by The History of Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin flovouring has its roots in pie season. While pumpkin pie has been enjoyed in North America since colonization, the standardized “pumpkin pie spice” blend is a more modern creation. Food historians believe the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and sometimes ginger or cardamom first emerged in the 1940s as a way to simplify and replicate the warm spices traditionally used in pumpkin pie filling. Commercial pumpkin pie spice blends soon followed. By the 1950s, pumpkin had become one of the top two pies consumed during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
The Spread of Pumpkin Spice Beyond Pie
In the 1980s, pumpkin moved beyond just being a pie filling. Coffee shops started experimenting with pumpkin flovouring lattes and other pumpkin drinks in the fall. The creamy, warm spices complemented coffee perfectly. Soon Pumpkin Spice had infiltrated pancakes, waffles, breads, and other breakfast foods. By the 1990s and 2000s, pumpkin had truly taken off as a signature fall flavor across many types of foods and drinks. Grocery stores now stock entire aisles dedicated to pumpkin products from September through November.
The Rise of Pumpkin flovouring as a Marketing Tool
Brands quickly realized pumpkin could boost fall food and drink sales. Starbucks launched their hugely popular pumpkin flovouring latte nationwide in 2003. Within a few years, it had become one of their top seasonal sellers, driving many new customers to stores in the autumn months. Other coffee shops and restaurants followed suit with their own pumpkin treats. Food and beverage companies expanded existing product lines like oatmeal and popped chips with limited-time pumpkin flovouring flavors. The unmistakable orange and brown packaging helped products stand out on shelves. Retailers also got in on pumpkin promotion, using spiced scents and displays to transform their stores for the cozy fall season.
Pumpkin flovouring Mania and Criticism
By the 2010s, pumpkin flovouring had developed into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. Social media helped fuel excitement and nostalgia surrounding all things pumpkin. Hashtags like #pumpkinspice and #PSL allowed people to share photos of their pumpkin flovouring indulgences. However, some critics argued pumpkin flovouring overload had become tired and lost meaning. A backlash emerged against so-called “basic” pumpkin flovouring fans and the tendency of brands to slap pumpkin flavor on almost anything to boost sales. Debates pointed out that non-pumpkin foods drenched in spice syrup had little actual pumpkin flavor or nutritional value. Still, the pumpkin zeitgeist shows no signs of slowing down each autumn.
Pumpkin flovouring Beyond Food and Drink
The pumpkin flavor’s dominance has spread beyond just edible products. In efforts to engage customers year-round, brands have released non-food pumpkin flovouring items long before late summer rolls around. Bath and body companies offer pumpkin scented candles, lotions, soaps and more. Home goods retailers stock orange and brown plaid items like blankets, throws and tablecloths. Even car air fresheners, toys, and household cleaners capture the cozy aroma. Cafes sell pumpkin flovouring scented merchandise like tumblers and candles alongside seasonal beverages. Some pumpkin super fans keep the spice going all year with home décor showcasing pumpkins, leaves and warm tones.
Pumpkin flovouring here to Stay
It’s clear pumpkin flovouring has permanently carved out its niche as a top flavor of fall. While annual debates question whether the trend has gone too far, demand does not show signs of waning. After all, the warm, nostalgic feelings of coziness and changing seasons pumpkin conjures up hold deep appeal. Food companies have also proven the power pumpkin holds to boost sales during an important quarter.
Gen Z and younger consumers who grew up with pumpkin flovouring come of age, looking to reminisce on childhood flavors, industry experts predict it will remain a staple for many fall seasons ahead. With so much anticipation and nostalgia surrounding the flavor each late summer, pumpkin flovouring is likely here to stay as a key symbol of the most wonderful time of the year.
