With autumn coming right around the corner, it’s easy to fall into the trap that is everything pumpkin spiced. Unfortunately, many of these themed treats are usually calorie, fat and sugar-laden. Try some of these healthier alternatives for a refreshing departure from the usual vibrant orange junk foods.
Celestial Tea’s Fireside Vanilla Spice
When pumpkin spice lattes just aren’t your thing, this herbal tea can really hit the spot. It’s warm and cozy, and it doesn’t contain any caffeine, making it the perfect drink after a late night of studying. While the main notes are definitely more cinnamon, ginger and cardamom than vanilla, as a fan of chai tea, I welcomed the flavor. Finishing it off with a bit of coconut milk and a dash of sweetener is a great replacement to actually sitting in front of a fireplace on a crisp September evening.
Amy’s Organic Butternut Squash Soup
I have to admit, I’ve had this soup before, which is why I knew it needed to be included in this round up. Almost all of Amy’s soups are delicious and filling, but the Butternut Squash flavor always hits the mark. The soup is barely sweet, with garlic and onion hinting at the back of the first few bites. It’s best served warm with a thick piece of bread to dunk and scrape the soup off of the bowl. Also, the fact that it’s a canned dish makes it incredibly easy for college students to crack it open and have a full meal ready within a few minutes.
Honest Tea Iced Cinnamon Sunrise Herbal Tea
While South Floridians can put out pumpkins and scent their homes with cinnamon as much as they want, there’s no escaping the fact that it’s still probably swelteringly humid and hot outside. That’s why this iced cinnamon sunrise tea is the ideal drink for anyone living in a sub-tropical climate: it’s still warm and cinnamon-y, but cool enough to be refreshing on a hot day.
Nature’s Path Maple Cinnamon Waffles
I’m normally not a big fan of frozen waffles— I prefer to make them myself and I usually can’t get over that inevitable freezer flavor. These, however, truly hit the spot. Smothered with a bit of syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon, these waffles make for the perfect breakfast. Just pop them in a toaster oven or microwave, get set for the day, and they’ll be piping hot and ready. Also, as they cook, they’re sure to fill up your apartment or room with a great fall scent.
Bobo’s Maple Pecan Oat Bar
I really am a sucker for anything maple flavored, which is why this was right down my alley. This is another great breakfast option— and the fact that it’s prepackaged and doesn’t require any preparation whatsoever makes it incredibly convenient for rushed mornings. It has a fair amount of healthy carbs and fiber too, so you won’t be feeling starved by lunch the way most other bars do.
Rising Moon Butternut Squash Ravioli
If you don’t want something hitting your sweet tooth but you’re still in an autumn mood, these premade raviolis are perfect. They come frozen in their package, but as soon as they’re thawed you wouldn’t know they weren’t fresh. While I’ll admit that I did eat a few without any sauce at all, they were great tossed in a little bit of olive oil, crushed garlic, sage and black pepper.
