From Trader Joe's maple popcorn to a hummus that tastes just like pumpkin pie filling, these are the new fall snacks our editors can't stop munching on.
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Crispy Cookies with Real Pumpkin Flavor
Tate's Pumpkin Spice Cookies
“I’m not usually one for crunchy chocolate chip cookies. So much so that when I bake my favorite brown butter chocolate chip cookies, I underbake them so that they’re as soft as possible when I bite into them. My mom, however, is a crunchy chocolate chip cookie gal, and she recently left a box of Tate’s at my apartment. They grew on me, and then I found myself buying the seasonal flavors. Tate’s pumpkin spice cookies with white chocolate chips are even better than the regular ones!
The pumpkin flavor isn’t artificial like a lot of PSL-flavored treats, and the warming spices make them taste more like spice cookies than pumpkin cookies. As someone who grew up grabbing handfuls of the anise-flavored Salerno Jingles out of her grandma’s cookie jar at Christmas, I’m not surprised I loved the gingery bite in these Tate’s cookies.” —Rosie Siefert, senior editor
Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn for the Season
Trader Joe's Maple Sea Salt Kettle Corn
“In grocery stores filled with endless pumpkin spice seasonal items, a treat with literally any other fall flavor is all but guaranteed to pique my interest. So, when I spotted this maple and sea salt kettle corn during my most recent Trader Joe’s excursion, I had to give it a try.
I’ve waxed poetic about my love for Trader Joe’s flavored popcorn before (I’ll be dreaming about the hot honey popcorn until it comes back), and I am happy to report that the maple sea salt iteration lives up to my very high expectations. The maple flavor is strong but not overly sweet thanks to the addition of sea salt and the oils (sunflower and coconut) that the kernels are popped in. I really like that the thickness and crunchiness of the kettle coating vary based on how large the kennels are, giving a mix of crisp, airy bites and hard, candy-like bites.
I’ve been eating this popcorn by the handful while binge-watching TV, but it would also be a great treat in a kiddo’s lunchbox or mixed into these popcorn cookies.” —Caroline Stanko, editor
A Nutritious (and Delicious) Nut & Seed Butter
Nuttzo Pumpkin Spice Nut & Seed Butter
“I found the pumpkin spice version of NuttZo’s famous nut and seed butter on an end cap in my local Whole Foods. It was sitting with all the other seasonal products, but it caught my eye because I’ve been on the hunt for nutritious fall snacks. Once I approved the ingredient list, I placed the jar right in my cart. This chunky nut and seed butter is made with four kinds of nuts, three kinds of seeds and four comforting fall spices, and it tastes like a rich, toasty, cozy nut butter. No apple or bowl of oatmeal is safe around me right now with this in my pantry.” —Val Goodrich, food writer
A PSL for People Picky About Pumpkin Spice
Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Latte
“When I visit local coffee shops during the fall, I’m not usually the gal to go for the PSL. I more often go for the other fall-flavored choices, like a salted caramel mocha or something creative like an iced cardamom pear latte. But, my wariness of pumpkin spice lattes waned a bit when I walked into the grocery store the other day and immediately wished I had worn a jacket. I ended up bringing a bottle of Califia Farms iced pumpkin spice latte home with me.
I was really hoping that the ‘spice’ in the pumpkin spice latte wouldn’t be too strong, because that’s always the reason I hesitate to order them. But my first sip proved that this one was just right: The pumpkin flavor and the spices were evenly balanced, and the coffee flavor was strong enough that it tasted like an iced latte instead of just pumpkin spice milk. Plus, Califia Farms recommends combining this prepared latte (made with almond milk) with even more espresso or drip coffee, which means the coffee flavor ends up even more prominent. Just be careful, because a serving straight from the bottle has 65 milligrams of caffeine before you add any more.
If you’re in search of an afternoon pick-me-up, a glass of this PSL is a great choice (without any added espresso or coffee) because the caffeine content will give you a boost without keeping you up at night. Now that I’ve tried it, I’ll be doing this every morning until the jug runs out.” —Lauren Pahmeier, editor
Spreadable Apple Pie for Crackers and Charcuterie Boards
Trader Joe's Apple Pie Spread
“I can’t resist Trader Joe’s seasonal finds, so when I spotted the new apple pie spread, I immediately tossed a jar in my cart. I cracked it open as soon as I got home and dipped a spoon in to taste—and I can confirm, it really does taste just like apple pie filling! It’s just sweet enough, with plenty of warm spices and apple flavor, and the thick, jammy texture makes it easy to spread.
I think it would be delightful spread on a bagel with cream cheese for a sweet-and-savory twist, served with sharp cheddar and buttery crackers (kind of like apple chutney), spooned over oatmeal, or swirled into vanilla ice cream. I’m definitely planning to grab another jar before it disappears for the season. Now, if only they’d make a pecan pie spread. Hint, hint, Trader Joe’s!” —Sharon Lehman, RDN
The Cutest Pumpkin-Shaped Cakes
Trader Joe's Mini Chocolate Mousse Pumpkins
“There are very few desserts I love more than chocolate mousse. I simply cannot get enough of the light (yet insanely rich) treat, regardless of whether it’s homemade, ordered at a restaurant or store-bought. It should come as no surprise, then, that I am obsessed with Trader Joe’s mini chocolate mousse cakes.
These bites start off with a layer of spongy chocolate cake that’s topped with an equal-sized layer of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate mousse, all of which is covered in a thin white chocolate coating. The result is an irresistible mix of textures and intense chocolate flavor. Though they’re kept at room temperature in the bakery section on TJ’s, I much prefer to store these in the fridge until everything firms up a bit. That way the coating cracks as you take a bite.
And if you’re pumpkin- or pumpkin spice–adverse, don’t worry. This dessert is pumpkin-shaped but not pumpkin-flavored. TJ’s changes up the shape seasonally.” —Caroline Stanko, editor
A Dessert Hummus Perfect for Fall
Cedar's Pumpkin Hummus
“I go in spurts with hummus. I’ll have it in the fridge for a few months, then once it’s gone, I need a break. But after I tasted Cedar’s pumpkin hummus, I knew I’d have this stocked all fall long because it actually tastes like you’re eating a spoonful of pumpkin pie. I immediately wished that I had chocolate graham crackers for dipping. It’s definitely a sweet, dessert-type hummus and not a savory hummus.
I brought it into the office with me this week, and after she tried it, senior editor Emily Parulski said, ‘I’d scoop it into a baked pie crust and serve it as pumpkin pie. No one would know the difference!'” —Lauren Pahmeier, editor
