Pumpkin spice season is officially underway on grocery shelves. Bakery suppliers including Bimbo Bakeries USA, McKee Foods and Flowers Foods are shipping their limited-edition fall lineups this month, giving retailers a wave of seasonal SKUs spanning donuts, snack cakes, bagels and English muffins. Most items begin arriving in August and run through the fall, with several carrying defined availability windows and suggested retail prices to help with planning.
Entenmann’s and Little Bites
Bimbo Bakeries USA is bringing back its Entenmann’s and Little Bites seasonal treats, along with one new addition: Entenmann’s Apple Cider Donut Holes (13 ounces, SRP $5.69), which join the returning Apple Cider Donuts (8-count, SRP $6.99). Both will be at most major grocery retailers nationwide from August through November, the Irving, Texas-based company said.
Also returning August through November are Entenmann’s Pumpkin Donuts (8-count, SRP $6.99) and Pumpkin Donut Holes (13 ounces, SRP $5.69). Little Bites Pumpkin Muffins (five pouches, four muffins per pouch, SRP $5.69) will be available August through October.
For Halloween, Little Bites Chocolate Chip Halloween Muffins return in a 20-pouch pack (two muffins per pouch, SRP $9.99), with individually wrapped, trick-or-treat-themed packaging aimed at classroom celebrations and neighborhood gatherings. The muffins will be available during the Halloween season.
Thomas’
Bimbo’s Thomas’ brand is reintroducing its Pumpkin Spice Bagels and English Muffins, made with real pumpkin and fall spices, on shelves nationwide August through November.
The brand’s Maple French Toast Bagels and English Muffins, crafted with real maple syrup, follow later in the season, arriving at grocery retailers in October and running through April 2027, giving the line a longer tail than most seasonal bakery items.
Little Debbie
McKee Foods begins shipping its Little Debbie fall collection to grocery retailers, discount stores and supermarkets nationwide the second week of August, available for a limited time while supplies last.
The headline item is the return of Pumpkin Spice Mini Muffins, absent from shelves last year. The lineup also includes Pumpkin Delights filled cookies, Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Creme Pies, Brownie Pumpkins, Football Brownies, Pumpkin Spice Rolls, Gingerbread Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Mini Donuts and Vanilla and Chocolate Fall Party Cakes decorated with seasonal sprinkles.
For larger formats, select items will ship in Big Pack and Club Pack sizes: Big Pack Vanilla Fall Party Cakes, Club Pack Pumpkin Delights and Club Pack Pumpkin Spice Mini Muffins.
“Autumn is all about creating warm memories with family and friends,” said Scott Brownlow, director of brands for Collegedale, Tennessee-based McKee Foods. “We’re thrilled to bring back the warm, nostalgic flavors our fans look for every year, especially the return of our Pumpkin Spice Mini Muffins.”
Dave’s Killer Bread
Dave’s Killer Bread, the flagship organic bread brand of Flowers Foods, is bringing back its Pumpkin Spice Madness Bagels for the first time in seven years. The organic, non-GMO whole grain bagels feature brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, with 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per bagel. They are available at participating retailers nationwide through November while supplies last, with prices beginning at $6.49 for a five-pack.
The brand pointed to its own consumer research as support for the seasonal play: One in three survey respondents ranked bagels among the top breakfast foods, and 63 percent said the best season to eat a bagel is year-round. The company also noted consumers prioritize flavor over nutrition (54 percent vs. 34 percent), positioning the bagels as delivering both.
“BreadHeads have been clamoring for the return of this iconic, organic favorite,” said Cristina Watson, senior director of brand management for Dave’s Killer Bread, which originated in Milwaukie, Oregon. “It’s Pumpkin Spice season, but with a DKB twist.”
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