Get your pumpkin fix on in a healthy way with these healthy pumpkin spice products you need to try this fall! As a dietitian and self proclaimed lover of all things pumpkin, I am always on the hunt for new pumpkin products that are made with real pumpkin, taste delicious and that don’t go overboard on sugar!

Dietitian-Approved Pumpkin Products

This best pumpkin product list includes many pumpkin spice products and are all things that I’ve tried and enjoyed and have my stamp of approval from a taste and nutritional standpoint. Many pumpkin goodies can be packed with added sugar and calories, so it’s important to be mindful and enjoy those types of things in moderation. The items on this list are comparatively lower in sugar than most other pumpkin treats out there.

Some of these healthy pumpkin products only come along once a year, so I say enjoy them! I think one of the reasons we love pumpkin and pumpkin spice so much is because it evokes a sense of nostalgia and all of those warm and cozy vibes of the season.

25 healthy pumpkin products for fall

Whether you follow a gluten free, grain free, dairy free, or paleo diet, there is a pumpkin product out there for you! Now more than ever, brands are expanding their seasonal offerings to include things like paleo pumpkin spice granola and dairy free pumpkin spice oat milks lattes. And I’m totally here for it.

You can enjoy these 25 healthy pumpkin products all fall long (and well after if you stock up like me!) in a variety of different ways and in recipes too! If you end up trying one of the pumpkin foods on this list, I’d love to hear what you think!

Simply scroll through the list or jump to a specific section below:

• Creamers & Coffee
• Snacks
• Bars
• Baking Mixes
• On-the-Go
• Spices, & Dips
• Treats

Please note that I work with some of the brands featured on this list of the best healthy pumpkin products, however I only work with brands whose values align with my own as a dietitian and would not feature them on my Instagram or in this list if I didn’t eat them myself and enjoy them!

This post also contains affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As always all opinions are my own and I appreciate your support!

Creamers & Coffee

1. Elmhurst Pumpkin Spice Creamer 

I’ve tried many pumpkin creamers at this point and can say they are not all created equally when it comes to taste and nutrition. This Elmhurst Pumpkin Spice Creamer wowed me in both categories. It’s made with simple ingredients, is low in sugar, and tastes great. My only wish is that it was made with real pumpkin! 

2. Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Oat Barista Blend Creamer {GF & DF}

This Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Oat Barista Blend creamer froths super well for your fall coffee and I love that it’s made with real pumpkin (spoiler alert, many other pumpkin creamers are not!). A great plant-based creamer option in the fall that’s dairy and gluten free.

3. Silk Almond Milk Pumpkin Spice Creamer {DF & GF}

Super smooth with a good pumpkin taste that’s not overly sweet, you’ll love putting a splash of this Silk Almond Milk Pumpkin Spice Creamer in your coffee all fall long. Gluten and dairy free and free from artificial sweeteners, it’s great for lower sugar PSL’s at home!

4. Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Latte {DF}

Smooth, creamy, and not too sweet, this Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with almond milk and lower in sugar than traditional coffee house pumpkin drinks. I like that it’s made with real pumpkin and dairy free.

5. Nutpods Pumpkin Spice Almond & Coconut Creamer {GF & DF, whole30 approved}

This Nutpods Pumpkin Spice Almond & Coconut Creamer is unsweetened, dairy free and whole30 approved. It would have to be one of my top pumpkin products if you are following a certain diet but still want to enjoy the taste of the season in your coffee.

Many flavored coffee creamers are packed with sugar and often artificial sweeteners, but thanks to Nutpods you can enjoy pumpkin spice without the added sugar! It would also be great in this pumpkin spice oat milk latte recipe.

6. Pumpkin Spice Cake Nespresso Pods 

Subtly spiced and oh so smooth, I look forward to these Pumpkin Spice Cake Nespresso Pods coming out every year. They’re just the right amount of pumpkin spice in your coffee.

I even make my homemade pumpkin spice latte oat milk latte with them! 

