It’s that time of year again. There’s a little nip in the air; the trees are magnificent hues of yellow, orange, red and brown. We watch in fascination as the leaves swirl softly to the ground covering driveways, sidewalks, roofs, decks, flower beds and yards. I sigh resolutely as I look at my rake and leaf blower. I try not to envy my neighbors who will call a lawn service and pay to make their leaves magically disappear.
People are decorating their porches with chrysanthemums, apple wreaths and pumpkins of all sizes and colors. Seriously, when it comes to pumpkins black, white, silver and gold are the new orange.
Scents of apples and cinnamon will be wafting through the air along with pumpkin spice coffees and teas.
Generations of bakers have combined cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice to create mouthwatering pumpkin pies. In 1934, McCormick combined these spices to create a delicious timesaver, the first Pumpkin pie spice. Our modern day obsession for pumpkin spice can be tracked back to 2003, when Starbucks released its first pumpkin spice latte.
As much as we complain about the proliferation of pumpkin spice foods and beverages, most Americans still crave this blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves.
Annual sales of pumpkin flavored products (products containing the word, “pumpkin “as the flavor) are measured for the 52 weeks between August 25 and August 25 of the next year. Sales from August 25, 2017 to August 25, 2018 totaled $488.6 million (Source: Nielsen Retail Measurement Services, Total U.S. All Outlets Combined (xAOC), 52 weeks ended Aug. 25, 2018, vs. previous annual periods.). That, to my understanding, doesn’t include pumpkin or pumpkin spiced scented items such as candles and air fresheners.
This year we thought it would be fun to follow the trend and let you know what’s available if you’re craving a little pumpkin spice.
The most surprising new addition to the pumpkin spice family:
Spam – Hormel decided to debut their new flavor in mid-September. The signature pork product has been blended with cinnamon, clove, allspice, and nutmeg. Hormel suggests pairing Pumpkin Spice Spam with waffles or adding it to hash. The flavor may not be in your local grocery store, but is available at Walmart and Spam’s online stores.
What’s New at your favorite coffee places?
Starbucks has added a pumpkin cream cold brew to go with their signature Pumpkin Spice Latte. They also sell pumpkin spice K-cups and ground coffee and pumpkin spice cookie straws. Starbucks also has a pumpkin spice creamer available at Target and various grocery stores.
Dunkin’ Donuts adds Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Signature Latte this year to their selection of pumpkin flavor swirl in its hot or iced coffee, Cold Brew, espresso drinks, frozen coffee and frozen chocolate. You can also pick up a Dunkin’s Pumpkin Donut which is a glazed pumpkin cake donut or bite-size MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats, Dunkin’s Pumpkin Muffin, topped with white icing and sweet streusel crumbs. Also available from Dunkin’ Donuts are Pumpkin Spice blend ground coffee and Pumpkin K-Cup® Pods.
Other Beverages:
Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Premier Nutrition Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake
Pumpkin Spice coffee creamers by Coffee Mate and International Foods
Bailey’s Original Irish Crème Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin Ale (Check out https://www.delish.com/food/g3061/best-pumpkin-beers/ for a list of the best pumpkin ales of this season)
Pumpkin spice tea – Twinning’s has Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea and Trader Joe’s, Bigelow Tea, The Republic of Tea, and Celestial Seasonings have some delicious pumpkin spice teas.
Baked Goods:
There are pumpkin spice mixes for pancakes, waffles, brownies, cakes and cupcakes. Some of my personal favorites are at Trader Joe’s and Aldi.
Breakfast Foods:
Thomas’ has pumpkin spice bagels and English Muffins with Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese or you can try Kellogg’s Pumpkin Spice Pop Tarts, Nature’s Path Pumpkin Pie Frosted Pastries or Pillsbury Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls. If cereal is your breakfast of choice, you can start your morning with Pumpkin Spice flavors of Cheerios, Special K, Life Cereal, Frosted Mini Wheats or Quaker Instant Oatmeal. Plus, there are several varieties of pumpkin spice protein bars available for people on the go.
Dairy Products:
Fresh Market offers Artikaas Ginger Pumpkin Seed Dutch Gouda which is a blend of Gouda, ginger pumpkin seeds and garlic.
Pumpkin Spice yogurt is readily available from national brands such as Noosa or Danton to grocery store brands such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods or your favorite store brand.
Candies:
When it comes to candy, you have quite an assortment of candies to choose from, so I’ll be a bit selective.
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Espresso Beans by Dylan’s Candy
Pumpkin Pie Kit Kats
Godiva Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Spice G Cube Box
Cookies:
Pumpkin Spice Milanos
Marlo’s Bakeshop Chocolate Pumpkin Pie Biscotti
Pillsbury™ Ready to Bake! ™ Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Flavored Chips
Snacks:
Munch on a handful of Blue Diamond Pumpkin Spice Almonds or grab a pumpkin spice bagel and slather on some Pumpkin spice peanut butter. There are several brands available, but for more sophisticated palettes, Williams Sonoma is debuting their Pumpkin spice peanut butter this year.
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter
Williams Sonoma Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Bark
Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice KIND Bars
Gary Poppins Caramel Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
Pumpkin spice Pumpkin seeds from Trader Joe’s
Pumpkin tortilla Chips
Fresh Market Pumpkin Salsa
Mrs. Renfro’s Pumpkin Salsa
What’s for dinner?
Pumpkin Bisque
Pumpkin Ravioli
Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Desserts:
Pumpkin and Pumpkin Spice ice creams
Pumpkin Spice pudding
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
Pumpkin Spice cakes
This fall you can share the wealth with your four legged friends because pumpkin spice dog treats are all the rage.
Dog Treats:
Pumpkin Spice Greenies — pumpkin spice dental treats that clean your pup’s teeth.
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits — grain-free pumpkin and cinnamon crunchy treats
Pumpkins and Coconut Dog Bones — wheat, corn and soy free treats
Pumpkin Spice Latte for Dogs — Treat your favorite four-legged friend to a blend of pumpkin, goat milk and spices.
Pumpkin Spice Pooch Cake — your dog will love you forever if you mix up one of these cakes. Just add water, eggs and oil.
I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few items, but you get the idea. Americans’ love for all things pumpkin and spice isn’t going away any time soon.
Sources:
Dunkin’ Donuts merchandise photos taken from their Facebook page with no intention of copyright infringement