REVIEW: Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Pumpkin Spice Doughnut

Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Pumpkin Spice Doughnut 1

This time of year people love to refer to those who adore pumpkin spice as “basic,” and they aren’t using that word in lieu of “standard” or “classic” – it’s a negative thing.

But basic doesn’t always have to be bad, and truth be told, pumpkin spice isn’t really all that basic compared to a lot of other flavors. Starbucks simply bred a generation of UGG-boot clad young girls that fawned over their PSL’s and tarnished the rep of us truly spicy folk forever.

Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Pumpkin Spice Doughnut 2

Some things are truly basic though, and I mean it in a good way. Sometimes the most basic things are the greatest, like chocolate chip cookies, white cake, vanilla bean ice cream, and a classic glazed doughnut. In a natural collision course of good versus bad basic, Krispy Kreme has cranked out a fresh spin on their money-making staple for several days only (for a second year) with the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed Doughnut.

Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Pumpkin Spice Doughnut 3

The doughnut smells almost identical to Krispy Kreme’s iconic Original Glazed – yeasty, greasy, and sweet. Its color is notably darker, taken from a pure light tan to deep speckled brown. The size, shape, and overall appearance, aside from the color, is a classic KK affair.

The flavor is subtly spicy with little flourishes of cinnamon poking through the soft yeasty fried profile. There aren’t any deep earthy notes of cloves or nutmeg, and no discernible squashy pumpkin flavor either. The ingredient list didn’t offer me any clues, but to my palate, this is a KK glazed doughnut that’s spiked with a decent, but not aggressive, amount of cinnamon. Texturally, this pumpkin pastry is everything I’ve come to expect and love from the Kreme family – soft and doughy with a very light and airy bite that nearly dissolves on the tongue.

Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Pumpkin Spice Doughnut 4

Although the spice-level doesn’t thwart me into a cascading pile of crunchy leaves, what it does do very well is temper the usually hyper-sweet OG Krispy Kreme Doughnut. The presence of cinnamon helps balance out the intense sugariness of the glaze and makes it a much more well-rounded eating experience. I have no issues with the strong smack of sweet that the original version delivers but I know some people’s complaint about KK is they can be too cloying, and this may be a very short lived solution to that problem.

When washed down with coffee, as all doughnuts should be, the spicy cinnamon flavor becomes much more pronounced. Whereas the bitter coffee usually acts as a much-needed relief from most sugar-forward doughnuts, the bitterness actually causes a bit of a spicy sparkle that proves the existence of all those little brown dots and begins to channel the post-chew tingle of ginger.

Krispy Kreme’s Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed Doughnut isn’t a must-try by any means, but it isn’t a downgrade from their already stellar OG offering either. It’s a mellow and fun take on one of the best items the fast food industry offers, and if you’re in the area the next time this flavor inevitably pops up for “one day only,” it’s worth a stop, but don’t drive too far.

(Nutrition Facts – 190 calories, 100 calories from fat, 11 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 85 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 10 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.)

Purchased Price: $1.29
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Pros: Airy, crisp glazed texture. Presence of spice helps balance out the sweetness. Cinnamon all over my errythang.
Cons: Subdued spices until activated by coffee. No true pumpkin flavor. Only available on special days.

PUMPKINUNDATION 2017 (RETURNS EDITION) – 10/4/2017

Here are some returning pumpkin products found on store shelves by your fellow readers. If you’ve tried any of them, share your thoughts in the comments.

Jello Pumpkin Spice Instant Pudding Mix  2017

Jello Pumpkin Spice Instant Pudding Mix

(Spotted by Rik at Winco.)

Trader Joe s Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels

Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Salted Caramels

Trader Joe s Pumpkin Biscotti  2017

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Biscotti

Trader Joe s Pumpkin Bagels  2017

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bagels

Trader Joe s Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Herbal Blend Tea  2017

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Rooibos Herbal Blend Tea

Trader Joe s Pumpkin Waffles  2017

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Waffles

Trader Joe s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix and Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix  2017

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix and Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix

Trader Joe s Pumpkin Chai Spice Loaf  2017

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Chai Spice Loaf

Trader Joe s Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps  2017

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps

Trader Joe s Pumpkin Spice Scone Mix

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Scone Mix

Trader Joe s Pumpkin Shaped Sugar Cookie  2017

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Shaped Sugar Cookie

Trader Joe s Organic Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark  2017

Trader Joe’s Organic Pumpkin Spice Granola Bark

Baker Josef s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread  Muffin Baking Mix  2017

Baker Josef’s Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Baking Mix

(Spotted by Rachel C and Sylvia at Trader Joe’s.)

