How does one know fall has arrived? Perhaps it’s by the crisp autumn breeze rolling in like the effervescent blue ocean waves of the bay. Or maybe it’s when stomping on the leaves as you make your way to class becomes a morning ritual. Or possibly it’s by the feeling of the mid-morning gloom greeting you with a warm hug.

While all these are perfectly valid answers, for me the greatest indication of fall is the commencement of pumpkin spice season. Being the dedicated lover of fall I am, I’m also a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things-pumpkin-spice . So without further ado, here are the best pumpkin spice snacks you should try this season.  

Pumpkin spice oreos 

For me, a nibble on these cookies brings back a nostalgic childlike excitement for Halloween elementary school parties. They do indeed taste like pumpkin spice, but they warrant a sugar crash. Pro tip: For people with a sweet tooth, add Nutella in between the cookies.

Pumpkin spice lattes

Disclaimer, I may be biased about these lattes because they did get me through a very difficult time last fall, but the hype is 100% valid. Sipping on this drink will envelop you in a warm hug leaving you safe and secure. It tastes exactly like Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” 10-minute version. It’s essentially perfect for completing your cozy fall aesthetic lifestyle. 

Trader Joe’s petite pumpkin spice cookies 

While these cookies are phenomenal for their cute pumpkin design and sugary yogurt coating, too many at once left me prone to a canker sore. Nonetheless, they are the perfect snack for when you need a little pick-me-up after a rough midterm or a painful conversation with your significant other on a bench at Sproul. 

Trader Joe’s pumpkin brioche twist 

Got the midnight munchies? Trader Joe’s pumpkin brioche twist is essential for the fall season. The twist accompanied by a steaming cup of a chai latte feels like a warm embrace from your favorite relative at a candlelight Thanksgiving Dinner. 

Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice granola bark 

If you’re hunting for a perfect “healthy” alternative to continue your “that girl” Pinterest aesthetic, I’ve found the perfect snack for you. The pumpkin spice granolabark at Trader Joe’s will leave you feeling like the granola girl that appears to have her life together. Munching on these is a rather festive way to fuel a good morning workout. 

Pumpkin spice Milanos 

The best time to snack on Milanos is when you’re feeling like an average Joe. It’s a good filler between lunch and dinner to keep you satiated. Each Milano fits perfectly within the cup of your hand, making it a great choice for a quick snack in those 10-minute sprints to your next class.   

Pumpkin spice frappuccinos 

This drink is just as phenomenal as most frappuccinos are. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’ll take you back to the simpler days of 2014 Bethany Mota Pinterest aesthetics and highly saturated YouTube videos. It’s a literal refreshing taste in the uphill trek to your dorm. 

Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice rooibos herbal tea blend 

Although I’m not a tea person, sipping on a warm cup of pumpkin spice tea at the onset of fall feels mandatory. It transports me into one of those stereotypical holiday movie scenes, where I feel embraced by a warm glow of luminescent lights. There’s nothing more comforting than a nice sip of this tea. 

With these pumpkin-spice-themed delicacies, get ready to embrace the autumn warmth in full effect. Though pumpkin spice is typically reserved for this time of year, it’s that limited edition appeal that makes us appreciate it all the more during these cool months.