It’s pumpkin spice season, so in the spirit of autumn, I’m going to show you different flavors that deserve the spotlight once in a while. Pumpkin spice has been used as a fall flavor for Starbucks since 2003 and is now iconic across America. It tastes good, but there could be something else that’s just as good as pumpkin spice, like s’mores.
Made from a blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the third most popular drink at Starbucks, behind the Iced White Chocolate Mocha and the Vanilla Latte. Its popularity continues to make its way into pop culture by being made into an essential oil, a wax melt scent, and many other fragranced products. The fall season has also been named ‘pumpkin spice season’ by many people (not me, I call it autumn) because of the rise in sales in the fall and because of pumpkins being used for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Pumpkins have some health benefits. According to Inspira Health Network, pumpkin can lower blood pressure, it’s weight loss friendly because of its low calories, and the antioxidants can help with your immune system, protect eyesight, lower risk of certain cancers, and help promote heart and skin health. But pumpkin spice isn’t as healthy as pumpkin, and since no one is probably drinking the latte for the healthiness of pumpkin, the benefits don’t really matter. A grande Pumpkin Spice Latte is full of preservatives, calories, fat (14g!), and a whopping 50g of sugar.
But other than all of the positives this flavor has to offer, there are still better fall flavors that could be just as beloved as pumpkin spice, like campfire s’mores. I know some people can make the argument that s’mores are more of a summer flavor, but I beg to differ. I, like many Americans, have enjoyed the pastime of roasting marshmallows with family during the fall months. It has a very nostalgic quality for many people, reminding them of fond memories with family and friends. The flavor brings to mind cozying up by the fire, watching falling leaves, and the start of cool weather. Other brands have used this flavor, like Caribou Coffee’s Campfire Mocha.
Another fall flavor that should get the spotlight is pecan pie. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this flavor would be perfect to immerse consumers in the fall aroma. Some might say that they’re more of a sweet potato pie kind of person, which could be another flavor tying directly to a fall holiday. Molasses would also be a good flavor, mostly because it’s harvested in the fall. It has a strong gingerbread and sweet burnt caramel flavor that could be a nice transition into winter. Perhaps the most obvious choice for a pumpkin spice replacement would be an apple-centered flavor, like apple pie, apple cider, or apple fritter, among others. They’re already popular fall classics, and can be a great alternative to pumpkin spice for consumers like myself who love fall, but get sick of the same thing year after year.
Pumpkin spice has been the main fall flavor for long enough. Even though coffee shops have other fall flavors, they’re not as advertised as pumpkin spice, it almost feels like they don’t want you to order anything else in the autumn. It’s time for a different flavor to have the spotlight. I would love to see pecan pie latte on advertisements for a change instead of pumpkin spice. It’s been in the spotlight for 20 years now, it’s time for something new.