Snacks

7. siggi’s Pumpkin & Spice Skyr {GF, low sugar}

siggi’s Pumpkin & Spice Skyr is made with simple ingredients and not a lot of sugar, you won’t find another pumpkin yogurt that’s this healthy and delicious!

It’s creamy and spiced just right! Dip honey crisp apples slices into it with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for the perfect fall snack!

8. Lesser Evil Organic Pumpkin Spice Popcorn {GF & Vegan}

This popcorn was new for 2020, and I wasn’t expecting to love Lesser Evil’s Organic Pumpkin Spice Popcorn as much as I do! There are popcorn pieces that are pumpkin spiced, as well as kettle corn pieces that are also pumpkin spice flavored. I also like that it is the perfect scary movie watching snack!

9. Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola {GF, DF, low sugar}

This is truly one of the first pumpkin items that made me fall in love with pumpkin. Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola is lightly sweetened and made with simple, whole ingredients.

It’s hard to find a low sugar granola these days, and I love the texture. It’s perfect on top of siggi’s pumpkin spice yogurt, pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin oatmeal and more!

Bars

10. Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar {GF}

Take a bite out of fall with this limited edition Perfect Bar flavor — Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar! To me it tastes perfectly pumpkin-y (I also love peanut butter so I love the combo!).

Something about it being cold gives it even more pumpkin pie vibes. Packed with superfoods and 14 grams of protein per bar, I like to enjoy it after a work out or when I’m on the go. In the fall season you can find them at Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Sprouts.

11. Raaka Pumpkin Crunch Minis {GF & DF}

Real pumpkin with single origin dark chocolate, pumpkin-spiced cocoa butter, and puffed quinoa that makes for the perfect, crunchy, crispy, bite-sized treat in the fall! These pumpkin crunch chocolate treats are the perfect little something to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way this season.

12. RXBAR Pumpkin Spice Bar {GF & paleo friendly}

Made with simple ingredients, you can’t beat this Pumpkin Spice RXBAR flavor in the fall! I like that it’s made with simple ingredients, warm fall spices and is a good source of protein. Pair with an apple for an on-the-go snack this fall.

13. KIND Chocolate Pumpkin Spice with Almonds & Peanuts {GF}

This Chocolate Pumpkin Spice KIND bar captures all of the fall flavors. I like that it’s a good source of fiber and it is also lower in sugar than many typical bars out there. If you like something crunchy with chocolate and pumpkin spice, this ones for you! Pair with a piece of produce for a well rounded fall snack.

14. Honey Mama’s Pumpkin Spice Bar {GF & DF}

Honey Mama’s Pumpkin Spice Bar is simply made with sprouted pumpkin seeds, raw honey, coconut oil, spices and cocoa powder. I love this healthy treat (no tricks!) that’s filled with the warm flavors of the season! The perfect treat after dinner or during a scary movie this time of year.

Baking Mixes

15. Simple Mills Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix {GF & DF}

Naturally gluten free and absolutely delicious, this Simple Mills Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix is definitely one of my favorite pumpkin products from 2020! It’s made with real pumpkin and organic spices and like all of Simple Mills’ products, nothing artificial ever.

16. Simple Mills Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix {GF, paleo friendly}

When the craving for something pumpkin strikes but you’re not totally into baking something up from scratch, you need this Simple Mills Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix! It’s spiced to perfection and you can make muffins, bread, donuts and more out of it!

I love that it’s low in sugar and made with real, whole ingredients (and real pumpkin). The best part is that it’s sold year round. I always have a box or two in my pantry and these are one of my top picks on this list of healthy pumpkin products!

On-the-Go

17. MUSH Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats {DF}

These overnight oats are made with just 8 ingredients: oats, almonds, water, pumpkin, dates, cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt. A great snack or part of your breakfast this time of year. Grab them at Whole Foods during the fall and if you want to make your own at home, here is my recipe for pumpkin overnight oats!

