20 THE SHIELD • OCT. 2021
Jessica Golden | Design and Layout Editor
Review of pumpkin flavored foods in time for spooky season ell, well, well! Look who’s back for another food review. While the staff was hard at
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work figuring out what to write for the first issue of the new school year, I knew exactly what I would be
writing: a fall food review! Just in time for flannels and bonfires, I sampled some of the best pumpkin flavored
Dunkin’ Donuts is known as Starbucks’ biggest competitor, and there’s nothing I love more than some friendly competition. I ordered the pumpkin Munchkins and an iced Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte. My order in total was $7.51; a bit cheaper than Starbucks. The Munchkins
were delectable. They were moist and light, and the pumpkin flavor was sweet but not overpowering. The latte, on the other hand, was not my favorite. It had a hint of pumpkin spice flavoring, but for the most part, it just tasted like milk and I couldn’t even taste the espresso. I think I’ll stick with
Starbucks coffee for now.
Dunkin’ Donuts 11657 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 (904) 641-6494 @dunkin
Crumbl Cookies has been a nationwide phenomenon for months. When the first location opened in Jacksonville, people went absolutely crazy for it. The line was out the door almost every single night. Crumbl Cookies releases four new flavors every week. Lucky enough for me, they had a caramel pumpkin
flavored cookie on my September 2 visit. It cost me $3.99 for a single cookie. And it’s exactly what it sounds like: caramel and pumpkin flavored dough topped with buttercream frosting and pumpkin spice sprinkled on top. It was served warm and had an amazing gooey texture that melted in my mouth.
The pumpkin flavoring was a bit overpowering and if you do not like icing, it is not the cookie for you because they are heavy handed with the icing job. It was good in small increments but the cookie is definitely made to share; I suggest going with your family or a few friends.
Crumbl Cookies 3267 Hodges Blvd #2, Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 373-4947 @crumblcookies
I went to the Starbucks location on Beach Blvd. and St. John’s Bluff Rd. for a little pick-me-up before dance class. I ordered the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Pumpkin Loaf. My total for both items was $8.60. I used to be an avid pumpkin spice latte drinker, so I was hesitant to try something different. This drink did not disappoint in any way, though.
The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is Starbucks’ signature cold brew with vanilla syrup and topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and a sprinkling of pumpkin spice. It was the perfect amount of coffee and “cream.” It was very smooth and a good combination of sweet and bitter tastes. This will definitely be my go-to fall drink from now on. The pumpkin loaf was
equally delicious. I thought nothing could compare to my mom’s old fashioned pumpkin bread, but this may have topped it. The employees asked me if I wanted it warmed, and I made the right decision by saying yes. It was the perfect texture and melted right in my mouth. The two together is a bit of a pumpkin overload, but separately they are exquisite.
Starbucks 11222 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 (904) 254-0844 @starbucks
goodies for you.