Uh, Seriously? This Season’s Craziest Pumpkin Spice Foods

Bourbon, Twinkies, Oreos, M&Ms and jelly beans lead this season’s pumpkin spice takeover.

We’ve officially entered fall, which means it’s pumpkin spice season. That means as you stroll through your local grocery store, you’ll see plenty of brands rolling out pumpkin spice flavored versions of familiar favorites. You’ll also see some products that definitely don’t need pumpkin spice. Just to be clear, we don’t have a problem with pumpkin spice foods. We just want them to make sense. So to save you a little trouble as you plan your fall snack obsessions, we’ve got a fun list of the weirdest pumpkin spice food products of 2024.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Hidden Symbolism in Ryan Coogler’s Masterpiece Sinners

Chosen Foods Pumpkin Spice Avocado Oil

Isn’t avocado oil enough? Why are you adding pumpkin to it? These two flavors absolutely do not go together.

Hotel Tango Pumpkin Somethin’ Pumpkin Spice Bourbon

Bourbon aficionados take their spirits seriously. We can’t imagine ordering this at a bar. This is definitely something you drink at home.

Good Culture Pumpkin & Spice Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is an acquired taste. Either you love it or hate it. There’s no in between. Adding pumpkin to it is not going to make it better for the hate it crowd. Fair warning: If this one catches your eye, it’s only available at Whole Foods.

Frosted Flakes Pumpkin Spice Cereal

As advertised, Frosted Flakes are pretty “great.” They also can be very sweet, which is part of the appeal. Pumpkin would ruin the balance of flavors in that cereal milk you get after you finish your Frosted Flakes.

Pepperidge Farm Milano Pumpkin Spice

Screenshot: Pepperidge Farm

Milanos are an underrated gem in the cookie world. The shortbread to chocolate ratio is perfect. The only acceptable addition to this blend is mint. We don’t need pumpkin messing up the party.

Specially Selected Pumpkin Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Screenshot: Aldi

Pumpkin and butternut squash actually work too well together. The pumpkin will likely get lost amongst the squash and neither will shine.

Pumpkin Spice Oreos

Why would you mess with a classic like this? If it ain’t broke, why are you adding pumpkin spice to it?

Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

Screenshot: Amazon

The secret about Twinkies that no one really discusses is that when you get to a certain age, they do more harm than good. Adding pumpkin spice to the mix doesn’t seem like it’s going to help make them easier on our old stomachs.

Pumpkin Spice Simply Gum

There is nothing worse on your taste buds than a bad piece of gum. It takes a lot of toothpaste, mouthwash and spicy foods to get that flavor out of your mouth. Pumpkin gum seems like it’s going to require extra maintenance.

Jet-Puffed Pumpkin Spice Marshmallows

Screenshot: Amazon

Marshmallows already offer an overly sweet flavor, weird texture. Pumpkin is totally unnecessary to the recipe.

Pumpkin Spice Cheerios

There are countless specialty Cheerios flavors, so it’s not like pumpkin spice is an outlier. In this case, it’s just the worst choice on the list.

Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts

Screenshot: Amazon

Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts isn’t the brand’s weirdest offering. However, unlike other flavors, this one sounds like it absolutely has to be eaten warm. If you eat these without heating them up, it won’t sit right in your stomach.

Pumpkin Pie M&M’s

No matter how many new choices M&M’s rolls out, classic milk chocolate and peanut will always be the best.

Nature’s Bakery Pumpkin Spice Fig Bars

Screenshot: Nature’s Bakery

Pumpkin spice and fig don’t seem like they’ll make a good team.

Jelly Belly Pumpkin Pie Jelly Beans

Screenshot: Jelly Belly

Jelly beans are one of the most divisive candies out there. People either love them or hate them…there’s no in between. Pumpkin pie is definitely not going to help their reputation.

Kernel Season’s Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Seasoning

Screenshot: Amazon

Has anyone ever sat down with a big bowl or bag of popcorn and thought, “I really wish this had some pumpkin spice in it?”

Planters Pumpkin Spice Almonds

Screenshot: Planters

Is the almond not enough, do we really need pumpkin spice on top of it?

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

'Sinners' Cast: Where Are They Now?

‘Sinners’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Now that Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic ‘Sinners’ has officially won the 2026 Awards season, let’s take a look at the next major moves for Michael B. Jordan and the cast! …
These 13 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

These 13 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

From John Wayne to Doris Day, these 13 Hollywood stars have been accused of being racist …
A Sad Ending to DOJ to the Breonna Taylor Case

A Sad Ending to DOJ to the Breonna Taylor Case

Officers accused of faking court documents for the “no-knock” warrant leading to Breonna Taylor’s killing have now received good news …
Meagan Good Finally Reveals Wedding Photos to Jonathan Majors

Meagan Good Finally Reveals Wedding Photos to Jonathan Majors

Meagan Good and Jonathan Major wed during a private ceremony in March 2025. And now we’ve got a look at their love-filled day! …
Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Bodycam Is Finally Out, and It’s Hilarious

Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Bodycam Is Finally Out, and It’s Hilarious

Newly released bodycam footage shows Justin Timberlake during his 2024 Hamptons arrest for driving while intoxicated, capturing his interactions with Sag Harbor police and fans’ reactions online …
You Won’t Believe This Black Chicago Mom’s Real-Life Goldilocks Nightmare

You Won’t Believe This Black Chicago Mom’s Real-Life Goldilocks Nightmare

Imagine coming home to strangers naked in your bed. That’s what happened to one Chicago mom, whose nightmare was just getting started …
A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

From a coin with Trump’s face on it to renaming several buildings in his honor, here’s everything President Trump has named or renamed after himself …
Meet the Trailblazing Black Woman Who Made FaceTime and Zoom Possible

Meet the Trailblazing Black Woman Who Made FaceTime and Zoom Possible

Exclusive: The Root caught up with Dr. Marian Rogers Croak, a trailblazer who leads Google’s work in human-centered AI and machine learning …
Black Americans Have Strong Reactions to Trump's Deployment of ICE Agents at U.S. Airports

Black Americans Have Strong Reactions to Trump’s Deployment of ICE Agents at U.S. Airports

Trump announced ICE agents will be stationed at airports across the country starting on March 23, and you can bet Black folks had plenty of thoughts …
 Doja Cat's Father Blames Her White Mother for 'Deadbeat' Claims

 Doja Cat’s Father Blames Her White Mother for ‘Deadbeat’ Claims

After making allegations about her parent being a deadbeat and trolling him on social media, Doja Cat is now embroiled in a messy back and forth with her own father! …
100 Years After Black Family Is Run Out of White California Town, Their Descendants Claim What's Rightfully Theirs

100 Years After Black Family Is Run Out of White California Town, Their Descendants Claim What’s Rightfully Theirs

Sidney Dearing and his family became the first Black people to ever buy a home in Piedmont, Calif. Then, they were chased out within a year …
All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

Nene Leakes in finally heading back to Bravo! And now, the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is sharing her feelings about it …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Chadwick Boseman's Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor's Cancer Journey

Chadwick Boseman’s Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor’s Cancer Journey

Simone Ledward Boseman is getting candid in a new interview about the late, beloved actor Chadwick Boseman and his health journey …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …