Do you see pumpkin spice foods, desserts, alcoholic drinks, and coffee on the shelves of every market and coffee shop you can think of? It feels like a blur when the craze began, but we love it! But…who started this craze? What makes pumpkin spice so comforting for so many? What are some must-try pumpkin spice products? Let’s dive into the world of pumpkin spice.
The Origin of Pumpkin Spice
The pumpkin spice craze as we know it started in 2003 when Starbucks first launched its Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). Here is a fun fact: The original PSL didn’t have pumpkin in it at all! That has since changed; Starbucks began including pumpkin in its infamous drink in 2015. Regardless, the PSL has become synonymous with the feeling that summer has ended and cooler, crisper weather is upon us. Holding a warm PSL in your hands makes you feel comforted inside and out. For many, it is the best time of the year.
Pumpkin Spice Products
Let’s back up a second: Pumpkin spice has been a fall staple in the U.S. for long before Starbucks’ PSL. In fact, both Thompson & Taylor Spice Co. and McCormick & Company launched pumpkin spice blends in the 1930s. And while the main event of the season is the PSL, here is a list of some of our other favorite pumpkin spice products:
- Pillsbury Grands! Pumpkin Spice Rolls: If you have a sweet tooth, you will want to make sure you try these delicious limited-edition pumpkin spice rolls from Pillsbury with pumpkin spice icing.
- Williams Sonoma Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Quick Bread Mix: If you want to fill your home with the smell of fall, this best-selling pecan pumpkin bread mix needs to be on your fall bucket list.
- The Republic of Tea Pumpkin Spice Black Tea Bags: For our readers who prefer tea over coffee, you can still partake in the pumpkin spice craze by drinking some nice, warm pumpkin spice tea.
- Nature’s Path Pumpkin Spice Waffle: A delicious option for our vegan readers, a pumpkin spice waffle from Nature’s Path is a need, not a want! With ingredients like pumpkin purée, omega-3-rich flax seeds, quinoa, and cinnamon, what’s not to love?
Pumpkin Spice Is Everywhere
Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that pumpkin spice has become part of our culture, and it’s not going anywhere. Tell us about your favorite pumpkin spice products below!