Slice of Pumpkin Pie Ale

1st off, this beer should be called “Slice of Heaven!” — Of all the pumpkin beers I have tried in 8+ years, I have never had one better than this! Elysian Night Owl is amazing and tough competition, but this takes the pie.

It’s not too hoppy. It’s not too ale-y. It is just perfect! I could drink a whole 6-pack and then another one. This is the type of beer that should be paired with a blanket and a hayride on a cool October Eve or a trip to the bone-yard [if you catch my drift].

From the website: Brewed with the finest imported barley and wheat, blended with local farm-fresh whole pumpkin pureé. Wildflower honey and traditional American pumpkin pie spices such as cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and ginger culminate to make this iconic autumn treat.

Pumpkin Score: 10 out of 5 Pumpkins.

It’s a smash getting smashed with this beer.

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s

Not really an “Oreo” fan, but these are pretty good. They remind me of animal crackers with a ‘pumpkin filing’ — Once again, not that pumpkin spice-y, but still pretty good if you’re looking for something sweet to snack on.

I don’t think I would buy them again and again, like Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark, but they are worth a try.

Pumpkin Score: 1 out of 5 Pumpkins

Trader Joe’s Organic Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark

One word: Addicting!

While I wouldn’t say this is all that Pumpkin spice-y, it definitely is GREAT. Good texture, very chocolate-y and nutritious.

  • Gluten Free Oats
  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Roasted Almonds
  • Coconut Oil
  • Warm spices
  • Maple Syrup

Definitely a good eat on a hike, bike ride or post-gym snack. Highly recommend. .

Pumpkin Score: 1 out of 5 Pumpkins

**However overall taste, texture I’d give this 6 out of 5.

Hu Kitchen No-Yo Pumpkin Maca Parfait

Im all about most things from Hu Kitchen NYC, but this was a fail. (at least for my tastebuds).

Maybe I’m not a maca fan, or the consitency was off, but the only good thing about this was the granola on top.

All in all, save your money and don’t buy this. There are a lot of other vegan goodies at Hu Kitchen that you’ll like more.

Tip for Hu Kitchen: Dont MACA anymore of these!

Pumpkin Score: 0 out of 5 Pumpkins

Kellog’s Special K Pumpkin Spice Crunch

I liked this cereal as a cereal. Crunchy, never soggy. However, in terms of PUMPKIN SPICE-NESS… It lacks. It reminds me more of “apple jacks” with a lot of cinnamon.

If you like sweet cereals and Special K, you’d like this. But if you’re looking for “pumpkin spice,” there are plenty other options out there.

Pumpkin Score: 1 out of 5 Pumpkins

*4/5 for overall taste/texture though

Pumpkin Cheerios

Of all the Pumpkin Spice cereals I’ve had, in terms of like, kid-like cereals, THIS is definitely the most pumpkin spice bang for your buck. I found this at Target, but likely it’s in a grocery store near you.

My dog loves these, and I’m sure kids would, too. I love to pair this with the Silk Almond/Cashew blend milk with added 10g of protein. No soy.

  • 110 cals/serving
  • Whole grain oats
  • Gluten Free
  • Vegan, of course

Pumpkin Score: 6 out of 5 Pumpkins

Leinenkugel’s Limited Release Harvest Patch Shandy

Crisp weiss beer with a natural pumpkin spice flavor!

You had me at crisp! This beer is the BEST pumpkin beer I have had– I know I have said this before, but I had not had this yet. It’s crisp, wheat and pumpkin-y, but not overload. It’s absolutely delicious. It’s almost a combo of a wheat beer with a cider, but not as sweet. You HAVE to try this if you can get your hands on it.

From Leinekugel’s website: “Satisfy your thirst for autumn with our Leinenkugel’s® Harvest Patch®Shandy. It’s their traditional weiss beer with natural pumpkin spice flavor to give you notes of nutmeg, allspice and clove for a refreshing fall seasonal. It’s crisp and smooth, just like a perfect fall day on the Leinie Side. “

ABV. 4.2%
IBU. 11
AVAIL. Sep – Oct

Pairs with: spicy chili or caramel flan.

