Pumpkin Spice 2014

IT'S TIME TO UNLEASH THE PUMPKIN KRAKEN.

Well to be honest, it's been unleashed for quite a bit of time now. But now is the time where I actually start posting about it. First, I would like to talk about this.

Starbucks decided to have a cute puzzle/secret password for those who absolutely couldn't wait to have their pumpkin spice latte (even though it was still 80+ degrees out). The idea was that you crack the code and show this screen to someone (the cashier?) at your local Starbucks, thus unlocking the long-waited PSL for everyone to enjoy early. Cute idea, but I was one of those who could wait. I wanted to take in my Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade as much as possible. (Speaking of which, is this a permanent item now? I hope so.) The tumblr page, therealpsl, is super duper cute and really gets me into the fall mood. WOO.

Now, for actual products. The first thing I spotted was this tea at Bed Bath and Beyond, which I encountered in the middle of August. Smooth. I'm looking at this picture now wondering why I didn't pick a box up. I vaguely recall enjoying the apple spice flavor from the same line, but then I remembered how improbable that was because I DON'T LIKE CHAI. ...If the temptations are strong, I still might pick this up. I know, I'm weak and I never learn from my mistakes. I've failed as a human being. Forgive me, pumpkin gods.

(Left: Pumpkin Spice Frappucino and Right: Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte)

Obligatory Starbucks PSL. There needs no explanation.

Mini review.
Iced Pumpkin Coffee: Really sweet, but actually tastes like pumpkin! Surprisingly better than I thought it would be. Medium is way too big for me.
Pumpkin Donut: Orange on the inside. No noticeable pumpkin flavor. However, cake donuts never fail to please.
Can you tell by the border and the filter that I already put this on Instagram?

Just some of the many pumpkin spice stuff I spotted at Target. I WANT ALL OF THEM.

I got the Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake cookies, which I'm 75% certain I had them last year too. Must not have been too memorable if I have to wonder if I've bought these before. They're definitely not bad, but don't remind me a lot of pumpkin. Or cheesecake.

My friend also got the Nestle Pumpkin Spice morsels to make cookies with. I contemplated getting then, but was at a loss of ideas for what to make with them. Luckily, I was able to sample a few chips off of her. They're really intense in flavor - the spices are evident and I am clearly reminded of a pumpkin. The texture isn't a smooth as a chocolate chip, differentiating it from a white chocolate chip with cinnamon. I can imagine these easily spicing up any cookie or blondie.

I swear they change the packaging dor these every year. Still the same mix though. And by "limited edition" they mean seasonal.

I want to say I was finally able to hunt them down at so-and-so supermarket, but I totally cheated because I got it at the Chobani store we have in SoHo (bless that store). I heard about these (and the other limited batch flavor) from Chobani's instagram.

I apologize for the severely subpar picture of the actual yogurt - it was the morning and I was tired. When I first licked some of it, it seemed to taste like plain greek yogurt, but eventually the cinnamon and other spices kick in and the following bites retain the flavors from the last bite (am i even making any sense?). Also, I had these with Cheerios for some crunch.

I finally found these Oreos!!! Surprisingly, I  spotted them at my local Pathmark, which rarely has new releases until months later. I thought these were decent, but not impeccable; my expectations for thesewere low as I predicted they'd just be a sugar rush. Upon first bite, the cookie tastes mildly like a pumpkin pie. As I chewed, the flavor dissolved and turned into a regular Golden Oreo. I'd say to try them if you're curious; otherwise, pass them.

Introducing, one of my favorite pumpkin spice food items of all: pumpkin spice cream cheese. I grabbed one the second I saw it, and I never regret it. Delicious with warm toast, this cream cheese is sweet and spice-y enough to keep the fall season real.

I saw these a few months ago, but I'm glad I waited for these to go on sale. That's not to say I don't like them - they're fine, just not mind-blowing. It feels like your standard Milano with an extra layer of chocolate, except that extra layer is where the pumpkin spice is. The orange-colored chocolate reminded me a lot of the pumpkin spice flavored Wilton candy melts.

Another thing I spotted but didn't pick up was this Pumpkin Spice Monster Trail Mix. It consists of pumpkin spice peanuts, pumpkin spice M&M's, and raisins. I haven't been feeling trail mix lately, so if you tried these, let me know!

Anyway, I'm missing some stuff that I didn't really care too much for (Keurig cups, air fresheners) and if you want to see all the products from last year that are back, you can find them on my post #thehuntforpumpkin

I'll try (no promises) to add the stuff that I missed from last year, and obviously add stuff to this year's post. You can also keep up to date on my Instagram or under the hashtag #thehuntforpumpkin, which is also on Instagram.

Happy Pumpkin Spice Season, Everybody!!