Do These Pumpkin Spice Products Go A Little Too Far?

This is for the editorial fellowship Pumpkin lovers, rejoice!

1.

Over the last couple of years, pumpkin spice has become more than just the staple basic girl drink. Tons of brands have started making their classic favorites into the festive new flavor. Some of which we can get behind, like pumpkin spice donuts, coffee creamers, and candies. Others, however, are more questionable than starting pumpkin season in the middle of August.

2. Kraft Pumpkin Spice Mac n Cheese

Kraft / Via foodandwine.com

This product was first released in Canada last year and people went crazy. I know we're all wondering the same thing here– what exactly is pumpkin spice mac n cheese? Kraft described it as "the same cheesy Mac & Cheese Americans know and love, now with added fall flavors: hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and ginger." I don't know about you, but I'm gonna stick to the same plain ol' mac n cheese I know and love. Thanks anyway, Kraft!

3. Land O Lakes Pumpkin Pie Spice Butter

Land O Lakes / Via landolakes.com

Originally, this product did not seem that weird to me, but the more research I do on it, the more skeptical I become. The Land O Lakes website does a great job of selling the product: "Finally, pumpkin pie spice exactly where it belongs…in spreadable butter! Fall never tasted so good." However, there is no description of what it actually tastes like, or what's in it to make it pumpkin pie spice flavor.

4. Lantana Foods Pumpkin Spice Hummus

Lantana Foods / Via lantanafoods.com

After reading the ingredients on this hummus, it actually doesn't sound too bad. I think where I was led astray was the word 'spice' in the name. When I think pumpkin spice I think sweet and cinnamon-y. However, this hummus just adds pumpkin as an ingredient, making it all the pumpkin without all the spice. It's topped with cranberries and sunflower seeds, which still make it perfect for fall.

5. Nissin Pumpkin Spice Cup Noodles

Nissin / Via nissinfoods.com

The college favorite 4-minute dinner is trying something new with their latest release– pumpkin spice ramen. The Nissin website describes the new flavor as a "special pumpkin seasoning that’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory and spiced." Pumpkin soups and curries are very popular this time of year, but where Nissin lost me is when they suggested topping the cup noodles with whipped cream. That's gonna be a no from me, dawg.

6. Pumpkin Spice Spam

Food & Wine / Via foodandwine.com

The iconic packaged meat brand is turning heads once again with its release of pumpkin spice Spam. They describe it as "a blend of seasonal spices including cinnamon, clove, allspice, and nutmeg." These are not uncommon in a lot of spice rubs so while it makes more sense that I'd like to admit, it still does not sit right with me.

7. Bud Light Pumpkin Spice Hard Seltzer

The Dieline / Via thedieline.com

Hard seltzers have recently been all the rave, so much so that beer companies have put out their own version to compete with big names like White Claw and Truly. Bud Light released their own version of hard seltzers in 2020, but they're not done yet. While it has yet to be confirmed by Bud Light, fall flavors like toasted marshmallow, maple pear, and obviously pumpkin spice have been leaked to sources.

8. Sprouts Pumpkin Spice Kale Chips

PopSugar / Via popsugar.com

I've never had a kale chip, but I'm willing to bet they're not supposed to be warm and sweet like the flavors of typical pumpkin spice. I don't think there is really much more that needs to be said here.

9. Pumpkin Spice Oreos

Cosmopolitan/Target / Via cosmopolitan.com

Oreo is famous for creating new and original flavors for Milk's Favorite Cookie. There are over 50 flavors, some of which rotate seasonally. With both chocolate and golden cookies, the possibilities are endless. It is not surprising that Oreo also jumped on the PSL bandwagon and created a pumpkin spice flavor. The pumpkin pie flavored creme is sandwiched between two golden Oreos for a deliciously dunkable fall favorite. You didn't expect me to end on a bad note, did you?!