Pumpkin Score: 6 out of 5 Pumpkins!

I could drink this all day and night without it being too sweet, or pumpkin-y and then

Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup

Well, I was very sad to hear/read that BOTH Starbucks AND Dunkin’ Donuts pumpkin spice syrups are NOT vegan. That said, I chose to venture out of the box, and have amazon ship an alternative in a box. So HERE it is.

Torani Pumpkin Pie Syrup.

I put it in my DD iced coffee [prefer DD over Starbucks, but you can put it in any coffee hot or iced] I believe you could use this syrup in a lot of things.. over vegan ice cream, pancakes, waffles, my body…

Anyway… 1st sip I was hesitant & not knowing what flavor to expect. Then BAM it hits me! This is like legit pumpkin flavor, not just sugary thick fake ass syrup! In terms of pumpkin it is definitely on the money and tastes more like what Starbucks uses in their PS Lattes. Which I am definitely OK with.

All in all, this is a great addition to my Pumpkin spice library and will continue to add it to my coffee and other concoctions. Excited for it to get cooler to put it into HOT coffee. Will update the review once I get there. Also, i believe Amazon also sells this in sugar free as well. I got the full sugar because, well, sugar doesn’t cause diabetes. Yay.

1 oz= 100 calories [which is less that a PSL, for sure!] There are 420 calories in a whole milk version of a PSL! 

Pumpkin Score: 4 out of 5 Pumpkins

 

Kashi: Pumpkin Spice Flax Granola Bar

Ok 1st off, let me just tell you this is my 1st year reviewing all things pumpkin as a vegan.

That said, this year could be tougher than all the previous. And I may need your help! I am on a quest to find VEGAN/CRUELTY FREE pumpkin flavored, scented, what have you, options. So, please send any you see in stores/online my way and/or tag me on IG with the name/place to purchase, etc.

Ok, so back to the review! This granola bar is THE BEST I have ever had. Not only because I am partial to pumpkin spice, but because it is crunchy AF! So, if you’re a type that likes the chewy, gooey bars this one’s not for you.

In terms of pumpkin-goodness, this is definitely one of the more potent and flavorful items I’ve tried. Could be because it was one of the 1st’s of the season and my palate just hasn’t had it’s fair share of pumpkin spice yet, but I really do think it’s amazingly pumpkin, but not overdone.

I highly suggest you pick these up if you see them at your local grocery store. I found them in the cereal aisle.

The Facts:

  • 4g of Fiber [DUMPS]
  • 4g of Protein [GRR]
  • 26g of carbs [good for pre-workout]
  • 10g of sugar [tad high, but worth it]

Pumpkin Score: 5 out of 5 Pumpkins! Bravo, Kashi.

Nature’s Path Organic Flax Plus Pumpkin Raisin Crunch

Like raisin bran? Well life just got a WHOLE lot better. Not because of all the WHOLE grains and fiber, but because it’s raisin bran WITH pumpkin flavor! Sayyyy whaaaaa?! Yeah, crazy! And what’s even better… the cereal doesn’t get SOGGY after like 2 seconds like raisin bran does!

I love this cereal so much I am already on my 4th box of the month. And the month just started! I love eating a small bowl of this with almond/cashew milk blend [there’s one with an added 10g of protein- amazing!]. It is great for a quick fulfilling dinner, or even as a snack prior or after the gym, errands, or sitting around on your couch watching halloween movies.

I highly recommend this cereal. It definitely beats out Pumpkin Spice Cheerios and Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice O’s.

The breakdown:

  • 6g Protein
  • 40g Carbs
  • 7g Fiber
  • Excellent source of ALA Omega-3

Pumpkin Score: 5 out of 5 Pumpkins. You’re SMASHING, Nature’s Path! Pump’d to see what you come up with next!