Every year as the leaves begin to change, a rush of fall-themed products make their way into stores and businesses. Tasty seasonal treats such as apple cider donuts are highly anticipated. Some pumpkin-spice themed products have amassed a cult following that has come to saturate the market in countless varieties and forms.
If you are one of these fall-themed food fanatics, you may be wondering which of these products are worth spending your money on.
To answer this question, I traveled around the Frederick County area to pick up different fall-themed products.
Gaver Farm’s Apple Cider and Donuts
One popular destination to buy fall-themed foods in Maryland is Gaver Farm. Gaver Farm is a family-run farm that offers hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking and more. Alongside these activities comes a variety of homemade refreshments available for purchase.
Upon my arrival at Gaver Farm, I purchased both their apple cider and apple cider donuts. You can purchase cold apple cider for $3.00 or hot apple cider for $3.75. A singular donut is $2.00, and a dozen is $13.00.
The apple cider perfectly balances the tangy and delicately sweet flavors of the apple. The result is a crisp, refreshing drink.
Although enticing, when consumed alone, the donuts are slightly dry. However, when paired with the apple cider, the two complement each other incredibly well. The donuts are chewy with a sensationally thick consistency. They feature a sugary coating without being overly sweet. I would recommend this combination to any apple cider lovers out there!
Apple Cider Rating: 5/5 stars
Apple Cider Donut
Rating: 4/5 stars
McDonald’s Pumpkin and Creme Pie
McDonald’s may be famous for their burger-and-fries meal, but they have also featured a variety of pies over the years. Their apple and cherry pies are two staples for the brand. However, in the fall, another delectable flavor makes an appearance: pumpkin and creme pies.
Mcdonald’s pumpkin and creme pies are split between a layer of vanilla cream and warm, savory pumpkin filling. This flavor combination creates a sweet-and-savory contrast which is just too good to be true. The outside of the pie features a thin, tasty crust embedded with sugar. Although this may not be the healthiest option, it is certainly a delicious treat.
Rating: ⅘ stars
Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte
It would not be a fall-themed foods review without the inclusion of the iconic pumpkin spice latte. And, in my opinion, although numerous fast food restaurants have followed suit, no one can beat Starbucks, who originally released the drink in 2003. Since then, the drink has become increasingly popular and become a staple fall drink for many.
Starbucks now has a variety of fall-themed drinks, from the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso to the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte. For this review, I tried a twist on the original pumpkin spice drink, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte (12 oz drink available for $5.75).
This drink is so good it makes every other coffee seem inferior. The wondrous taste of the sweet spices elevates this coffee to another level. The flavor is both fiery and sweet. The creamy consistency is irresistible. Overall, drinking this coffee is a heavenly experience, which is why I would recommend it to everyone!
Rating: 5/5 stars
Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Donut
Next, I tried the Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin Spice Latte (medium size available for $6.39). All things aside, I love this drink. I visit Dunkin’ Donuts on a regular basis. The latte is flavorful with nutty pumpkin undertones. Its only major flaw is that it simply cannot beat the Starbucks version.
A plus side to the latte is that it features a generous layer of whipped cream. This adds another enticing layer to the drinking experience. This latte is quite good but, unfortunately, still pales in comparison to the original Starbucks latte.
In addition to its coffee, Dunkin’ Donuts also released a selection of fall-themed foods. For this review, I decided to try the pumpkin donut.
The donut is flavorful and heavily features the pumpkin taste. There is a sweet glaze covering the top, which elevates the flavor and adds to the texture. Overall, this donut is both tasty and filling and has a pleasant, chewy consistency.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: ⅘ stars
Pumpkin Donut: ⅘ stars
Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Next up on my list, I visited local grocery stores to see their selection of seasonal foods.
One highly-anticipated fall treat is the Pillsbury Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. A 20-count of these cookies is available for $3.99 at Target. They are safe to eat raw or cooked. Each cookie features pumpkin detailing on the top.
These cookies are so addictingly good. Each bite is more delicious than the last. The warm, buttery taste feels like a hug from an old friend. The texture is soft and chewy. Whether eaten or raw or baked, this cookie manages to prevail as a standout fall item.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Lesserevil Organic Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
If you have a craving for a salty snack, and a more unusual pumpkin-flavored treat, look no further than the Lesserevil Organic Pumpkin Spice Popcorn , available for only $3.29 at Target (64 oz package). This popcorn, with its aromatic pumpkin spice flavoring and flawless balance of salty and sweet, is so mouth-wateringly good you will be wondering where the whole bag went. The popcorn itself is neither greasy nor dry, and each kernel is seasoned to perfection.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Creamer
If you are a big Starbies fan and plan on consuming pumpkin spice on a regular basis, one cost-effective method is to simply buy a bottle of creamer. For this review, I tried the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Creamer available for $5.29 at Target for a 28 fluid oz. bottle.
This pumpkin spice latte creamer can turn your average morning cup of joe into a festive and delicious one. The creamer is rich and full of flavor. However, the pumpkin flavor is slightly understated in the simply sweet flavor of the creamer.
Rating: ⅘ stars
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Coffee K-Cups
If you own a Keurig, another option is to purchase fall-themed K-Cups. One popular option for K-Cups is the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Coffee K-Cups.
These K-Cups are a fiery medium blend reminiscent of all things fall. The flavor is well-balanced with strong pumpkin notes without being too harsh. From the first sip, you will be whisked away to a land of endless October. However, they are pricey, weighing in at $19.85 for 32 pods.
Rating: ⅘ stars
Marketplace Brands Fall K-Cups Edition
Another option for K-Cups are the Marketplace Brands Fall K-Cups Edition. The Marketplace Brands feature a variety of flavors such as Cinnamon Bun, Maple Bacon, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Coconut and more.
Although the taste of this blend is not necessarily bad, the flavors are somewhat understated, and the blend is somewhat bitter. And, with only 12 pods for $19.09, this product may just not be worth the splurge.
Rating: ⅗ stars
Barissimo Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam
To top off your cup of coffee, you may want to add Barissimo Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam. Not only is it affordable at $3.49, the creamy yet thick consistency and delectably sweet flavoring ensures that this coffee surpasses your average cup of joe. Not only that, but it adds to the aesthetic appeal of your drink, giving it a professional, elevated look.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Veggie Chips Ghosts and Bats
For your snacking purposes, Garden Veggie Snacks, (producer of the wildly popular Veggie Straws), are always a good option. But during the Halloween season, an unbeatable product is released: Veggie Chips Ghosts and Bats (12 snack-sized bags available for only $8.48 at Walmart).
Veggie Chips Ghost and Bats are a salty and savory delicacy. The chip is light and crispy but bursting with flavor. Once you start eating Veggie Chips Ghost and Bats, it is difficult to stop. Each individual chip has the perfect amount of salt. Not only that, but the design featured on each chip is adorable, featuring an endearing smile from each of the characters
Rating: 5/5 stars
If you are looking for more ways to commemorate the fall season and romanticize the colder weather, purchasing seasonal food and drinks is a splendid way to go. All of these food items can help spice up your fall season and bring some excitement to your everyday life.
