As fall approaches fast, we see popular brands advertising their seasonal pumpkin spice. Some people say pumpkin spice comes too early and some say it comes too late. But, what is the true history behind pumpkin spice? How did it become such a fast-growing trend? And finally, what makes it taste the way it does?
Beginning in 1796, the first recipe for pumpkin spice was released by Amelia Simmons who then released it in an American cookbook called, “Pumpkin Pie Spice”. Pumpkin spice was created to get all the necessary flavors in a pumpkin pie. Later, in the 1990s people around the world began to blend it into their coffees.
The first pumpkin spice latte was created at Starbuck’s headquarters in Seattle in 2003. The beverage team at Starbucks wanted to create a new holiday drink for the upcoming fall season.
According to CNN Business, Americans alone spend $500 million on pumpkin spice products a year.
What is the reason people love pumpkin spice so much? It’s something in the human brain. To simply put pumpkin spice in products, gives consumers warm and fuzzy feelings of fall, making customers willing to pay for that nostalgic fall feeling.
Any combination of fat and sugar is a draw for the human brain to enjoy. Sugar interacts with our taste buds which boosts the flavor of the food/beverage. The cinnamon and nutmeg found in pumpkin spice are called “flavor enhancers” which increases the appeal of pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin spice is made up of a blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and occasionally allspice. Ironically, it doesn’t have any pumpkin flavor! These ingredients are used in a pumpkin pie, which is how pumpkin spice got its name!
Students at Oakmont were then asked their opinion on pumpkin spice. Firstly, I asked Guliana Cucchi who is a part of the class of 2026, “I love pumpkin spice, it tastes like a party in my mouth.”
Next, I asked Lexi Polan who is class of 2026, “I am always excited for pumpkin spice season.”
Lastly, I asked Yasmin Castro who is a part of the Oakmont class of 2027, “Pumpkin spice is an overrated beverage that gets too much hype and comes out too early.”
Whether you love the pumpkin spice trend or hate it, it is a fast seasonal growing trend that won’t end soon.
