13 Grocery Store Fall Launches That Miss the Mark

With the advent of autumn, grocery stores around the nation are rolling out a spectrum of new products designed to tantalize our taste buds. These new launches aim to capture the essence of the season, giving shoppers an array of unique options to satisfy their fall cravings. However, not every product meets the mark when it comes to quality, taste, and overall appeal.

This list is compiled based on real-world trends, data, expert interviews, and surveys. It aims to provide an insight into some of fall’s most anticipated grocery store launches that, unfortunately, fall short of expectations. Get ready to discover which products didn’t live up to the hype, and why you might want to leave them off your shopping list this season.

Pumpkin Spice Hummus

The first product is the Pumpkin Spice Hummus. While pumpkin spice is a beloved flavor of the season, adding it to hummus has raised many eyebrows. Despite its unique blend of flavors, it seems many shoppers are not quite ready to swap their traditional chickpea dip for this sweet, pumpkin-infused alternative.

The introduction of this product signifies the extent to which the pumpkin spice trend has infiltrated diverse food categories. However, according to Food Business News, consumers are increasingly seeking originality in their pumpkin spice products. This may explain why Pumpkin Spice Hummus has not resonated with shoppers as expected.

Candy Corn Popcorn

Second on our list is Candy Corn Popcorn. This snack attempts to combine the classic taste of candy corn with the crunch of popcorn. However, it seems many find the combination too sweet, preferring their popcorn with a more traditional seasoning.

Despite the initial buzz, the product has failed to maintain its momentum in the market. As per CNBC, while candy corn remains a popular Halloween candy, its incorporation into other food items, like popcorn, hasn’t been as successful.

Apple Cider Donut Oreos

Oreo has a history of experimenting with unique flavors, but the Apple Cider Donut Oreos have not hit the sweet spot for many consumers. While the idea of combining a fall favorite donut flavor with the classic Oreo cookie might sound appealing, many consumers feel the taste doesn’t quite live up to the promise.

The launch of this product is yet another example of brands attempting to capitalize on the seasonal flavor trend. However, according to Insider, not all Oreo flavors have been well-received by the public, and the Apple Cider Donut Oreos seem to be following suit.

Maple Bacon Coffee

Fourth on our list is Maple Bacon Coffee. While the combination of maple and bacon is a breakfast favorite for many, the idea of blending these flavors into coffee has left many consumers skeptical. The unusual flavor profile has failed to entice a large number of coffee lovers.

Despite the current trend of flavored coffees, this product’s complex taste has struggled to gain traction in the market. As stated by Coffee Review, flavored coffees can be polarizing, and the Maple Bacon Coffee seems to be no exception.

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is another product that has failed to impress. Although the idea of adding a fall twist to traditional pasta sauce might sound intriguing, many consumers find the sauce’s sweetness overpowering, overshadowing the savory flavors typically associated with pasta dishes.

The launch of this product reflects the growing trend of incorporating seasonal produce into everyday items. However, as outlined by Bon Appétit, getting the balance of flavors right is crucial, something that the Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce seems to have missed.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder

Sixth on our list is Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder. While pumpkin spice has undeniably become a fall staple, its application in protein powder has not been widely embraced. Many fitness enthusiasts prefer their protein powder with a neutral or traditional flavor, making it easier to incorporate into various recipes and shakes.

The introduction of this product is an attempt to combine health and wellness trends with seasonal flavors. However, as per Eat This, Not That, the product’s reception indicates that not every food item benefits from the pumpkin spice treatment.

Caramel Apple Popsicles

Caramel Apple Popsicles, while sounding like a delicious treat, have not lived up to the hype. The icy texture of the popsicle seems to clash with the traditional experience of biting into a gooey, crunchy caramel apple, leaving many consumers disappointed.

The product’s launch is a testament to the ongoing trend of reinventing classic flavors in novel formats. Unfortunately, as highlighted by Sweet & Snacks Expo, not all such experiments are met with success, as is apparent with the Caramel Apple Popsicles.

Spiced Pumpkin Ale

Spiced Pumpkin Ale, though initially met with interest, hasn’t managed to carve out a significant market share. Despite the seasonal appeal of pumpkin, many beer enthusiasts find the spiced pumpkin flavor too overpowering, masking the subtler notes of the ale.

The introduction of the Spiced Pumpkin Ale is reflective of the broader trend of seasonal craft beers. However, according to Brewers Association, demand for pumpkin beers is declining, suggesting that consumers may be looking for new flavors to try.

Maple-Flavored Potato Chips

Maple-Flavored Potato Chips have not quite managed to crack the snack market. While the combination of sweet and salty can be appealing, many consumers feel that the robust maple flavor overwhelms the chip, undermining the savory crunch that chip lovers typically seek.

The launch of these chips is part of a wider trend of experimentations with chip flavors. However, as reported by Snack History, not all flavor experiments resonate with consumers, and Maple-Flavored Potato Chips appear to be one such misstep.

Pumpkin Spice Salsa

Rounding off our list is Pumpkin Spice Salsa. While the idea was to offer a unique twist on a classic dip, many consumers find the combination of pumpkin spice with traditional salsa ingredients to be jarring. The sweet, creamy notes of pumpkin spice seem to clash with the tangy, spicy flavors of salsa.

The launch of this product is indicative of the ongoing trend of fusing disparate flavors. However, as per Refinery29, not every fusion product is met with success, and Pumpkin Spice Salsa seems to be one such miss.