Fall food flavors to buy and avoid in Grocery Stores this Autumn

Fall is the greatest time of year, for many reasons. The top one being all of the incredible food and flavors that are associated with this time of year. Maple, pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, vanilla … the list goes on and on with fall flavors that feel like a cozy hug on a crisp day after months of summertime treats. 

When hitting the grocery store this time of year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And with the cost of groceries, it’s important to get the good stuff, and skip the products that taste more like a cheap candle than autumnal bliss. This article does not contain affiliate links, we recommend this to you out of personal choice, not for an advertising paycheck.

Werther’s Original Soft Caramel in Maple Creme

These soft and chewy caramels provide the perfect sweet bite. The exterior is a soft, classic caramel, while the center is a flavored creme filling. The maple is a must have in my house every fall, since the maple flavor is perfectly sweet without feeling overpowering or artificial. While other fall flavors like Cinnamon Creme, Pumpkin Spice, and even a hard candy caramel apple exist and are all delicious in their own right, the maple is by far the best with the most natural flavor in the line up. 

Little Debbie Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Creme Pies

Trust me on this one and skip the fall take on this classic treat. In theory? It’s amazing. In reality, it tastes way too artificial. The texture of the cookie even felt more dry than what I remember of the classic lunchbox treat, so all around, this one was not something I would suggest to fellow fall foodies! 

Skinny Dipped Pumpkin Spice and Maple Kiss Almonds

First let me say, I am not an almond fan. I think they are one of the most boring members of the nut family, and they typically are not what I reach for in the store. I have never had a Skinny Dipped product before, so I’m really not even sure what led to me taking these off the shelf to bring home, but WOW, am I glad I did. Both flavors are amazing, and they truly do have the perfect ratio of coating, flavor dusting, and almond. These are great to add to a fall lunch, to eat as a snack on the go, or to add to a fall charcuterie board! 

Peelerz Gummy Pumpkin and Mummy

These are simply too cute, and are a must if you love all things Halloween. The shapes are incredibly detailed for a gummy candy, and the peeling and eating is fun for kids and adults alike! If you’re putting candy out for guests this season, these look simply adorable poured into a glass jar or serving dish with all the tiny gummy shapes on display. Made with real fruit juice, these have a better fruit flavor than many other gummy candies as well. 

HI-CHEW Halloween Mix with Mystery Flavor

I always love HI-CHEW and the ‘00s kid in me loves a mystery flavor, so these were another win. Featuring blue raspberry, sweet and sour watermelon, candy apple, and the mystery flavor, there’s something for every sweets lover in this mix. As for me, I would bet big money the mystery flavor is black cherry, but to know for sure, you’ll just have to try it yourself! 

Pumpkin Spice Frosted Flakes

It seems this time of year the entire cereal aisle is covered in pumpkin spice, but Frosted Flakes are the only seasoned cereal that matters to this foodie. That classic frosted flavor matches perfectly with the seasonal spices and the texture of this crunchy and sweet cereal. 

Mallomars 

These classic cookies are over one hundred years old, but I still feel like the majority of people I meet have never had one. Made with real dark chocolate, these cookies taste similar to s’mores and are only available for the autumnal season!  

Alani Nu Witches Brew 

This popular energy drink is always filling up our social media feeds, but at Halloweentime, Witches Brew truly seems to be everywhere. Well … except on the grocery store shelves! It took weeks, but when I finally found a can to try, it felt a little anticlimactic. This caramel apple energy drink is light and refreshing, but to me, had a strange aftertaste. It’s good, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the online hype. 

Of course, these are only some of the incredible fall products that come out this time of year … what products should we review next? 

Josie Maida is an Orlando based foodie and mom who shares foodie fun at the local grocery store and across the globe. Follow her across all socials at @josiemaida!