It’s Pumpkin Spice Season!

Now that we have officially entered October, it has become pumpkin spice season. It's that time of year when pumpkin spice becomes the 'it' flavor. It gets added to everything from cereals, dog treats, lip gloss, baked goods, and, of course, coffees and teas. Is the United States alone in its obsession with all things pumpkin spice? In short, no. However, our ability to influence the global market by setting trends and travel patterns has brought the pumpkin spice phenomenon beyond our borders.

America's closely associated obsession with pumpkin spice has gained significant popularity across North America, where pumpkin pie still reigns as a fall dessert. From there, pumpkin spice flavor and products have made their way to other parts of the Global North, like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. However, it is less ubiquitous and deeply ingrained in the culture than in the United States. While Starbucks shelved its popular Pumpkin Spice Latte across the United Arab Emirates starting in 2020, it returned this fall. As the PSL began the pumpkin spice craze, could this mean a possible expansion of the pumpkin spice takeover?

If you enjoy going to a local coffee shop or even an international brand like Starbucks, you have likely experienced the pumpkin spice craze firsthand. You may find pumpkin spice lattes or other pumpkin spice-flavored items in bakeries, cafes, and stores in various countries throughout the fall season. However, pumpkin spice's popularity and cultural significance can vary widely from one country to another. It may be embraced and celebrated in some places, while in others, it may be more of a niche or novelty flavor. For instance, while Starbucks brought the PSL to Australia, the signature drink has yet to expand to markets outside major cities.

So, while pumpkin spice is not exclusive to America and has gained some international recognition, its popularity and cultural integration can vary depending on the region and local tastes. It can even differ from one house to house and office to office. The places where our differences of opinion, sense of nostalgia, and preferences our expressed may embrace all things pumpkin spice or just might opt out. Either way, let us enjoy a warm cup of our favorite beverages and wonder how much further this craze will go!