With autumn rolling in, it’s inevitable that the pumpkin spice flavor is resurging, but the question remains. What makes this seasonal flavor such a hit? According to a survey conducted in 2021, over fifty percent of all Americans believe the mouthwatering flavor should be available year round (swnsdigital.com).
While there seems to be an infinite number of pumpkin spice flavored delicacies, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has long been a fan-favorite. From its debut at Starbucks 20 years ago, the beverage has repeatedly been named the most popular drink of the season (starbucks.com). Senior Camille Barrera said, “Pumpkin Spice Lattes have always, and will continue to, live up to their reputation as the fall drink.” It may be true that there are many other autumn drinks, but none quite define the season like a Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Recently, the popular grocery store, Trader Joe’s, has come out with an expansive line of fall treats, with their signature Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Cakes at the top of the list (delish.com). With a versatility that allows its flavors to shine, whether it’s baked into a warm treat or mixed into an icy drink such as the Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, it’s evident why this flawless combination of spices defines the autumn season. Junior Avery Philips said, “The flavor is extremely comforting to me. It’s perfect for a cozy fall day.”
A few may deem the quintessential Pumpkin Spice flavor overrated, but in all reality the seasoning simply gets the recognition it deserves. It’s true that other spices, such as apple, coffee, cinnamon, or chai offer that fall feeling, but they lack the familiarity and charm the classic pumpkin spice offers. The informational website Futurity said, “Those notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger trigger deeply rooted cozy memories of autumn” (futurity.org). For many people the smell of pumpkin and spice brings about the joyous festivities that the fall season entails. Pumpkin Spice is much more than a ‘cutesy’ flavor only offered three months out of the year; it’s a tradition that encapsulates the season’s mood.
It’s difficult to get tired of this awesome autumn spice, as not only is it a staple autumn taste, but a scent as well. Scent notes with hints of spice and sweet made Town and Country Magazine list pumpkin spice scented candle as the best out of a line up of popular fall smells (townandcountrymag.com). In fact, the market for pumpkin-scented candles alone is currently valued at a whopping 365 million dollars (marketresearchfuture.com).
“More than half the people I know enjoy Pumpkin Spice Lattes,” said Philips. Not only is the flavor enjoyable in pre-prepared beverages or sweet treats, it’s easy to incorporate into many household recipes. The classic pumpkin pie is the epitome of fall baked goods, and extremely affordable to make. Likewise, the unique flavor can be added into dishes such as cheesecake to provide a festive seasonal twist.
So as the leaves begin to fall and a chill creeps back into the air, embrace pumpkin spice as the flavor of the season, and don’t be afraid to get experimental with recipes. The vivacious flavor is enjoyable in all aspects of the culinary world, from donuts to warm and cold drinks. Apple crumbles and chai teas are good, but with autumn in full swing, it’s vital to recognize there really are no other tastes that define the season quite like pumpkin spice.