The other day I walked into my local Dierbergs and was overwhelmed by the smell of pumpkin, cinnamon and fall spirit. Practically every isle began with a huge display of pumpkin spice everything. Pumpkin spice frosted flakes, pumpkin spice jello, pumpkin spice beer, pumpkin spice protein powder and so many more pumpkin inspired creations.
Pumpkin spice is no longer limited to just food and drinks. The scent of pumpkin spice has given rise to a slew of products from dish soap to air fresheners to deodorant––all with that iconic pumpkin spice scent.
Pumpkin spice is nothing new to the fall season. In 2004, Starbucks first rolled out their iconic seasonal pumpkin spice latte (PSL). This year, they unleashed the PSL early on Aug. 28, a day when most Americans were still sporting shorts and tank tops amid 90 degree weather. Nevertheless, basic folks (like me) wait patiently all year for those warm cups of fall coziness.
The pumpkin spice phenomenon has only grown in power and prominence since 2004, with all sorts of products from ice cream to pasta sauce incorporating that irresistible flavor. Companies can almost guarantee an uptick in sales for a pumpkin spice version of their product just because so many pumpkin spice fans are willing to give it a try. Also, seasonal products tend to be more alluring because of their limited availability.
Admittedly, I am one of those people who will try something just because it’s pumpkin spice flavored. What can I say, the mix of nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger scream chilly weather, sweaters and the soon-to-be holiday season.
I almost always enjoy pumpkin spice flavored products but not every interpretation is a hit. Pumpkin spice yogurt and pumpkin spice kale chips are some fails I have tried and regretted. Nevertheless, I give these brands big creativity points for trying to get in on the pumpkin spice rage and add the flavor or scent to their products.
This autumn season, whether you would die for the pumpkin spice, or would rather die than drink a PSL, I encourage everyone to give pumpkin spice products a chance. Who knows, you might be pleasantly surprised by a nice pumpkin spice donut or cereal to get you in the fall spirit.
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