For the PSL Lovers
For the PSL Lovers
By Nadia Dupuis
By Nadia Dupuis
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What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fall? For many Americans (likely including you), it's the classic, heartwarming taste of pumpkin spice. Whether it’s in a latte, cereal, muffins, ice cream, popcorn, coffee creamer, or even Oreos, people seem to go crazy over pumpkin spice. Heck, even Goldfish have a pumpkin spice version. But what’s in “pumpkin spice?” And why do we love it so much?
Pumpkin spice (aka pumpkin pie spice) does not actually contain pumpkin. No really, it’s just a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. According to an article from Better Homes & Gardens, it was originally just meant to add flavor to pumpkin recipes. The spice was used to enhance the flavor of dishes like (obviously) pumpkin pie, adding a warmth to the palate. This blend also has a powerful scent, which might remind people of autumn staples like crunchy leaves or scarecrows. Relating to this, Many people think that pumpkin spice also adds a sense of nostalgia to food, which is probably one of the largest draws to the craze.
The start of the pumpkin spice revolution began when Starbucks first began selling the classic PSL, or pumpkin spice latte, in 2003. Since then, the consumer demand for products touched with the magic of pumpkin spice have skyrocketed. The funny thing is, people still go crazy when a new pumpkin spice-themed item becomes available. In 2019, Starbucks came out with a pumpkin spice cold brew that got so much attention there was a CNBC article about it. This was not only a delicious addition to their menu, but a strategic business move; now people could be drawn to pumpkin spice even when it's hot out, and start the craze extra-early.
Americans get excited about a lot of things, but seasonal beverages must rank pretty high. As soon as pumpkin is out, peppermint and gingerbread are in. Nonetheless, for anyone looking for some new pumpkin spice treats to test out, here is a link to this year’s best pumpkin spice groceries.
Sources:
https://www.bhg.com/recipes/seasonal/pumpkin-spice-history/
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/26/starbucks-is-introducing-its-first-new-pumpkin-beverage-since-the-pumpkin-spice-latte.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2021/09/22/pumpkin-spice-addiction-science-behind-fall-flavor-obsession/5785384001/
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/food-goals/food-goals-photos/pumpkin-spice-product-guide
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