigerated protein bar caused it to sell out in three days in 2018, according to “Eat This, Not That.” Crafted with freshly-ground organic peanut butter and honey, along with organic dried pumpkin and cinnamon and nutmeg, it has 14 grams of protein and contains 20 superfoods like spinach and kelp. One bite and you will be exclaiming “oh my gourd.” This bar is a perfect example of why pumpkin should be on your radar and store shelves all year long!
4. Raised Gluten Free’s pumpkin pie
A slice of Raised Gluten Free’s pumpkin pie is a must. Their transformation of a traditionally gluten and butter-based crust with dairy-full filling into a classic holiday favorite, free of gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts is a revelation. Tofu is combined with pumpkin puree, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon creating a pie that will satisfy and fool anyone. Each bite of the flaky crust and its smooth pumpkin filling will have you double checking the ingredients to ensure it is indeed gluten free and vegan.
5. Pumpkin Spice RX Nut Butter
RX Bar had to get in on the seasonal fun with the introduction of its Pumpkin Spice RX Nut Butter. Peanuts are blended with egg whites, dates, coconut oil, pumpkin, cinnamon and allspice creating a protein-filled squeezable and spreadable snack with all the comforts of fall. And yes, it tastes as good as it sounds.
6. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Bagels
Trader Joe’s has done it again with the introduction of Pumpkin Spice Bagels. Yes, they are real and rolling out to stores nationwide in September. At $4.49 per package they are bound to be popular, so grab ‘em while you can.
