Tag: pumpkin taste tests

Pumpkin Season 2020: Limited Edition Pumpkin Round Up

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date October 12, 2020

Beginning in September you can see pumpkin spice flavored products showing up on menus and grocery shelves. In this post, I share my experience with some new products I’ve never tasted before, as well as a couple that I have.

Paleonola Granola Grain Free, Pumpkin Pie

[two_third] Since this is grain-free granola, it doesn’t taste like typical granola. It is heavy on the nuts, instead of oats. When I opened the bag, I could smell the pumpkin pie aroma. However, the dominant flavor is of the pecans, although they are the second ingredient after almonds. After the pecans, I could taste the flavors of cinnamon and ginger, with a hint of nutmeg.

The protein to carb balance is decent. Each serving has 4 grams of protein and 8 grams of carbs. I found the granola flavorful and filling, however, I did miss the oats.

I also received the Original and Maple Pancake flavors. I will discuss them in a separate post.

Available at Paleonola.com, Thrive Market & Amazon. [/two_third]
[one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Tasting Score: 3 out of 5 Pumpkins

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PBFit Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter Powder

[two_third] I was excited to try out PBFit. I’d seen in the stores but was afraid to purchase a jar only to find out I couldn’t eat it. Due to my acid reflux, I can no longer eat peanut butter without heartburn. 🙁

But then I was offered a sample of PBFit’s Pumpkin Spice flavor and thought it was the perfect opportunity to test if I could have peanut butter powder because it had most of the fat removed.

So, I added a scoop to a vanilla smoothie. I could taste the peanuts but not the pumpkin spice. However, I also didn’t get any heartburn!

On the jar, it recommended using PBFit to make a dipping sauce for fruit and veggies. Simply mix with water. So I tried that, too. Again, it simply tasted like peanut butter. I could not detect the pumpkin spice.

So, in conclusion, if you’re looking for the pumpkin spice flavor don’t use this product. But, if you want to add extra protein to dishes that a peanut flavor would enhance, I highly recommend PBFit. I’ll be buying it now that I know I can enjoy one of my favorite flavors without the pain!

Available on Amazon. [/two_third]
[one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Tasting Score: 3 out of 5 Pumpkins

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[divider]

Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats, Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice

[two_third] As I opened the box, I knew I was in for a treat. The aroma of pumpkin spice wafted up and filled my nose with the scent of Fall cooking. Yum.

I served myself a bowl of the cereal along with some unsweetened vanilla almond milk. It was so good! I could taste the cinnamon and ginger vying for my tastebuds’ attention.

I’ve always liked frosted mini-wheats, but Kellogg’s Pumpkin Spice version has become my new favorite cereal. And, frankly, is my favorite pumpkin-themed food of this season.

Available in your local grocery store, probably in a special end-cap display. [/two_third]
[one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Tasting Score: 5 out of 5 Pumpkins

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]
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[divider]

Cheerios Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice

[two_third] I reviewed Cheerios Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice back in 2017. Back then I commented that it was spice and had the tastes of “cinnamon with a touch of cloves.”

I’m afraid they may have changed their recipe for this year’s batch. I found the pumpkin spice notes too subtle. What I ended up with was a bowl of Cheerios with only a trace hint of pumpkin spice — not even enough to taste which spices within the mix I was tasting.

How disappointing.

Available in your local grocery store, probably in a special end-cap display. [/two_third]
[one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Tasting Score: 2 out of 5 Pumpkins

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[divider]

Kellogg’s Special K Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice

[two_third] This cereal strikes a nice balance between giving you a taste you’ve grown accustomed to if you regularly eat Special K, while also giving it a pumpkin spice twist.

When I opened the box, I could detect the light aroma of pumpkin spice. It was not as strong as the Frosted Mini-Wheats, but still there — unlike the Cheerios.

I filled my bowl with the cereal, noting traditional flakes and white clusters, and added my unsweetened vanilla almond milk. When I took a mouthful, I again noticed how gentle the pumpkin spice flavor was. The flakes are lightly coated with the flavor and the clusters are more intense. This time I found the ginger and nutmeg spices to dominate.

Overall, I enjoyed it.

Available in your local grocery store, probably in a special end-cap display. [/two_third]
[one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Tasting Score: 3 out of 5 Pumpkins

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[divider]

Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts

[two_third] During my taste tests in 2017, I tried out Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts and thought they “tasted good, but not like what I would expect something called ‘pumpkin pie’ would taste like.”