18. Truvani Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder {DF}

This plant-based Truvani Pumpkin Spice Protein Powder is made with simple ingredients and sweetened with monk fruit. With 20 grams of protein per serving, it would be the perfect addition to my frozen pumpkin smoothie this time of year! 

Spices & Sauces & Dips

19. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice {GF & DF}

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice is perfect to sprinkle on literally everything in the fall – I highly recommend stocking up on Trader Joe’s pumpkin pie spice before it flies off the shelves for the season!

20. NuttZo Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter {GF & DF}

A blend of nuts, pumpkin seeds and fall spices create this NuttZo Pumpkin Spice Peanut Butter that’s perfect on toast, with apple slices and more this fall season! As a nut butter lover, this is a must have for me this season!

21. KiteHill Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese {DF}

Perfect for all you dairy-free pumpkin lovers, this plant-based KiteHill Pumpkin Pie Cream Cheese is flavorful and spiced just right for the season. I love it on an English muffin or a slice of pumpkin bread this time of year!

22. Cedar’s Organic Pumpkin Spice Hommus

Smoot, creamy and packed with pumpkin, this Cedar’s Organic Pumpkin Spice Hommus makes for the perfect dip during the fall. If making it at home is more your thing, make my pumpkin spice dessert hummus or this savory version. 

23. Daysie Organic Pumpkin Spice Syrup 

This woman-owned, organic simple syrup brand is super versatile to use in coffee, cocktails, baked goods and more. I love that Daysie Organic Pumpkin Spice Syrup gets its color from wildflower honey instead of dyes and would be absolutely perfect to use in a pumpkin espresso martini!

Treats

24. Emmy’s Pumpkin Spice Coconut Cookies {GF, Vegan}

Soft and perfectly spiced, if you’re a coconut fan you are sure to love these Emmy’s Pumpkin Spice Coconut Cookies! They are made with simple ingredients like almond flour, coconut and fall spices. Plus they crumble really well which would make them great for a crumble topping on top of pumpkin bars like these Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars!

25. Sweet Loren’s Pumpkin Spice Cookie Dough {GF & DF}

Sweet Loren’s Pumpkin Spice Cookie Dough is a healthier and gluten and dairy free version of store bought cookie dough for the season. I love that you can decorate the pumpkin cookie dough however you like and that the cookie dough is safe to eat as it is out of the fridge too!  

pumpkin recipes you’re sure to fall in love with

Looking to continue the fall recipe inspiration? Here are some delicious recipes to try:

• Pumpkin Superfood Energy Bites {GF, DF}
• Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Spice Cashew Cream Cheese {DF}
• Paleo Pumpkin Pie Shortbread Bars {GF & DF}
• Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars
• Pumpkin S’mores Bars {GF}

And if you’re looking for some pumpkin decor and beauty products to decorate your home with, be sure to check out this post with my picks for the season!

PUMPKIN COOKBOOK

Love everything and anything pumpkin like I do?! Keep up with all things pumpkin this fall with me on Instagram and be sure to check out my new pumpkin cookbook, The Great Big Pumpkin Cookbook available now on Amazon and Target.com with over 50 pumpkin recipes, including gluten free, dairy free, and paleo friendly recipes!

This post has been updated from its original publish date in October 2020.

The post 25 Healthy Pumpkin Products You Need to Try This Fall appeared first on Once Upon a Pumpkin.

I also want to note that although gifting items is nice and thoughtful, I also think think that gifting our time, a shared experience, or something homemade is especially meaningful and special, especially this year. Happy holidays!

