It's finally October, which means it's socially acceptable to eat pumpkin in every form imaginable. While pumpkin pie is the typical fall treat and some say pumpkin puree isn't even real pumpkin, it's time to expand pumpkin's role in today's society and complete its takeover of the food industry. Here are 11 pumpkin foods that will instantly put you in the fall spirit.
1. Pumpkin spice latte
We all knew this was going to be on the list, so it might as well be first. There's simply nothing better than sipping on a rich, thick pumpkin spice latter as the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall.
2. Pumpkin spice Cheerios
Pumpkin AND gluten free? Sign us up! However, if Cheerios aren't your cup of tea, Kellogg's offers Frosted Mini-Wheats in a new pumpkin spice variety.
3. Pumpkin pie Pop Tarts
While not the most authentic pumpkin food, Pop Tarts can at least sprinkle a little fall love into the lives of college students and other busy folks.
4. Pumpkin ice cream
You can't tell me this doesn't look sinfully delicious. Pumpkin ice cream with pie bits and whipped cream swirled throughout? YES, please.
5. Pumpkin bread
Just imagine eating a warm slice of pumpkin bread while walking through the park on a chilly day and try to tell me that doesn't sound like perfection.
6. Pumpkin spice chai tea
This pairs perfectly with the pumpkin bread. Chai already has warm spices in it, so when you combine it with pumpkin spice, it sets the perfect autumnal mood.
7. Oatmeal
Have a little more time for breakfast and don't want cereal? Quaker's got your back with their new (and delicious, I might add) pumpkin spice oatmeal.
8. Dip
Okay, so I'll admit that this one isn't a product, but rather than a recipe. Found here, I've made it multiple times and it's absolutely delicious when eaten with vanilla wafers as vessels for the velvety dip.
9. Pumpkin cookies
Pumpkin cookies are a no brainer, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Oreo has their own take on a pumpkin cookie, with the filling tasting like cinnamon and other spices, while Pepperidge Farm also offers a pumpkin-filled cookie, but rather with a more shortbread-like cookie.
10. Pumpkin yogurt
It's all the rage, with brands like Chobani and Danon releasing their own variants on a pumpkin spice yogurt. One of the best is Chobani's "Flip," which contains pumpkin yogurt and allows you to flip in pie crust pieces, pecans, and pumpkin seeds.
11. Cheesecake Factory pumpkin cheesecake
Do I really have to say anything about this? It's simply decadent and festive.