As with Cheerios, I think they changed their recipe — and improved upon it. This time, I tasted them straight out of the box and found them to be sweet with pumpkin and cinnamon notes, enhanced by the pumpkin pie spice icing.

I enjoyed them much more this year. Due to temporary housing, I don’t have access to a toaster to test my theory out, but I bet it would taste much like a pumpkin pie if toasted.

Available in your local grocery store, probably in a special end-cap display. [/two_third]
[one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Tasting Score: 3 out of 5 Pumpkins

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[divider]

Boom Chicka Pop (Limited Edition) Pumpkin Spice Drizzled Kettle Corn

[two_third] I’m a big fan of Boom Chicka Pop, so when I saw that they had a pumpkin spice version sitting on the shelves at my local grocery store, I had to give it a try. As usual, the popcorn is popped to perfection. The lightly sweet taste of kettle corn was a good pairing to the drizzle of pumpkin spice.

When I opened the bag, I knew from the aroma that I was in for a treat. Boom Chicka Pop did not disappoint. Each bite treated me to the flavor of cinnamon with a hint of ginger and nutmeg. Yum!

This popcorn would pair wonderfully with It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and a warm fire.

If you can’t find it at your local grocery story, you can purchase it as part of Fall Flavor bundle on Amazon. [/two_third]
[one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Tasting Score: 5 out of 5 Pumpkins

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Limited Edition Pumpkin Spiced Products Taste Test Conclusion

If I had to rank this year’s entries, my top three choices would be

Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats, Pumpkin Spice
Boom Chicka Pop Pumpkin Spice Drizzled Kettle Corn
Kellogg’s Special K Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice

I was pleased that nothing I tried this year tasted bad, just some embraced the spirit of pumpkin pie spice more than others.

[divider]

NOTE: I received free samples of these products in exchange for an honest review. Others I purchased because I saw them on the shelf. If you’ve read past taste tests, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to buy or not buy this product, even if you disagree with my opinion.

Tags pumpkin taste tests

Pumpkin Season 2017 Taste Test #6: Pumpkin Pancake Smackdown

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date December 20, 2017

This week’s taste test features three pumpkin pancake mixes: Krusteaz, Foodstirs and Trader Joe’s. Frankly, I liked them all, but for different reasons. That said, I do recognize that each mix will appeal to a different palette. Therefore, this post will compare and contrast each mix by quality, so you can select the pumpkin pancake mix that best meets your needs and taste buds.

Extra Ingredients You’ll Need

Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix, Pumpkin Spice
If you’re going camping, this is the mix to take. All you need to add is water.
Foostirs Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix
You’ll need an egg, melted butter and mil (or mil alternative) for this mix.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix
Like Foodstirs’ mix, you’ll need an egg, melted butter and mil (or mil alternative) for this mix.

Batter Consistency

Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix, Pumpkin Spice
Because you are only adding water, the batter can be a bit thin. Just add a bit more mix to get it to the consistency you desire.
Foostirs Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix
The batter is thinner than Trader Joe’s but thicker than Krusteaz, and almost creamy smooth.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix
The batter is thick and bubbly, especially after sitting a bit to wait for its turn at the skillet.

Fluffiness Factor

Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix, Pumpkin Spice
These pancakes were by far the lightest and fluffiest.
Foostirs Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix
These pancakes were slightly denser than the other two but still fluffy.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix
Not as fluffy as Krusteaz but not as dense as Foodstirs.

Flavor Profile

Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix, Pumpkin Spice
This mix had the strongest pumpkin flavor, with a nice balance of spice.
Foostirs Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix
This mix resulted in pancakes with a nice balance of flavors. They were slightly sweet and the vanilla was notable. I think I liked the flavor of these the best.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix
If you like a spicier pumpkin pancake, this is the mix for you. The notes of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice were notable.

Overall Thoughts on Pumpkin Pancake Mixes Tested

I liked them all to some degree, but it really comes down to Foodstirs and Trader Joe’s for my money. For a more vanilla-tinted pumpkin pancake, go for Foodstirs. For a more robustly spice pumpkin pancake, go for Trader Joe’s. And for portability, go for Krusteaz.

