Forget Pumpkin Spice: Maple-Flavored Snacks Are Having a Moment

Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice has become a flavor that’s synonymous with fall. But there’s another flavor that’s taking some of the autumnal spotlight: Maple. No longer just for pancakes, maple is having a moment and there’s no time better than fall to enjoy this soothing sweet flavor. Here are a handful of maple-flavored snacks that just so happen to be vegan.

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Trader Joe’s Maple Pecan Granola

One of the best things about fall shopping isn’t just cozying up in a warm sweater — it’s strolling the aisles of Trader Joe’s in search of the latest fall-flavored foods. On this year’s list is the store’s organic Maple Pecan Granola, a crunchy mix of rolled oats, pecans, maple syrup, and a few other ingredients. (That includes honey, so if you’re a strict vegan, this won’t work for you.) This granola is delicious in a bowl of milk, sprinkled on a smoothie or cup of yogurt, or just straight out of the bag.

Sap! Maple Seltzer & Soda 

Another discovery from one of my Vermont visits, Sap! Maple Seltzer and Sap! Maple Soda were a fast favorite. Made from 100% pure maple sap straight from the maple trees of Vermont, these organic drinks offer a healthier alternative to sugary sodas. Maple sap offers many health benefits with more than 46 naturally occurring electrolytes, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. While the soda has 80 calories and 18 grams of natural sugar, I prefer the seltzer water, which still has subtle maple sweetness but just 40 calories and 9 grams of sugar.

Trader Joe’s Organic Maple Butter

Another maple-flavored snack from TJ’s is this organic maple butter. Made with just one ingredient — you guessed it: organic maple syrup — this versatile spread is great on toast or warm biscuits. The texture is smooth and creamy straight from the jar but you can also use it in baking or your favorite hot drink. Add a spoonful to your coffee or hot tea for a yummy, maple sipper.

Justin’s Maple Almond Butter + Pretzels

Whether you’re on the go in need of a mid-afternoon snack or at home craving a post-dinner treat, Justin’s pretzels and maple almond butter are convenient and satisfying. These snacks aren’t particularly maple-forward but you can taste a hint of it and the pretzels give a nice sweet-and-salty combo. Just be warned that the maple almond butter can be a little thick and hard to stir. (Try the chocolate hazelnut butter, which tastes just like Nutella, only it’s vegan!) Each pack has two grams of fiber, three grams of sugar and five grams of protein.

Trader Joe’s Maple Leaf Cookies

As far as store-bought cookies go, these seasonal maple-flavored snacks are a pretty good bet. Trader Joe’s maple leaf-shaped cookies are filled with maple cream (made with real maple syrup) and taste even better when dipping into a hot cup of tea. (TJ’s fall harvest herbal tea, perhaps?) In any case, these make for a sweet vegan maple-flavored treat on a cool fall night.

What are some of your favorite maple-flavored foods?

Related links:

Best caffeine-free coffee alternatives

Trader Joe’s vegan winter finds

Must-have fall items from Trader Joe’s

Mar Yvette

Lifestyle writer and editor Mar Yvette wants to help you make every moment pop!