For the Domestic Goddess

1. Our Place Pan – Always Pan and their bowls and plates have a gorgeous matte finish and ceramic speckled design that I am loving! Use code “PUMPKIN10” for 10% off your order!
2. Nespresso Milk Frother – For the coffee lover in your life, this milk frother whips up any type of milk for your coffee. It’s my secret weapon for making the perfect pumpkin spice oat milk latte. And if you’re looking to upgrade someones coffee game (or your own!) I highly recommend the Nespresso Coffee Machine!
3. Sous Vide Egg Maker – Starbuck style egg bites from the comfort of your own home? Sign me up! I’m also such a fan of the Dash mini pancake & waffles makers (how amazing is the leopard pattern?!). If you’ve followed me on Instagram, you know I have the one that’s pumpkin shaped!
4. Salad Chopping Scissors – This is one of my favorite underrated kitchen tools that seriously takes your salads up a notch!
5. Stemless Sparkle Glasses – Cheers! I love the sparkle detail on these stemless glasses that are great for the holiday season or year round.
6. Marble Wood Cheese Board — I also love this round marble cheese board with gold handles and olive wood rustic cutting board.
7. Bakerita Cookbook — For the modern baker who loves her treats gluten free, dairy free and lower in sugar! There are some really fun baked goods in this book!
8. Estelle Colored Glass — Beautiful colored stemware and more from is signature to Estelle Colored Glass. I’m swooning over the amethyst colored ones!
9. Cheese Knives – Help you BFF take their charcuterie board up a notch with these sleek cheese knives.
10. Marble & Brass Cake Stand — I love the modern look of this two-tiered stand that you can totally use for more than cake!
11. Foodie Dice — Roll the dice to determine whats for dinner and how to cook it. How fun is that?!
12. Tal & Bert Gemstone Planters – I realized after adding these that they are no longer accepting holiday orders. I still think they make for a beautiful gift so I wanted to put them on your radar. Here are two other beautiful planter options. This one and this one!

For the self care queen

1. Manifestation Journal – Manifesting aka putting out into the universe what you want is a powerful tool for making your dreams come true. Getting this one for myself too!
2. Faux Fur Slippers – Because no one can have enough slippers, am I right?!
3. Positivity Mug — Set the tone of the day with this cheerful mug perfect for cozy beverages.
4. Faux Fur Throw Blanket — Cozy up this winter with one of these beautiful
5. Capri Blue Volcano Candle – Same as slippers! These candles smell especially amazing!
6. Sunday Vegan Nail Polish – As someone who paints their nails week, I’ve been so impressed with Sunday’s non-toxic nail polish. It holds up just as good as drug store nail polish but without all the chemicals. Perfect for your friend who’s always polished!
7. Shower Wine Holder – Because sometime self care looks like a glass of wine in the shower!
8. Palo Santo Smudge Sticks– These make your place smell more amazing than any candle and exude calmness in the air!
9. Sherpa Full Zip Hoodie – A hug in sweatshirt form. A great home coat for anyone!
10. Pure Silk Pillow Case – Get good sleep and protect those gorgeous locks at the same time!
11. Equilibria CBD for Women Joy of Sleep Kit – Relax and unwind with this sleep set complete with a mask, CBD drops and daily soft gels, and more. They’re the only brand of CBD I use and you can use code “PUMPKIN” for 15% off your first order. Your recipient of this gift can also chat with a dosage specialist to learn more about how to safely incorporate CBD into their daily routine.
12. Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool – Depuff and smooth skin with facial massage tool that leaves the face lifted and radiant.

Stay tuned for part two of my healthy holiday gift guide featuring gifts for sporty spice & the Chicago girl!

The post Healthy Holiday Gift Guide 2020 Part 1 appeared first on Once Upon a Pumpkin.

Pumpkin season at Trader Joe’s

A sure sign of the season is when Trader Joe’s literally turns into a pumpkin patch in the fall, bursting at the seams with pumpkin everything! From real pumpkins and gourds to pumpkin spice liquor, the brains behind Trader Joe’s continue to amaze us with the pumpkin items that they think up year after year!

From sweet to savory, if you can dream it chances are Trader Joe’s has made it into a pumpkin product, and this pumpkin lover is not complaining!

Here is my list of best pumpkin items from Trader Joe’s that I like from both a flavor a nutrition standpoint — happy fall grocery shopping!