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Ratings

Rating these pancake mixes was hard. They were so close, each one offering something worthy of note. The ratings below are purely based on my favorite flavor profile. Your personal taste may differ.

Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix, Pumpkin Spice
[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Foostirs Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix
[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix
[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Previous Pumpkin Tastings

Forthcoming Pumpkin Tastings

Pumpkin bar mixes: Betty Crocker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix vs. Krusteaz Supreme Bar Mix Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin cookie mixes: Betty Crocker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix vs. Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mix Pumpkin Spice

Tags pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin taste tests

All Things Pumpkin Taste Tests

Pumpkin Season 2017 Taste Test #5

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date December 12, 2017

This past weekend I baked the remaining bread, muffin and cupcake mixes I had left, as well as tried a couple more products. Frankly, nothing this week really wowed me, but here are my comments on each one.

Exclusive Holiday Edition Foodstirs Organic Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix

I purchased a three-month subscription to Foodstirs’ kits and have been having some fun with them. (I’ll be posting my results later.) Because I’m a customer, they sent me a coupon for a dollar off my next in-store purchase (you can find Foodstirs mixes at grocery stores and Target). Since I had the coupon, I thought I’d check out what they had … and found this pumpkin mix, as well as pumpkin pancakes. You can only get these two products at Target, and by the time I got there they were on clearance. So, you may not be able to get some for yourself until next year. Check your local Target, just in case, though.

This pumpkin bread is different than the ones I tested last week because it has chocolate chips in it. I liked the novelty of it and was impressed that they achieved a nice balance of having just enough chips to add flavor without overpowering the pumpkin bread flavor.

To my tastebuds, this bread didn’t taste much different than banana bread or peanut butter bread (perhaps a fusion of the two?). The pumpkin flavor was light and you can barely discern the spices (cinnamon, vanilla, ginger and other, according to the box).

Of course, this may be a plus since there are a lot of people who are adverse to pumpkin or pumpkin spice flavors. I think this pound cake-like bread would make a great part of a breakfast or brunch. Perhaps lightly toasted with some butter? And, if you get two packages, you could easily make a nice Bundt cake!

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Rating

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Limited Edition Decadent Duncan Hines Pumpkin Spice Cupcake Spice Cake & Frosting Mix

The box comes with cupcake mix, frosting mix and a bag to pipe the frosting with.

These light and fluffy cupcakes are flavored with a combination of cinnamon, allspice, coriander, ginger, and nutmeg. The texture — and flavor — is light and airy, just as a cupcake should be.

The mix comes with a frosting mix — add butter and touch of water — for an orange, faintly pumpkin-spicy frosting. It was very tasty. Not too sweet, but clearly a buttercream frosting.

In my opinion, these cupcakes strike a nice balance of just the right amount of spice, balanced with the sweet. They are good enough to serve without the frosting.

Note: The instructions suggest you fill the cupcakes with frosting. I found that when I did that, the frosting overwhelmed the cupcake. If I were to do this in future, I’d just top them with frosting.

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Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Krusteaz Supreme Muffin Mix Pumpkin Spice

These simple, lightly spiced muffins underwhelmed me. They are really not that spicy. They are really not that pumpkin-y. In fact, they are kind of nondescript. If I didn’t know they were pumpkin spice muffins, I would think they were ordinary spice muffins.

Again, this might not be a bad thing. Krusteaz is a good brand, so the quality is good. The flavor just didn’t impress me.

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

R.W. Knudsen Limited Edition Sparkling Pumpkin Spice Juice

Tired of sparkling apple juice? Are you looking for a different kind of beverage to serve your guests? Then this could be a nice change of pace.

This is a non-alcoholic, sparkly beverage made from both apple and pumpkin juices. To me, it both smelled and tasted like mulled cider … only a bit different.

Compared to Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Juice, it has a more mild apple flavor. I’m guessing the pumpkin juice is having that mellowing effect, however I couldn’t identify pumpkin as a flavor. And although it was reminiscent of mulled cider, it was also somehow different.

Frankly, I’m struggling on how to describe this beverage. It was unoffensive without being particularly interesting, either.

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s Cereal

Compared to Cheerios, this O’s cereal is larger and lighter in texture. The flavor, however, is just robust enough to get your attention without screaming, “This is spice!”

