15 Pumpkin Spice Grocery Items That Aren’t Worth the Money

1. The Generic Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix

Every year, as the leaves start to fall, grocery shelves fill up with pumpkin spice-flavored everything. One product that always seems to make an appearance is the generic pumpkin spice latte mix. People buy it because it promises the taste of a beloved seasonal treat at a fraction of the cost of a coffee shop latte. However, the reality often falls short of the expectation, with artificial flavors failing to recreate the authentic taste.

With the trend of home-brewed coffee reaching new heights, it’s tempting to try and recreate your favorite fall beverage at home. However, according to Eater, the value simply isn’t there. The artificial flavoring lacks the complexity of a real pumpkin spice latte, and the savings are often negligible when you consider the taste difference.

2. Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Cereal

Breakfast cereals are known for their seasonal flavors, and pumpkin spice is no exception. Many major cereal brands release a pumpkin spice version in the fall, capitalizing on the popularity of the flavor. Yet, despite the hype, these cereals often disappoint with a lackluster flavor that bears little resemblance to real pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin spice cereals are a popular trend every fall, but according to NPR, they rarely live up to expectations. The flavor is often too sweet, lacking the balance of spice and pumpkin that makes pumpkin spice so appealing. For value and taste, it’s better to stick with your regular cereal and add your own sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

3. Pumpkin Spice Popcorn

Popcorn is a versatile snack that can take on a variety of flavors, but pumpkin spice may not be the best fit. Many popcorn brands have tried to jump on the pumpkin spice bandwagon, but the result often tastes more like cinnamon sugar than a true pumpkin spice mix. Despite this, consumers continue to buy it, drawn in by the novelty and the promise of a sweet and savory treat.

Despite the annual appearance of pumpkin spice popcorn, it’s not a product that delivers in terms of taste or value. As reported by Food & Wine, these products often lack the depth of flavor found in other pumpkin spice items. The sweetness often overpowers the savory popcorn, resulting in a snack that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

4. Pumpkin Spice Yogurt

Yogurt is another food that has been touched by the pumpkin spice trend. Many yogurt brands release a pumpkin spice version in the fall, promising a creamy, tangy, and spicy treat. However, the reality is often a far cry from the promise, with the pumpkin spice flavor often getting lost in the tanginess of the yogurt.

According to Health, pumpkin spice yogurt rarely delivers on its promise. The pumpkin spice flavor is often too subtle to make an impact, and the tanginess of the yogurt can overpower the spices. For those looking for a creamy pumpkin spice treat, it’s better to stick with pumpkin spice ice cream or a homemade pumpkin spice smoothie.

5. Pumpkin Spice Pasta Sauce

Pasta is a staple in many households, and the variety of sauces on the market is vast. Some brands have attempted to incorporate the pumpkin spice trend into their sauces, offering a sweet and spicy twist on a classic marinara. However, the blend of tomato and pumpkin spice is often jarring, resulting in a sauce that many find unappealing.

The trend of pumpkin spice pasta sauce is a curious one, but according to The Washington Post, it’s not a trend worth investing in. The combination of tomato and pumpkin spice doesn’t work well, and the result is a sauce that lacks the comfort of a classic marinara or the novelty of a truly innovative sauce.

6. Pumpkin Spice Potato Chips

Potato chips are a beloved snack, and many brands have attempted to give them a fall twist with pumpkin spice flavors. Consumers are drawn in by the novelty, but the result is often a chip that is too sweet to be satisfying and lacks the savory crunch that people love in a potato chip.

The trend of pumpkin spice potato chips is one that’s been around for several years, but according to Time, it’s not a trend that delivers on taste or value. The sweetness of the pumpkin spice overpowers the savory potato, and the result is a snack that’s neither satisfying nor reminiscent of the beloved fall flavor.

7. Pumpkin Spice Sausages

The world of gourmet sausages has seen many unique flavors over the years, but pumpkin spice may be one of the most unusual. Some artisanal sausage makers have started to incorporate pumpkin spice into their recipes, promising a sweet and savory experience. However, the blend of meat and pumpkin spice often clashes, resulting in a product that fails to deliver on its promise.

As reported by Bon Appétit, pumpkin spice sausages are a trend that doesn’t deliver on taste. The sweet and spicy pumpkin spice clashes with the savory meat, resulting in a product that is neither satisfying as a sausage nor as a pumpkin spice treat.

8. Pumpkin Spice Salad Dressing

Salad dressings come in a wide variety of flavors, but pumpkin spice is one that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Some brands have tried to incorporate the popular fall flavor into their dressings, promising a sweet and spicy twist on a classic vinaigrette. However, the result is often a dressing that is too sweet for a savory salad.

Pumpkin spice salad dressing is a trend that’s been on the rise in recent years, but according to Eat This, Not That!, it’s not a trend worth investing in. The sweetness of the pumpkin spice often clashes with the savory elements of a salad, resulting in a dish that is neither satisfying nor balanced.

9. Pumpkin Spice Hummus

Hummus is a versatile dip that can take on many flavors, but pumpkin spice is one that doesn’t quite work. Some brands have tried to incorporate the popular fall flavor into their hummus, but the result is often a product that is too sweet to pair well with savory snacks.

Despite the annual appearance of pumpkin spice hummus on grocery shelves, it’s not a product that delivers in terms of taste or value. As reported by Today, these products often lack the savory balance that makes hummus so versatile, resulting in a dip that doesn’t pair well with most snacks.

10. Pumpkin Spice Cheese

Cheese is a food that has been experimented with in many ways, but the addition of pumpkin spice is one trend that doesn’t deliver. Some artisanal cheese makers have tried to incorporate pumpkin spice into their products, aiming to capture the sweet and spicy flavor in a creamy cheese. However, the result is often a cheese that is too sweet and lacks the depth of flavor that cheese lovers appreciate.

Pumpkin spice cheese is a trend that’s been around for a few years, but according to Delish, it’s not a trend that delivers on taste or value. The sweetness of the pumpkin spice often overpowers the creamy cheese, resulting in a product that falls short of both a satisfying cheese and a true pumpkin spice treat.