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Best Pumpkin Products from Trader Joe’s

Pumpkin Vanilla Candle – Cozy season calls for cozy pumpkin candles and while you’re picking up all your pumpkin foods at Trader Joe’s, you have to grab this candle too! Light it up and bake a loaf of my favorite pumpkin bread this fall!

Pumpkin Ginger Hold the Cone – Perfectly portioned, the pumpkin ginger mini hold the cone ice cream cones from Trader Joe’s are a dessert favorite of mine! I love that they’re mini and make for the perfect after dinner treat.

Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bars – The pumpkin pie perfect bar is a seasonal flavor that I look forward to every year and lucky for us, Trader Joe’s is one of the places that carries it in the fall! A peanut butter based bar that spiced just right with lots of pumpkin flavor — what’s not to love?! I love stashing these in my fridge and even putting half in my pumpkin smoothie.

Pumpkin Pancake Mix {regular & gluten free} – If making pumpkin pancakes from scratch just isn’t your thing, Trader Joe’s pumpkin pancake mix and gluten free pumpkin pancake mix are a great solution! Their pumpkin pancake mix was definitely one of my first favorite pumpkin products, you can even add 2 tbsp. of pumpkin puree to the batter to make them more fluffy and pumpkin-y. And if you are looking for a make at home option, may I suggest this healthy pumpkin pancake recipe that I love making on weekends in the fall!

Pumpkin Pie Spice — Another item I stock up on in the fall is Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice. Perfect for sprinkling on top of your coffee, adding to baked goods and just about anything else you want to add fall flavor to!

Pumpkin Butter – An original classic, Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter is super fun to put on different things in the fall. You can use it in baking or for putting on top of pancakes, in drinks and more. There’s no wrong way to use it!

Organic Pumpkin Bread — This slightly more savory, but a little sweet toast bread is a surprise favorite! It’s packed with pumpkin seeds on top and very flavorful and delicious with nut butter, pumpkin cream cheese , or pumpkin butter spread on top! Update for fall 2023, I haven’t seen this back for the season.

Pumpkin Rooibos Tea — Another original pumpkin product, I feel in love with this pumpkin tea years ago and love a nice cup of it with a spoonful of honey in the fall. It’s caffeine free, making it perfect after dinner, while you’re watching TV all cozy under a blanket all fall long.

Pumpkin Samosas — Pumpkin and paneer filled flaky pastries, and also news for fall 2020, the pumpkin samosas are a frozen item definitely worth trying! They’ve got a great savory pumpkin flavor and would make for a fun appetizer for a fall get together! Note, I also tried the pumpkin empanadas that are new for 2020 and didn’t care for them! They were slightly sweet but the pumpkin filling was not great. I’d skip those and get the samosas instead!

Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli — slightly sweet and oh so orange, the honey roasted pumpkin ravioli from Trader Joe’s has been a favorite of mine for years. I believe it it was one of the original batch of pumpkin products they came out with, and super quick to cook up and enjoy! I love topping the pumpkin ravioli with olive oil, parmesan, sage and toasted pumpkin seeds. New for fall 2023, there is also a gluten free version.

Pumpkin Butternut Bisque — found in the prepared items section, Trader Joe’s pumpkin butternut bisque, is creamy and delicious and makes for the perfect lunch paired with a sandwich in the fall. When you don’t feel like making soup from scratch, this is a great go-to.

Harvest Chili — Another great lunch option when it’s chilly outside, this chili is made with black beans, butternut squash, sweet potato, cauliflower, pumpkin puree and chili spices. I love that it’s veggie packed and ready to eat. Pair with a sandwich or fall salad.

Fall Zucchette Pumpkin Shaped Pasta — How can you not love pasta that’s orange and shaped like a pumpkin?! Super fun and delicious with their autumnal harvest pasta sauce on top, the shape of this pasta makes it really delicious and perfect to make for a cozy dinner on a chilly fall night.