I enjoyed them with some Oat Milk. If I were a cereal eater, I’d totally buy these again, if only for some variety to my breakfast. If fact, I would choose them over Cheerios, which I felt had a bit too much spice by comparison.

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Previous Pumpkin Tastings

Forthcoming Pumpkin Tastings

Pumpkin pancake mixes: Foodstirs Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix, and Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix Pumpkin Spice Light and Fluffy
Pumpkin bar mixes: Betty Crocker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix vs. Krusteaz Supreme Bar Mix Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin cookie mixes: Betty Crocker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix vs. Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mix Pumpkin Spice

Tags cereal, cupcakes, Duncan Hines, Foodstirs, Krusteaz, muffins, pumpkin, pumpkin bread, pumpkin taste tests, R.W. Knudsen, Trader Joe's

All Things Pumpkin Product Reviews

Pumpkin Season 2017 Taste Test #4

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date December 4, 2017

This post will be a little different because the bulk of it will be a compare and contrast of two pumpkin bread baking products I tested. But first, I’ll start will a fun beverage I tried while stopping at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

Pumpkin Spiced Chai Tea Latte & Ice Blended

Now, I just want to make this clear up-front: I avoid caffeine. I have ADD and it makes me sleepy. I also have acid reflux, so the acid in most caffeinated beverages upset my stomach. That said, I can occasionally have a caffeinated beverage without ill effects.

So, when I was killing time at a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Los Angeles and saw “Pumpkin Spice” as an option for Ice Blended drinks, I was intrigued. I asked the girl behind the counter what was in it. She told me pumpkin, vanilla powder, and water. That sounded like something I could drink, so I ordered one.

When I tasted it, it was clear there was caffeine in it. I thought it was coffee, but apparently, it was black tea. It was delicious. The melding of the tea, pumpkin and vanilla flavors were refreshing and autumnal at the same time.

I really enjoyed it and, thankfully, suffered no ill effects. Perhaps the chocolate muffin and blueberry scone I had with it helped!

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

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Pumpkin Bread Mix Compare and Contrast

There are several brands offering a pumpkin bread mix at this time of the year. This year I purchased a box of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix and Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing. I chose Trader Joe’s because I wanted to try pretty much every pumpkin offering they had this year. And I picked up Libby’s kit because Libby’s is the only brand of canned pumpkin I’ll use. I figured I’d give their kit a try.

Trader Joe’s mix makes one loaf, while Libby’s kit makes two. I don’t own two loaf pans, so I make Libby’s kit in a Bundt pan, which was one of the options mentioned on the back of the box.

My first impressions of the packaging are that Trader Joe’s looked easy to use and Libby’s kit looked slightly more involved. The Trader Joe’s box gives you options to use one loaf pan or a standard muffin pan. There is also a creative suggestion for “Holiday Bread.” The Libby’s kit gives you options to use two 9” x 5” loaf pans, three 8” x 4” loaf pans, six mini loafs (you can buy a mini loaf pan with six loafs or use disposable aluminum pans), a 13” x 9” pan, a 12-cup Bundt Cake pan, 24 large muffins, 36 standard muffins, or 72 mini muffins. There is also a creative suggestion for Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.

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Pumpkin Bread Mix Compare and Contrast Specifics

[one_third] Quality [/one_third][one_third] Trader Joe’s [/one_third][one_third_last] Libby’s [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Packaging: [/one_third]
[one_third] Simple and small, easy to fit into your pantry. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] Larger, but still relatively compact. [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Extra Ingredients: [/one_third]
[one_third] 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup oil and 1 cup water [/one_third]
[one_third_last] 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup oil and 1 cup water [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Ease of Use: [/one_third]
[one_third] It took me about 3-5 minutes to mix all the ingredients and place the pan in the oven. Baking time was 55 minutes. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] It took me about 4-7 minutes to combine all the ingredients and place the pan in the oven. Baking time was 65 minutes [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Aroma: [/one_third]
[one_third] I could detect the pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. There was also a touch of baking soda to the aroma. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] I could detect the pumpkin and cinnamon, but not as strongly as with the Trader Joe’s bread. And, like the Trader Joe’s bread, there was a touch of baking soda to the aroma. [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Texture: [/one_third]
[one_third] Moist, crumbly and even. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] Moist and smooth … just like a pound cake. A tad more dense than the Trader Joe’s. [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Flavor: [/one_third]
[one_third] Pumpkin, cinnamon with light notes of cloves. Mild flavored. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] Spicy pumpkin. Strong cinnamon and cloves, with a hint of ginger and nutmeg. [/one_third_last]

What Worked for Me

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix was quick and easy to make. It has a light and breezy flavor. I believe this would be a nice option if you need to make some quick breakfast muffins for your Fall guests.

