Are These 3 Fall Flavors the New Pumpkin Spice?

Pumpkin has become almost synonymous with the fall season, but lately, it seems there are just as many people who love it as there are people who love to hate it. If you fall into the latter category and you’re looking for fragrant, cozy baked goods and warming, spiced beverages sans the pumpkin spice, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’re rounding up three alternative autumnal flavors that we think just might replace pumpkin spice this season: apple cider, salted caramel, and sweet, classic maple. (But don’t worry — if you’re still unabashedly in the pumpkin camp, we’ve also assembled a few unique pumpkin spice recipes that will help you think outside the PSL box.) 

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Apple Cider

Crisp, tart, and even better when it mingles with cinnamon, apple cider is a tried-and-true fall flavor that instantly calls to mind childhood field trips to the orchard (or at least a gallon jug from the grocery store). Whether it’s in a donut or a warm beverage, apple cider deserves its rightful place in your fall flavor lineup. 

Best Apple Cider Recipes

Apple Cider Donuts
These baked apple cider donuts are gluten-free and sweetened with apple sauce and maple syrup, making them a healthier version of the fall classic. 

Hot Mulled Apple Cider
No autumn hosting endeavor is complete without a big batch of warm, fragrant cider. 

Spiced Apple Oat Cookies
With oats, maple syrup, and dried apples, they’re just about healthy enough to eat for breakfast. 

Best Apple Flavored Products 

Organic Apple Sauce with Cinnamon
Our individual apple sauces are made with only USDA organic apples, apple juice, and spicy cinnamon. 

Eden Foods Organic Apple Butter
Spread this sweet, tangy spread on warm toast or a fresh-baked biscuit for a seasonal alternative to the usual jam or jelly. 

Thrive Market Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
It’s a staple for a reason! This best-selling ACV makes a great addition to salad dressings, soups, or even a glass of water. 

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Salted Caramel

Equal parts salty and sweet, this fall flavor offers the best of both worlds on a dipped apple, in a warm latte, or swirled into baked goods. Make it lower in sugar by using dates for the caramel in place of traditional white sugar. 

Best Salted Caramel Recipes

Vegan Salted Caramel Cheesecake
A layer of salted caramel and chocolate takes this vegan cheesecake to the next level. 

Vegan Salted Caramel Matcha Latte
It may sound like an unlikely pairing, but the creamy salted caramel sauce in this matcha latte is truly a treat. 

Sea Salt Caramel Brittle
With just 20 minutes and four basic ingredients, you can make this sweet, salty, shareable fall dessert. 

Protein Powder Salted Caramel Muffins
Pack some protein into your breakfast with this recipe for salted caramel muffins.  

Best Salted Caramel Products

Cocomels Coconut Milk Caramels, Sea Salt
A dusting of sea salt on top of these gooey, chewy coconut milk candies enhances their caramel flavor. 

Lundberg Family Farms Organic Whole Grain Rice Cakes, Salted Caramel
Delicious on their own or topped with your favorite nut butter, these salted caramel rice cakes are a light, crunchy snack. 

Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate 32% Bar, Caramel Sea Salt
The only thing that could make this decadent milk chocolate even better? A rich, caramel filling. 

Califa Farms Almond Milk Coffee Creamer, Caramel Macchiato
Stir this creamer into your morning coffee to turn it into a sweet, salty, cafe-worthy treat. 

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Maple

There are few flavors as quintessentially autumnal as maple, and it’s perfect in both sweet and savory dishes. Pure, organic maple syrup or crystalized maple sugar are also wholesome swaps for other sugary syrups and flavorings. 

Best Maple Recipes

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Maple Creme Fraiche
Is it a dessert or a side dish? With a sweet, creamy maple topping, these sweet potatoes sit somewhere in between. 

Spiced Maple Candied Bacon
There’s no better way to wake up the family on a cool fall morning than with the smell of homemade bacon tossed in maple and fragrant spices.

Infused Maple Syrup Cocktails
Make a batch of Pa-Rum-Pum-Pum Punch or a Maple Hot Toddy with these cocktail recipes that use Thrive Market infused maple syrups.

Maple Old Fashioned with Walnut Simple Syrup
For a boozy brunch at home, try this new take on an old fashioned garnished with a bit of bacon. 

Best Maple Flavored Products 

Thrive Market Organic Robust Maple Syrup, Grade A
There’s only one ingredient in this bottle: pure, organic maple syrup. 

Justin’s Maple Almond Butter Squeeze Packs
Looking for a healthier snack to satisfy cravings on the go? These handy almond butter packs are made with maple sugar for a sweet taste without refined sugar.

Thrive Market Organic Grain-Free Granola, Maple Pecan
Make breakfast easy with this gluten-free granola made with pure maple syrup and buttery pecans. 

Epic Maple Bacon Pork Cracklings
These fried pork skins are coated in maple sugar and made using pork sourced from regenerative farms, so they’re a protein-rich snack you can feel good about. 

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Pumpkin

If you’re a loud and proud pumpkin fan, more power to you! There’s no shame in the PSL game, but there are lots of other new and exciting ways to incorporate pumpkin into your fall baking, cooking, and even cleaning. Here are some of our favorites. 

Best Pumpkin Recipes 

Honey Turmeric Pumpkin Latte
This healthier version of a pumpkin latte is decidedly less sweet and more spicy (think turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg). 

Pantry Pumpkin Muffins with Praline Topping
Clean out the pantry to make these seasonal pumpkin muffins with just a few common ingredients. 

GrossyPelosi’s Pumpkin Bread with Olive Oil Drizzle
We tapped beloved cook and influencer Dan Pelosi to share his favorite recipe for pumpkin bread, and it’s just as delicious (and easy!) as you might hope. 

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte
There’s no dairy required for this homemade, vegan version of a PSL. 

Best Pumpkin Flavored Products 

LesserEvil Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
Here’s one you likely haven’t heard of: crunchy, eat-it-by-the-fistful popcorn with a dusting of pumpkin flavor. 

Simple Mills Almond Flour Pumpkin Muffin & Bread Mix
Whip up a last-minute batch of baked goods for unexpected guests with this gluten-free, multipurpose boxed mix. 

Rosey All-Purpose Cleaner in Pumpkin & Cinnamon Spice
Want your whole life to smell like pumpkin spice? This plant- and mineral-based cleaner will do the trick. 

Oat Haus Granola Butter in Pumpkin Spice
Your new favorite spread for toast, cookies, or muffins (or even by the spoonful).