Larabar Limited Edition Snickerdoodle and Pumpkin Pie Bars  2017 Bob K at Walmart  2017

Larabar Limited Edition Snickerdoodle and Pumpkin Pie Bars

(Spotted by Bob K at Walmart.)

Kauffman s Pumpkin Butter and Nuccina Pumpkin Spice Cookie Butter  2017

Kauffman’s Pumpkin Butter and Nuccina Pumpkin Spice Cookie Butter

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Big Lots.)

Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Brownie Baking Kit  2017

Cast Iron Skillet Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Brownie Baking Kit

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Big Lots.)

Maud Borup Cake in a Jar Mix  Pumpkin Spice and Salted Caramel  2017

Maud Borup Cake in a Jar Mix (Pumpkin Spice and Salted Caramel)

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Target.)

Ghirardelli Squares Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Caramel Fall Assortment and Fall Duo  2017

Ghirardelli Squares Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Caramel, Fall Assortment and Fall Duo

(Spotted by Amanda Y at Target.)

Adams Reserve Pumpkin Pie Dip Mix  2017

Adams Reserve Pumpkin Pie Dip Mix

(Spotted by Robbie at H-E-B.)

H E B Limited Edition Pumpkin Creme Soda  2017

H-E-B Limited Edition Pumpkin Creme Soda

(Spotted by Robbie at H-E-B.)

Thank you to all the photo contributors! If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new product on the shelf, snap a picture of it, and send us an email (theimpulsivebuy@gmail.com) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. Or reply to us (@theimpulsivebuy) on Twitter with the photo, where you spotted it, and the hashtag #spotted. If you do so, you might see your picture in our next Spotted on Shelves post.

Also, if you want to send in photos and are wondering if we’ve already covered something, don’t worry about it. Let us worry about it.

FAST FOOD NEWS: Jack in the Box Pumpkin Spice Shake (2017)

Jack in the Box Pumpkin Spice Shake  2017

Update: We reviewed it! Click here to read our review.

Jack in the Box has rolled out a new Pumpkin Spice Shake during the most appropriate month to roll out anything pumpkin spice/pumpkin pie-flavored, and not in August, Pumpkin Pie Kit Kat.

It features real ice cream blended with pumpkin spice syrup and is topped with whipped cream, gingersnap cookie crumbles, and a cherry.

The fast food chain is calling this shake “new,” but it’s offered several pumpkin shakes over the years. We reviewed the Pumpkin Pie Shake in 2004 and the Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Shake in 2013. So what’s “new” about this version? Well, the gingersnap cookie crumbles are new. But I’m not sure if the pumpkin spice syrup is different than the previous shake.

A regular size has 860 calories, 41 grams of fat, 30 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of trans fat, 85 milligrams of cholesterol, 310 milligrams of sodium, 112 grams of carbohydrates, 92 grams of sugar, and 13 grams of protein.

If you’ve tried it, let us know what you think of it in the comments.

(Image via Jack in the Box’s website.)

FAST FOOD NEWS: Whataburger Chorizo Burger and Chorizo Taquito

Whataburger Chorizo Burger

Whataburger has two new menu items that feature chorizo — the Chorizo Burger and Chorizo Taquito.

The burger features chorizo between two all-beef patties, two slices of Monterey Jack Cheese, grilled peppers and onions, and Whataburger’s Creamy Chili Sauce on a toasted white bun.

It has 1140 calories, 75 grams of fat, 25 grams of saturated fat, 2 grams of trans fat, 140 milligrams of cholesterol, 2100 milligrams of sodium, 60 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of sugar, 4 grams of fiber, and 56 grams of protein.