I really liked that I was adding in actual pumpkin pulp (rather than relying powdered pumpkin or pumpkin flavor) to the Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing. It made it feel fresher and more authentic. I believe the pumpkin was what made the pumpkin bread was moister than the Trader Joe’s mix, as well. I also liked that the quantity the kit made was more. I love making Bundt cakes and if I wanted to do that with the Trader Joe’s mix, I’d have to buy two.

Apples to Apples Comparison

On that note, I did the math for you: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix retails for $2.99 per box, which, apparently, is how much they’ve charged for this product since 2008. The Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing retails for anywhere from $4.99 (WalMart) to $10 (Amazon), depending on where you buy it.

If you wanted to make the equivalent amount of pumpkin bread using Trader Joe’s mix, you could use two boxes. To achieve the moisture that Libby’s kit had, I would add in 1 can of pumpkin (or the equivalent of fresh pumpkin pulp), while reducing the added water. You can leave off the icing or make your own by mixing powdered sugar with a touch of vanilla and some milk.

In order to get the equivalent Bundt cake using Trader Joe’s mix, you’d need to spend around $8 [2 x $2.99 (mix) = $5.98 + $1.88 (can of pumpkin) = $7.86, plus whatever the cost of your icing ingredients]. Therefore, not only does Libby’s kit provide a better tasting result, it’s more cost-effective, too!

What Didn’t Work for Me

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix had a tiny twinge of a baking-soda aftertaste. Not strong, but it may turn off some people.

As for Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing, I’m not a big fan of icing. I could live without it. It makes it look nice. But if I were to make icing for the bread, I’d make it thinner so it was more like a glaze.

Which Product Did I Like Better?

Although I liked how easy the Trader Joe’s mix was to use, the end product of Libby’s mix was clearly superior. The Libby’s pumpkin bread was moister, richer and had a more layered and textured flavor. Interestingly enough, the two pretty much smelled the same to me. It was the taste and mouthfeel that was different.

In addition, as I mentioned in my Apples to Apples Comparison above, the Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing ends up being more convenient and economical. Everything you need (besides the eggs, oil and water) are together in one kit and all for as little as $4.99!

Rating

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing was the clear winner for me, resulting is a moister cake with a rich, complex flavor.

Previous Pumpkin Tastings

Forthcoming Pumpkin Tastings

Pumpkin pancake mixes: Foodstirs Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix, and Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix Pumpkin Spice Light and Fluffy
Pumpkin bar mixes: Betty Crocker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix vs. Krusteaz Supreme Bar Mix Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin cookie mixes: Betty Crocker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix vs. Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mix Pumpkin Spice
Krusteaz Supreme Muffin Mix
Foodstirs Organic Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s

Tags Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Libby's, pumpkin bread, Pumpkin Spiced Chai Tea Latte, pumpkin taste tests, Trader Joe's

Product Reviews

Pumpkin Season 2017 Taste Test #3

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date November 21, 2017

This is the third in my series of tastings of the current pumpkin offerings. I found some new items just this weekend!

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup

[two_third] Of the selections I’m reviewing this week, this is my favorite! I love pumpkin soup and when I saw this on the shelves, I had to give it a try. It smells rich and earthy with notes of cinnamon. The texture is smooth and creamy. The flavor is light, without too much nor too little seasoning. I ate this two days in a row!

Here you’ll see that I served it with a dollop of sour cream, and Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup Crackers, which is reviewed below. Sour cream enhances the flavor of many soups and is often served with soups made from winter squash, such as pumpkin and butternut squash. If you don’t have sour cream, I suspect a dollop of plain regular or Greek yogurt would go nicely, as well.

I have a favorite pumpkin soup recipe that I make from scratch, but this is a very good alternative. It is quick to prepare — simply open and heat on the stove or in the microwave. One box makes a good meal for one.

The last time I went to my local Trader Joe’s they were out. The next time I see them on the shelves, I’m stocking up! [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup Crackers

[two_third] These gluten-free treats are made with seasoned brown rice, pumpkin puree, and oats. Their texture reminds me of almond crackers. And they are lightly sweet, like Wheat Thins.