Pumpkin Overnight Oats — Made with just a couple simple ingredients and sweetened with dates, these make for a fun snack in the fall or part of breakfast. Premade overnight oats often contain added sugars so I liked how these only have dates as the sweetener and are super simple.

Pepita Salsa — Available year round this salsa is packed with fresh flavor and a little bit of spice. I love it to switch things up from regular salsa. Eat it with chips, put it on eggs, on quesadillas or in tacos.

What are your favorite items from Trader Joe’s, and what pumpkin items do you look forward to getting from every pumpkin season? I’d love to know! And be sure to check out my list of over 140 Healthy Trader Joe’s Meals plus a shopping list — happy grocery shopping!

PUMPKIN COOKBOOK

Love everything and anything pumpkin like I do?! Keep up with all things pumpkin this fall with me on Instagram and be sure to check out my new pumpkin cookbook, The Great Big Pumpkin Cookbook available now on Amazon and Target.com with over 50 pumpkin recipes, including gluten free, dairy free, and paleo friendly recipes!

The post My 15 Favorite Pumpkin Products from Trader Joe’s appeared first on Once Upon a Pumpkin.

Pumpkin Home Decor

PUMPKIN HARVEST GLASS CANDLE

Second to baking all things pumpkin, there’s nothing I love more than decorating for the fall season. Little touches of pumpkins everywhere and fall colors around the house make everything so cozy and warm for the season!

There’s nothing like lighting a pumpkin candle (may I recommend my favorite capri blue pumpkin clove candle?!), getting under a big warm blanket, turning on Hocus Pocus and soaking up all of the fall vibes! I just love adding seasonal touches to the kitchen, and living room and every year I add a couple of pieces to my pumpkin decor collection!

The Target dollar spot is a great place to start when it comes to finding pumpkin home decor. I also love looking at HomeGoods, World Market, Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel’s fall collections for classic decor pieces that I can have for years to come because there’s no such thing as too much pumpkin!

From candles to doormats and everything in between, there are so many different ways to add a touch of pumpkin to your home, and below I’ve linked to some of the cutest pumpkin kitchen and decor items I’ve found for fall 2020. ‘Tis the season!

Pumpkin Beauty Products

Did you know pumpkin is super good for your skin too? Pumpkin contains vitamin A, C, and E, and antioxidants, which help fight wrinkles, brighten the skin and boost collagen production.

Vitamin C, a precursor to collagen, is found in abundance in pumpkin, as well as vitamin E which helps to protect our skin from UV damage and free radicals from the environment that can take a toll on the skin!

I personally love how this pumpkin enzyme mask smells and how it leaves my skin super smooth and tight! That plus this overtime mask from Summer Fridays that is packed with pumpkin are two pumpkin beauty products I can’t live without!

33 Pumpkin Home and Beauty Products for Fall

I’ve rounded up some of my new pumpkin home decor and beauty products that are new for fall 2020, along with some classic items that I love for the season!

This post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something through one of the links I may receive a commission. Thanks for supporting Once Upon a Pumpkin!

Did I miss anything?! Let me know in the comments if there’s a pumpkin home or beauty product that you love for the season!

And no decorating day is complete without baking something! Check out these recipes that will fill your home with the smell of fall as you make it extra cozy for the season!

pumpkin recipes you’re sure to love

• pumpkin cream cold brew {Starbuck’s copycat}
• pumpkin s’mores bars
• pillowy pumpkin cookies with dairy free pumpkin cream cheese frosting
• healthy pumpkin cake
• vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

XOXO

MAGGIE

The post 33 Pumpkin Home and Beauty Products for Fall 2021 appeared first on Once Upon a Pumpkin.

Having a stocked pantry can be a powerful tool in the fight to build simple, nutritious and fun meals! Plus, isn’t it the worst thing when you’re trying to make a recipe and realize you don’t have one of the ingredients in your pantry?! Or when you’re stocked up on things like beans or random things and don’t know what to do with them. This pantry staple list is here to help!

