It’s that time again: Back to school means a full slate of seasonal products to try, each more creative than the last. We’ve been busy testing dozens of new products coming to retailers this September — and there are a lot of A+ items on the list! Pumpkin spice, of course, makes several appearances, but there are plenty of other flavors vying to become the signature of this season’s lunch-box staples, refreshing drinks, frozen shortcuts, and more.

We’re starting our highlights with the fruitiest picks to ease your transition out of summer, and closing out with our favorite fall-inspired finds. Here are the 13 new groceries we’re most excited about.

Boba is seemingly everywhere these days — including Target. Joyba’s new Blueberry Pomegranate flavored black tea with popping boba bubbles is exclusive to the retailer, and it’s just as refreshing as it sounds. The pearls are tiny, so you get a mouthful with every sip (through the included straw), and bursting with a slight sourness that plays well against the strong flavors of the deep purple juice. I love that it’s not as sweet as the drinks I’ve had at some bubble tea shops. 

Find it in stores: Joyba Blueberry Pomegranate Bubble Tea, $9.99 for 4 (12-ounce) cups at Target; expanded distribution begins spring 2023 

Strawberry season is over, but fear not! The Ruby June berries are already popping up in the freezer section. You can smell their sweetness as soon as you open the bag since (They’re bred to be sweeter than conventional Camino Real or Ambrosia frozen strawberries). I’ve been adding them to smoothies; they’re fantastic with frozen blueberries, peaches, bananas, and baby spinach with a scoop of vanilla whey protein powder and almond milk.

Buy: Seal the Seasons Ruby June Frozen Strawberries, starting at $9.49 for 32 ounces at Whole Foods Markets, Wegmans, and Food Lion

Kefir has some company when it comes to morning probiotics now that GoodBelly’s organic probiotic juice is in stores. Multi-serving quart containers of Immune Support juice in Pineapple Passionfruit and Citrus Guava are easy to drink or use in a smoothie with, say, frozen strawberries. And just for little ones, there’s a new KIDS! line with flavors that include Fruit Punch Party, Apple Orchard Adventure, and Berry Blast-Off.

But wait, there’s more! GoodBelly also launched portable, portioned-out Immune Support Shots, which repeats the light and tart Pineapple Passionfruit flavor in addition to a zippy Lemon Ginger Turmeric. The happy face top beneath the seal prevents spills and draws a smile.

Find it in stores: GoodBelly Probiotics Flavored Juice Drinks, $4.39 for a 32-ounce container or $4.49 for 4 (2.7-ounce) shots at Sprouts and Aldi

No, the folks at Tree Top didn’t spell “faves” wrong, although these might become exactly that. FAVs stands for Fruits And Vegetables, which is what you’ll find in each of these easy-to-pack snack pouches. Designed to support kids’ immune systems, they are a high source of vitamin C (containing 50% of the daily value), and a good source of vitamins A and D (10%). You can grab them in Strawberry Strong!, Go Bananas!, Orange You Happy?, and Feelin’ Peachy!, all of which are subtly veggie-flavored, tempered with the taste of sweet-tart fruit. 

Find it in stores: Tree Top FAVs Immunity Fruit Pouches, $8.99 for a 10 (3.2-ounce) pouches at Frys, Fred Meyer, QFC, and Ralphs. 

This woman-owned Mediterranean food brand’s Traditional and Garlic & Herb frozen falafel became a hit in stores like Harris-Teeter, Giant Landover, Giant Carlisle, and HEB this summer, and the new Za’atar flavor is making one of its boldest statements yet. This trendy seasoning made of warm cumin, toasted sesame seeds, zingy sumac, and thyme is joining a catalog of flavors including spicy turmeric, three cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Every falafel gets crunchy when baked, and bursts with flavor. Fans of Za’atar won’t want to wait on this one.

Find it in stores: Afira Za’atar Falafel, starting at $5.99 for 9 ounces at Sprouts; arriving later this year at Whole Foods and Publix

Eating your veggies just got a little easier with the release of Green Giant’s three new bold-flavored collections. The Restaurant Style line is inspired by dishes you may have seen on menus, such as Cauliflower & Fire-Roasted Onions with Garlic Butter, Garlic Parmesan Green Beans, Teriyaki Cauliflower & Broccoli, and Honey-Glazed Carrots with Sage Butter. Veggie Spiral Skillets are designed to be meal starters or side dishes, offering zoodles in Marinara, Garlic Basil, and Teriyaki flavors with enough sauce to coat whatever protein you want to add to it. And for the littles, Zucchini Tots have arrived in Parmesan Cheese, Pizza, and — my personal kryptonite — Sour Cream & Onion flavors.