I ate them alone and dunked in the pumpkin soup, reviewed above. Both were tasty, but frankly straight out of the box was almost addictive. They are lightly sprinkled with salt, so you get both the salty and sweet flavors, but neither is overpowering.

These crackers make good snacks, alone or topped with cheese (I used Meunster). They are a lovely shade of orange, so they would make an interesting display if you’re serving them at a party.

Of the products reviewed in this post, these are my second favorite. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Isagenix IsaLean Shake Seasonal Flavor Pumpkin Spice

Through a Facebook friend, I found out about this one and had to buy it to add it to this series. I’ve had Isagenix shakes before and although pricey, they do taste pretty darn good.

I feel mixed about this season flavor, however. It was good but had a bitter aftertaste — almost like they added a bit too many cloves or allspice to the mix. At home — with a blender — I tried this product with just water, with oat milk and frozen vanilla Greek yogurt, and with oat milk and half a frozen banana. The banana really helped to tone down the after taste.

I also tried taking it to work with me in a shaker bottle with some greens added in. I used the cold water from the dispenser and shook until blended. The consistency was perfect and the apple-flavored greens I used also helped with the aftertaste.

Overall, I think this is a good mix-in protein to give your smoothies a bit of variety. However, you have to add something sweet, such as banana, apples or peaches to cut the bitter aftertaste. If you’re looking for an Isagenix distributor, I know three and will happily refer you.

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Tortilla Chips

[two_third] My husband and I were unimpressed with this Trader Joe’s offering. They mostly tasted like ordinary tortilla chips, but with an undertone of whole wheat. I couldn’t detect the pumpkin at all, and only noted the cinnamon and nutmeg if I concentrated on those flavors.

I ate these plain, straight out of the bag, and with some cheese melted on them. They were better with the melted cheese.

If you just want to serve something different, but don’t want to throw everyone off with a radically different flavor, then these are good options. They are a brownish-orange color, so they can make an autumnal food spread look harvest-y.

Would I buy them again? Probably not. There are so many other items at Trader Joe’s that are off-the-charts good, that I don’t feel inclined to waste my time and tastebuds on something that is just O.K. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Spiced Pumpkin Odwalla Almondmilk Shake

[two_third] I picked this up while looking for orange juice this weekend. I like Odwalla products in general, so I thought it would make a nice addition to this taste test round-up.

It was not as thick as I expected, but it has a nice balance of pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavors. You might even detect a note of banana, which lends it a nice sweetness.

I don’t think this is an example of the best that Odwalla has to offer, but it is a nice change. I enjoyed it for breakfast Sunday.

Although I wouldn’t seek this out, I would definately purchase it again. At 240 calories a bottle, it makes a nice meal-replacement for breakfast or lunch … or even a light dinner. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts, Limited Edition Toaster Pastries

[two_third] I saw these this weekend when I stopped at Wal-Mart to pick up some supplies. I generally like Pop-Tarts, although I miss the days of when you could get them without frosting.

Anyway, I’ve tried these fresh out of the box and heated in the microwave. The latter is definitely better, however, I’m generally disappointed by the flavor of this offering.

Frankly, these tasted like a Pop-Tart. Not especailly pumpkin-y. Not especially pumpkin pie-like, either. They tasted good, but not like what I would expect something called “pumpkin pie” would taste like.[/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Keebler Fudge Strip Cookies, Limited Batch Pumpkin Spice

I’m going to preface this with that I’m not a big fan of Fudge Strip Cookies. I can take them or leave them, but I grabbed these because of the magic words “pumpkin spice.”

I was pleasantly surprised! They are quite tasty. The sweet frosting is balanced, mostly, by the softer flavor of the cookie. Hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger are evident and make this cookie a fun fall treat.

They are a little to sweet for my tastes, so the serving size of two cookies is about right. Good thing, because if they were less sweet I’d way more than my waistline needs!

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Previous Pumpkin Tastings

Tags chips, Cookies, crackers, pumpkin, pumpkin taste tests, soup, toaster pastries, Trader Joe's

Taste Tests

Pumpkin Season 2017 Taste Test #2

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date October 23, 2017

Last week I was able to fit in a few more tastings of the current pumpkin offerings. Here are the good, the mediocre and the indifferent.

