Krispy Kreme has just released their Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and Pumpkin Spice Latte. You can also find the doughnuts in a six-pack at some stores. Krispy Kreme
As mid-August rolls around, the pumpkin spice frenzy is in full swing. This seasonal flavour, which seems to appear earlier every year, has taken over everything from coffee to doughnuts and even extends to unexpected products like beard oil and trash bags.
Krispy Kreme is leading the charge with its new Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnuts and Pumpkin Spice Lattes, available now. Dave Skena, the global brand officer at Krispy Kreme, admits it’s surprising to see such enthusiasm for pumpkin spice so early in the year, but he's excited to meet the demand. “Our fans are eager for their pumpkin spice fix, and we're happy to deliver,” Skena said.
But Krispy Kreme isn’t alone in this pumpkin spice craze. Starbucks and Dunkin' are also jumping on the bandwagon. Dunkin' is offering a Spiked Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte with 6% alcohol content, and Tim Hortons and 7-Eleven are adding their own pumpkin-flavoured drinks to the mix. 7-Eleven even has a Pumpkin Spice Slurpee, though it’s only available at select locations in L.A., Texas, New York, and Ohio.
Pumpkin beers are featured at Norm's Beer & Wine in Vienna, Virginia, as of August 9, 2024. USA TODAY
For those who prefer a pumpkin spice treat without leaving home, there are plenty of options. Coffee Mate and International Delight have introduced various pumpkin spice creamers, including zero-sugar versions. Dunkin' and Starbucks also offer pumpkin-flavoured coffee products that you can make yourself.
The pumpkin spice trend extends beyond beverages. Yogurtland has rolled out pumpkin spice cheesecake and swirl yogurt, and seasonal pumpkin beers are already hitting the shelves. Popular brews include Dogfish Head Punkin Ale, Samuel Adams Jack-O, and Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale. Seasonal beers make up a significant portion of craft beer sales in the fall, demonstrating the widespread appeal of pumpkin flavours.
Since 2019, pumpkin pie spice has been McCormick's fourth top-selling spice from September to November. You can use a teaspoon of it to make pumpkin spice hot chocolate with coconut milk. USA TODAY
Despite the widespread popularity, some experts question whether pumpkin spice is becoming too pervasive. Spending on pumpkin products has seen a slight decline over the past year, but it remains up significantly compared to five years ago. Research shows that pumpkin spice consumption peaks in September before tapering off as the holiday season begins.
Interestingly, the pumpkin spice blend itself doesn’t contain any actual pumpkin. It’s made of spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. This blend was first introduced by McCormick in 1934 to enhance pumpkin pie, and its popularity has surged in recent years.
The pumpkin spice phenomenon has even led to some unusual products. This year, Chosen Foods offers Pumpkin Spice Avocado Oil, and Tree Hut has a range of pumpkin spice skincare products. For those looking to embrace the trend in their home, Hefty has pumpkin spice-scented trash bags, and Backwoods Beard Co. sells Pumpkin-Spice Beard Oil.