Whataburger Chorizo Taquito

Whataburger’s Chorizo Taquito comes with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and American cheese in a soft flour tortilla. This is not the first time the chain has offered the spicy sausage in a taquito. The first one was released back in 2011 at limited locations.

The breakfast menu item has 450 calories, 28 grams of fat, 11 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 305 milligrams of cholesterol, 1060 milligrams of sodium, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of sugar, 2 grams of fiber, and 19 grams of protein.

Both menu items are available for a limited time. The Chorizo Taquito is available only during late night and breakfast hours from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m.

If you’ve tried either one, let us know what you think of it in the comments.

(Image via Whataburger’s website.)

SPOTTED ON SHELVES (McCORMICK EDITION) – 10/3/2017

Here are some new McCormick products found by your fellow readers. If you’ve tried any of the products, share your thoughts about them in the comments.

McCormick Good Morning Smoothie Boosts  Chocolate Mocha and Peach Matcha Green Tea

McCormick Good Morning Smoothie Boosts (Chocolate Mocha and Peach Matcha Green Tea)

McCormick Good Morning Smoothie Boosts  Mixed Berry and Cocoa Cinnamon

McCormick Good Morning Smoothie Boosts (Mixed Berry and Cocoa Cinnamon)

McCormick Smoothie Boost Tropical Twist

McCormick Smoothie Boost Tropical Twist

(Spotted by @bookwenchery at Giant Eagle.)

McCormick Good Morning Breakfast Toppers  Cocoa Banana and Pineapple Toasted Coconut

McCormick Good Morning Breakfast Toppers (Cocoa Banana and Pineapple Toasted Coconut)

McCormick Good Morning Breakfast Toppers  Blueberry Ginger and Southwest Chipotle

McCormick Good Morning Breakfast Toppers (Blueberry Ginger and Southwest Chipotle)

(Spotted by @bookwenchery at Giant Eagle.)

McCormick Good Morning Breakfast Seasonings  Maple Bacon Bell Pepper Salsa and Brown Sugar Vanilla

McCormick Good Morning Breakfast Seasonings (Maple Bacon, Bell Pepper Salsa, and Brown Sugar Vanilla)

McCormick Good Morning Breakfast Seasonings  Strawberries  Cream Apple Cinnamon and Garden Herb

McCormick Good Morning Breakfast Seasonings (Strawberries & Cream, Apple Cinnamon, and Garden Herb)

(Spotted by @bookwenchery at Giant Eagle.)

McCormick Good Morning Slow Cooker Breakfast Seasoning Mix  Ultimate Egg Casserole and Mexican Egg Casserole

McCormick Good Morning Slow Cooker Breakfast Seasoning Mix (Ultimate Egg Casserole and Mexican Egg Casserole)

McCormick Good Morning Slow Cooker Breakfast Seasoning Mix  Apple Cinnamon French Toast and Peach  Cream Baked Oatmeal

McCormick Good Morning Slow Cooker Breakfast Seasoning Mix (Apple Cinnamon French Toast and Peach & Cream Baked Oatmeal)

(Spotted by Carla at Walmart.)

McCormick Limited Edition Slow Cookers Mixes  Cheddar Broccoli Soup and Chicken Noodle Soup

McCormick Limited Edition Slow Cookers Mixes (Cheddar Broccoli Soup and Chicken Noodle Soup)

McCormick Limited Edition Oven Roasted Mixes  Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes

McCormick Limited Edition Oven Roasted Mixes (Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes)

(Spotted by Carla at Walmart.)

McCormick White Cheddar Mac  Cheese Seasoning Mix and Parmesan Alfredo and Sundried Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce  Seasoning Mix

McCormick White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Seasoning Mix and Parmesan Alfredo and Sundried Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce & Seasoning Mix

(Spotted by Carla at Walmart.)

Thank you to all the photo contributors! If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new product on the shelf, snap a picture of it, and send us an email (theimpulsivebuy@gmail.com) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. Or reply to us (@theimpulsivebuy) on Twitter with the photo, where you spotted it, and the hashtag #spotted. If you do so, you might see your picture in our next Spotted on Shelves post.

Also, if you want to send in photos and are wondering if we’ve already covered something, don’t worry about it. Let us worry about it.