Trader Joe’s This Pumpkin Walks Into a Bar … Cereal Bar

[two_third] I’ve had mixed reactions to cereal bars of this ilk (fruit-filled breakfast bars and cookies). Some are good and some are way too sweet for my taste. That said, I am a big ban of Fig Newtons, even though they are on the sweet side.

So now onto my experience of this Trader Joe’s pumpkin cereal bar. Thankfully, it is not too sweet. As you bring the bar to your mouth, I noted a delightful cinnamon-ginger aroma. Once on the tongue, I found the flavor more reminiscent of a Fig Newton. The pumpkin flavor is soft and muted to me. This is not surprising given that there is more “apple powder” than pumpkin in them. There is a note of cinnamon in the aftertaste, which I found nice.

This pumpkin product didn’t knock my socks off, but I did enjoy eating them. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Organic Frosted Toaster Pastries, Pumpkin

[two_third] I believe a good Toaster Pastry should taste just as good straight out of the packaging as it does when heated in a toaster. Therefore I tasted this pastry under both conditions.

At room temperature, the crust dominated the flavor except for that one bite that comes out of the center. So, what I experienced was a mix of whole wheat crust, a touch of sweetness from the icing, and a center that tasted like a brown sugar cinnamon pastry. Not much pumpkin or pumpkin spice to speak of here.

Now toasted was a different experience altogether. The heat brought out the pumpkin-pie-like flavor so that it partially overrode the brown sugar cinnamon flavor. Not enough for my taste, so I wouldn’t buy these again. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Jell-O Pumpkin Spice Instant Pudding & Pie Filling Mix

I don’t know how they did it, but this tastes just like regular pumpkin pie filling. The texture is a little softer, but that’s it. This one’s a winner.

Here are a couple of creative ideas for using this mix when you need to make a pumpkin pie but don’t have a lot of time:

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Pie #1: Make the pudding and pour into a graham cracker crust. Yep, that’s it. You’re done. For extra pumpkin flavor, you can fold in between 1/4 and 1/2 cup pumpkin puree. And you can top it with Cool Whip or whipped cream.

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Pie #2: Make the pudding. Fold in some Cool Whip or whipped cream (about 2 cups). Pour into a graham cracker crust. Garnish as desired.

Want to spice those recipes up? Instead of using a graham cracker crust, use a ginger snap cookie crust! Crush gingersnaps until you have 1-1/2 cups finely ground crumbs. Stir in 6 Tbsp melted butter. Press mixture into an 8 or 9-inch pie plate and bake at 375° F for 7 minutes. Let cool completely before adding the filling.

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Limited Edition Breakfast Belvita, Pumpkin Spice

[two_third] I was first introduced to Belvita Breakfast Cracker aboard a plane. It was what they served as their “breakfast snack.” Although I was skeptical at first, I was quickly won over. I like them in general and have tried several of their variety of flavors. I find that they are tasty and easy to use as a quick meal on the go. When I saw they had jumped aboard the pumpkin spice wagon, I had to give this limited edition flavor a try.

It did not disappoint. The crackers were lightly seasoned with cinnamon and had a touch of pumpkin flavor, as well. They won’t bowl you over with pumpkin or with spice, but it is a nice change of pace. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies

[two_third] If you like shortbread cookies in general, you’re in for a treat. These pumpkin-shaped shortbread cookies are coated with pumpkin spice and yogurt coating. They reminded me a lot of one of my favorite packaged cookies: Mother’s Animal Circus cookies.

In the box, you’ll find two different kinds of these pumpkin spice cookies: creamy white and orange. I’m not sure if it is a trick of the mind or if the coatings actually taste different. I found that the white ones were more vanilla flavored with a touch of pumpkin spice. Whereas, the orange ones had a more spicy flavor.

These cookies would look lovely displayed on a platter for guests to nibble on. And I’m sure kids would love to find them tucked into their lunch pails. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Joe-Joe’s

[two_third] Remember the random video my husband and I found on YouTube that inspired this year’s pumpkin product tasting series? Well, it was this product they said was the best of the lot available at Trader Joe’s. And I’m inclined to agree.

These clever sandwich cookies are both spicy and pumpkin-y at the same time. They were fantastic! My husband and I gobbled them up in record time.