We are currently facing the corona virus pandemic here in the U.S. and practicing social distancing to avoid spreading the virus and helping to flatten its curve. While it’s an unknown time for my family, friends and the entire world, I thought I would put together this list in the hopes that it helps you make some nice meals with what you have in your pantry while you are staying home too at this time.

In the midst of so much uncertainty and anxiety in the world, I always like to look at the positive and try to make the best of every situation. When life gives you lemons, you know? Well when life tells us to stay home and eat what’s in our pantry, I’ve got the meal ideas you should consider making!

In the spirit of limiting trips to the grocery store, grab some of these pantry staples next time you’re going to the store or ordering groceries online so that you’re prepared to make simple and healthy meals with what you have!

15 best pantry staples for healthy & simple meals

1. Canned black beans or pinto beans
2. Canned chickpeas or white beans
3. Canned tomatoes
4. Canned pumpkin puree
5. Chicken or vegetable broth
6. Quinoa, brown rice, or farro
7. Oats
8. Nuts
9. Canned tuna or salmon
10. Tortillas
11. Salsa
12. Lentils (any variety!)
13. Nut butter
14. Crackers
15. Marinara Sauce

balanced pasta bowl

what you’ll need:

• box of pasta (wheat, chickpea or lentil will work)
• 2 cups greens like spinach, arugula, or kale
• 1 cup veggies like zucchini, peppers, cauliflower or broccoli florets
• marinara sauce
• cheese (optional)
• spices of your choice

how to make it:

Pasta acts as a blank canvas for more nutrition in this recipe! Cook pasta according to package directions. Get the veggies and greens washed and prepped. I recommend sautéing the greens until they’re slightly wilted. Combine and top with marinara sauce, cheese and spices like Italian seasonings, garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes.

bean quesadillas

what you’ll need:

• tortillas
• pinto beans or canned pumpkin
• black beans
• spinach
• cheddar cheese
• garlic powder
• red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper

how to make it:

Spread pinto beans or canned pumpkin on one side of the tortilla (about 1-2 tbsp.). Top with garlic powder, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes, plus about 1/2 cup of rinsed and drained black beans.

Add cheese and spinach and press to warm up in a mini panini grill or sauté on a pan until slightly crispy. Top with salsa, guacamole and enjoy!

chili of your choice

what you’ll need:

• black beans
• pinto beans
• pumpkin puree
• canned tomatoes
• vegetable broth
• tomato paste
• peppers (optional)
• onion
• garlic / garlic powder
• chili powder
• cumin
• salt & pepper

how to make it:

Get the full recipe for my chili here. While this version calls for ground turkey, you can swap it for can of black beans and pinto beans for a more pantry-friendly version.

salmon or tuna cakes

what you’ll need:

• canned salmon or canned tuna
• oats
• 1 egg
• mustard
• lemon juice
• garlic powder
• turmeric
• salt & pepper

how to make it:

Grab the full recipe here, and yes you can definitely use canned tuna instead of salmon!

plant-based veggie grain bowl

what you’ll need:

• quinoa, farro or brown rice
• sweet potato or butternut squash
• greens like kale, lettuce, spinach or arugula
• almonds or nuts of your choice
• cheese like parmesan or feta (omit for a dairy free option)

how to make it:

Cook your grain of choices according to the package directions. Prepare the veggies and greens you are using by washing and chopping. When the grains are cooked toss everything together and top with nuts and cheese. As you can see this recipe is super interchangeable. There’s no hard rules except for making sure you have at least 2 types of veggies in there!

lentil tacos

what you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/3 cup canned tomatoes
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 can of cooked lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• tortillas
• guacamole/salsa
• jalapeno
• cilantro

how to make it:

Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Stir in olive oil, garlic, and shallot. Cook until fragrant.

Slightly reduce heat, then stir in tomatoes, water, lentils, and taco seasonings. Simmer for about 5 minutes until lentils are done.