Find it in stores: Green Giant Restaurant Style Frozen Vegetables, starting at $4.49 for 12 to 14 ounces at Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Food Lion, and Hy-Vee

The first new product since 2019, the iconic potato brand has come out with new individual packets of heat-and-eat potatoes infused with chicken broth. The concentrated chicken flavor adds a deeper savoriness to the creamy, fluffy near-instant mashed potatoes, and are a real time-saver for those busy nights. I recommend pairing one with any of the new Green Giant vegetable sides.

Find it in stores: Idahoan Chicken Broth Mashed Potatoes, $1.25 – $1.50 per 4-ounce bag at Kroger and online

Some may be focused on this allergy-friendly brand’s Soft Baked Pumpkin Spice Cookies or the new Pumpkin Spice Muffin Baking Mix — and those are great. But I’m noshing on the new bite-sized versions of the brand’s best-selling chocolate chip cookies. The new Halloween-themed snack packs are perfect for tucking into lunch boxes (or trick-or-treat vessels) and taste like Biscoff cookies with a hint of chocolate.

Buy: Partake Mini Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies, $6.99 for 10 (0.67-ounce) packs at Target

This wildly popular brand is hitting drip machines and French presses, offering flavored coffees with essences that go deeper than just aroma. Real herbs and spices make it into the grinds to infuse dark-roast Vietnamese beans with sweet, lightly floral vanilla and cinnamon in the churro flavor, and a sprinkle of salt and buttery sweetness in the salted caramel variety (not pictured). The classic blend keeps it simple for traditionalists with the subtle chocolate and nutty notes folks love from this brand.

Buy: Copper Cow Ground Vietnamese Coffees, $16 for 12 ounces at Copper Cow Coffee

One easy way to amp up the pumpkin flavor in your pie: Bake it in a pumpkin pie-spiced crust. It’s made with nuts rather than graham cracker crumbs, which gives the crust a toasty earthiness. For the trifecta, serve it alongside some pumpkin pie-flavored ice cream. It’ll be available through the end of the year, joining the usual lineup of Pecan, Walnut, and Chocolate crusts.

Buy: Diamond of California Pumpkin Pie Spice Nut Pie Crust, $3.49 for 6 ounces at Walmart and markets nationwide

Don’t want to wait until dessert? Start your day sipping on pumpkin spice-flavored brews with Califa Farms. Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Spice Creamer — both are made with almond milk and pumpkin purée — are joined by a new Pumpkin Spice Oat Barista Blend, adding a creamier, richer, frothier, and steam-able option to your morning mug. Fragrant when warmed and full-bodied, this is a plush and welcome new entry to the pumpkin spice line.

Buy: Pumpkin Spice Oat Barista Blend, $4.99 for 32 ounces at Target

Pecan and Gingerbread join Pumpkin Spice to round out the autumnal lineup of these chewy, date- and egg white-based protein bars. The chunks of crunchy almonds, cashews, and pecans break up the fruit-leather feel of the earthy energy bars. While the gingerbread flavor is a little assertive on the spices and a bit sour, the pecan and pumpkin spice flavors are warm and nutty. They’re all available through the end of the year, so you can savor this season even into winter.

Buy: RXBAR Protein Bars, $25.99 for 12 (1.83 ounce) bars, available at Amazon.

I’m Team Apple all the way, and this popular hard cider brand is picking things up for fall with a mixed pack of its classic Crisp Apple and fan-favorite Cinnful Apple ciders, plus two new cans to the mix. The Hardcore 8% Imperial adds dark cherry juice to mix, which, IMO, works exceptionally well. And Baked Apple Pie is a warm, sweet blend with notes of nutmeg, butter, and vanilla ice cream. It’s my new favorite hard cider.

Buy: Angry Orchard Fall Haul Hard Cider Variety Pack, $17.99 for 12 (12-ounce) bottles at Kroger

Which of these are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments below.

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