The two cookies create a solid pumpkin shortbread style foundation for the sandwich cookie. The filling is creamy and flavored with a ginger-cinnamon flavored pumpkin spice blend. They have a little bit of kick to them (from the ginger) but they aren’t overpowering either. I think they’d taste great with milk, or even egg nog. Alas, I was chowing down on them too quickly to take the time for such niceties.[/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce Made with Pumpkin and Butternut Squash

[two_third] Looking for a change from your typical pasta sauce? Trader Joe’s has created a winner here. At first blush, the sauce doesn’t taste much different than a mild tomato-based sauce. It has a rich blend of herbs and spices that give it texture and depth.

But then, with each bite, you’ll start to notice the notes of pumpkin. Pumpkin itself has a very mild flavor, so it is often overpowered by other flavors. This is why the tomato is the dominant flavor in this sauce. That said, the pumpkin and butternut squash, which is very similar in flavor, give the sauce a nice thick consistency.

I served Trader Joe’s Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce last night over spaghetti along with Trader Joe’s Party Size Mini Meatballs. Yum! As a side dish, I made garlic cheese bread, which was simple to make.

Quick and Easy Garlic Cheese Bread

Take a slice of garlic loaf bread (we get ours at Ralph’s, but I’ve seen similar loaves in other grocery store bakery sections) and toast it in the toaster, set on light. When it comes out, spread some butter on in. Atop that, place a slice of cheese (in this case I used Muenster). Pop in the microwave long enough to melt the cheese. If you have time, heat it in the oven, it will taste better.[/two_third][one_third_last]
[/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Waffles

If you’re looking for a waffle infused with pumpkin or pumpkin spice flavor, look elsewhere. These simply tasted like plain multi-grain waffles.

I served them with some of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Ice Cream, which I reviewed last week, and that helped.

Now don’t get me wrong, the waffles tasted just fine. They just didn’t taste as described on the packaging.

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Previous Pumpkin Tastings

Tags pumpkin, pumpkin spice, pumpkin taste tests

Restaurant News & Reviews

Review: Pumpkin Offerings at Ruby’s Diner

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date October 17, 2017

Ruby’s Diner is a semi-national chain 1940s style diner, with most of its locations in Southern California. There are locations in Las Vegas, Texas and the Northern East Coast, as well. Every year starting in October, they offer a special Fall menu. This year it features a pumpkin milkshake, pumpkin pancakes, and pumpkin waffles. The latter two are only available before 11 am, but the shake is available throughout the day.

Ruby’s Diner Pumpkin Pancakes

Ruby’s Pumpkin Pancakes are served in a stack of three with a dusting of powdered sugar and whipped cream. You have the option to also have two eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage.

The pancakes had a rich pumpkin taste with notes of cinnamon and ginger. They weren’t great, but they weren’t bad either. When you add eggs and sausage to the mix, there is too much food for me, so I ended up taking home about 3/4 of the pancakes.

You are provided with maple syrup, but I put their pumpkin milkshake on mine.

In summary, I would order these again, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to have them.

Ruby’s Diner Pumpkin Waffles

Ruby’s Pumpkin Waffles are served with a caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar and whipped cream. You have the option to also have two eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage.

Although it is highly likely the waffle batter is simply the pancake batter with some additional oil, the waffle really didn’t work for me. I found the caramel sauce a bit too sweet for my tastes. And the process of making a waffle toned down the spice evident in the pancakes and changed the texture, as well, from a normal waffle.

In summary, I wouldn’t order these again at all.

Ruby’s Diner Pumpkin Milkshake

The pumpkin milkshake uses a vanilla shake as it’s base and adds in pumpkin and pumpkin spice. It is served with whipped cream and a candy corn garnish.

This is, by far, the best item on the pumpkin menu. I’ve had three of them so far! (My huband and I eat at Ruby’s once or twice a month.) The texture is smooth. The flavor strikes a wonderful balance of cream, pumpkin, cinnamon and other spices. This is the best pumpkin milkshake I’ve had this season (Jack-in-the-Box offers one, too. And so does Arby’s.)

In summary, if you like pumpkin milkshakes, this one is a true winner.

Miss the first post in the 2017 Pumpkin Season Review Series? You can read it here:

Pumpkin Season 2017: Taste the Variety

Tags pumpkin, pumpkin milkshake, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin taste tests, pumpkin waffle, Ruby's Diner