Assemble tacos by adding lentils, lettuce, and any other veggies into a tortilla. Top with guacamole, salsa, or hot sauce jalapeños and cilantro.

cracker/nut crusted chicken tenders

what you’ll need:

• 1 lb package boneless chicken tenders
• crackers (these are my favorite from Simple Mills)
• pumpkin seeds or nuts
• 1 egg
• honey
• paprika
• salt and pepper

how to make it:

Grab the full recipe here including a recipe for healthy honey mustard sauce that is perfect for dipping them into.

kitchen sink pasta salad

what you’ll need:

• pasta ( I like to use chickpea pasta here, like Banza
• kale
• peppers, carrots, olives, artichokes or other similar veggies you have on hand
• olive oil
• tahini
• apple cider vinegar
• maple syrup
• lemon juice
• garlic powder
• parmesan cheese

how to make it:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Wash and chop about 2 1/2 cups of veggies you have on hand (in my version I used kale, carrots, peppers, cucumbers and olives).

In a small bowl make the tahini dressing by whisking together 1/4 cup tahini, 1 1/2 tbsp. maple syrup, juice of half of a lemon, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, salt and pepper, and 2-3 tbsp. water to thin it out so that it’s the consistency of salad dressing.

Toss the pasta with the veggies and pour the dressing over it so that it coats the whole thing. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

chickpea pizza

what you’ll need:

• chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans)
• cherry tomatoes
• olives and or artichokes
• cucumber
• avocado (optional)
• feta cheese
• red wine/balsamic vinegar
• olive oil
• lemon juice
• oregano
• garlic powder
  

how to make it:

Grab the full recipe for the chickpea salad here and simply add to a pizza crust to make this a greek pizza!

chickpea pumpkin blondies

what you’ll need:

• chickpeas
• peanut butter
• maple syrup
• pumpkin puree
• vanilla
• pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
• baking powder
• baking soda
• salt
• chocolate chips

how to make them:

Grab the gluten and dairy free recipe for chickpea pumpkin blondies here. Don’t have pumpkin? Don’t worry! You can leave it out for an equally delicious treat!

more recipes and nutrition tips you’re sure to love

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• healthy pumpkin skillet cookie for two

pin this list of the 15 best pantry staples for healthy meals & meal ideas for later!

The post 15 best pantry staples for healthy meals appeared first on Once Upon a Pumpkin.

I will admit I got an inclination to start listening to Christmas music, but I stopped myself before I told Alexa to turn on the tunes! One good thing about this time of year for us pumpkin lovers, is that a lot of the pumpkin decor we’ve been eyeing since August is finally on sale. What I love just a little more than I love pumpkin stuff is getting it on sale, which is why I gathered together some of my favorite pumpkin kitchen, food, and decor items from Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, Pier 1, Pottery Barn and more that are at their lowest prices of the season.

If there’s a pumpkin lover in your life that you are holiday shopping for, now is the time to take advantage of these deals and steals and get a jump on your shopping. It should come as no surprise to you that for Christmas I often get pumpkin things as gifts which is how I’ve built a semi-large collection of everything from a pumpkin spoon rest to pumpkin Moscow mule mugs. It makes me happy to know that when people were shopping for me they probably took advantage of one of the after season sales which is exactly why I thought this round up would be so fun! There is sure to be something for everyone on your list, or something that might just be the perfect white elephant gift if your office knows your pumpkin obsession is real!

I’d love to know if you score a deal for a pumpkin item you love, so tag me on Instagram @onceuponapumpkin or leave a comment below! Oh and one more thing! I included a copy of my Once Upon a Pumpkin Cookbook because I think it makes the perfect hostess gift, or grab bag gift for the kitchen-inspired pumpkin lover in your life (and it’s not a bad gift to give to yourself either!)

XOXO

MAGGIE

The post Holiday Gifts for the Pumpkin Lover in Your Life appeared first on Once Upon a Pumpkin.