It’s time to move away from the fresh, fruity flavors of summer. As satisfying as a pumpkin spice latte may be, autumn has even more delicious flavors to offer. Here’s how you can get in the mood for fall without relying solely on a (limited-time) seasonal drink.
What other flavors should I include in my fall rotation?
According to Ann Ziata — a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City — fall flavors are rich, spiced, warming, and sweet. For the most well-rounded fall palate, incorporate in-season produce, and don’t skimp on the cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.
“Fruits and vegetables that are in season will have more nutrients and more flavor than produce that is out of season,” Ziata told Spoon University in an email. “You’ll feel healthier, have more energy, and also feel like you are eating a five-star dinner.”
Including produce like apples, pears, pumpkin, butternut squash, and brussel sprouts in your meal rotation will not only keep you fueled for your 9 a.m. classes but is also a budget-friendly option, even for the average college student.
“It doesn’t hurt that seasonal produce is often very abundant and less expensive than fruits and vegetables that have been shipped from further away,” Ziata wrote.
If you don’t have access to a kitchen or just need some grab-and-go fall treats, you’re in luck, because there are likely plenty at your local grocery store! Here are just a few products that you should keep your cupboards stocked with this season.
Fall Meals
Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Stock your freezers with Trader Joe’s Butternut Mac and Cheese this fall for a quick, hearty meal. The rigatoni pasta comes in a creamy three-cheese sauce and is frozen for customer convenience. A 12-ounce package retails at $3.79 and serves two (although I typically keep the whole thing for myself!). There’s only one catch to this delicious meal: it’s only available for the season.
Deep Indian Kitchen’s Chicken Curry
Another hearty meal for this fall is Deep Indian Kitchen’s Chicken Curry. The frozen meal is spiced with green chili, paprika, and turmeric — all of which will keep you warm all season. A nine-ounce package retails at $4.99 and is the perfect size for one person. You can find Deep Indian Kitchen products on the company website or at Whole Foods, Target, and other major grocery stores.
Whole Foods’ Old School Vegetable Soup
Another multi-serving meal you can pick up at the grocery store this season is Whole Foods’ Old School Vegetable Soup. The 24-ounce container serves up to three and retails around $8.99. This meal is the perfect pick-me-up for the “freshman flu” that plagues dorm rooms every fall semester.
Fall Snacks
Trader Joe’s Honey Crisp Apple Cinnamon flavored Greek Yogurt
You can incorporate fall flavors into every meal of the day with this easy breakfast: Trader Joe’s Apple Cinnamon Greek Yogurt. One container of this yogurt costs just 99¢ and is packed with ten grams of protein. Make this seasonal breakfast even better by adding cinnamon granola, apple chunks, honey, and peanut butter to your parfait.
Pillsbury’s Ready-to-Bake Pumpkin Shape Sugar Cookies
What would Halloween be without some spooky cookies? Pillsbury’s Pumpkin Shape Sugar Cookies are the way to get in the fall spirit. One package of ready-to-bake cookies makes 20 cookies — just pop the tray in the oven at 350° for 12 to 14 minutes and enjoy!
Trader Joe’s Fig Butter
Though it isn’t a snack itself, fig jam is extremely versatile and pairs well with many finger foods. Add Trader Joe’s Fig Butter to toast, crackers, or serve with cheese spreads for added earthy, sweet flavor. A jar of the spread retails at just $2.99 and contains up to 16 servings.
Fall Drinks
Chai Lattes
The hardest place to stay away from the typical pumpkin spice latte flavor is in fall drinks. Another warm, “spiced” option is a chai. If stopping in at a local cafe, ask your barista to add a shot of espresso for an extra kick. For a more budget-friendly option, Trader Joe’s carries a spiced chai mix that retails around $2.99. Just mix four ounces of the mix with 12 ounces of a milk base of your choosing. You can enjoy the chai concentrate either hot or iced.
Apple Cider
Apple cider is yet another fall drink that the pumpkin spice latte overshadows. Check out your local farmers’ market for freshly made ciders or any major grocery store for a more accessible option. You can even make your own at home! Level up your apple cider by warming it and adding cinnamon, caramel, or topping with some whipped cream.
Ginger Tea
Another lighter alternative to the frivolous seasonal drinks at major coffee chains, ginger tea is a great way to start your day. Most ginger tea comes in tea bags, although you can find some loose-leaf options. Lemon juice, honey, and fall’s trusty cinnamon all pair well with ginger and earthy teas.