It always starts with a random walk to coffee shop when the first crisp breeze hits the air and makes you want to buy your regular latte. But as soon as you see the menu, there it is! Pumpkin Spice Latte. So, you're sipping on the creamy, cinnamon-laced drink while thinking wasn't it summer just yesterday? Pumpkin spice latte is a nostalgic drink for all of us in the USA.
Maybe Pumpkin spice latte is popular because it reminds us of homely smell of freshly baked pies or maybe it is clever marketing. Either way, Pumpkin spice trend is a feeling not just a flavor.
Is pumpkin spice still popular ? Seeing the pumpkin spice alternatives brewing in the market, we all ask this question. Fall flavor trends like maple, brown butter, and chai are stealing the spotlight but what makes Pumpkin spice latte so special that it still rules the hearts? Continue reading this blog to discover more about the Pumpkin Spice Latte Trend.
What is the Pumpkin Spice Latte and How Did It Become a Trend?
PSL, as the fans lovingly call it, is a mixture of espresso, steamed milk, and a sweet pumpkin-spice syrup, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Somehow this drink defines fall in the USA. It captures the essence of fall in a cup.
Pumpkin Spice Latte came into being in 2003 when Starbucks launched it as an "experimental flavor". They just wanted to test it in 100 stores across Washington, D.C., and Vancouver, Canada. The response was massive. People loved it so much that By 2013, the company had sold over 200 million PSLs. The timings and marketing of PSL was the reason that created anticipation among the customers. Soon, PSL became a signal that told falls arrival in the USA.
Is Pumpkin Spice Still Popular?
Yes it is. Recent data shows that mentions of “pumpkin spice” on U.S. menus rose by 33.8% between fall 2014 and fall 2024. That’s a strong signal that it's still relevant across food and beverage spaces. Starbucks itself has leaned into PSL even more: for example, by introducing real pumpkin puree in the sauce (no more artificial color), launching cold or iced pumpkin-cream versions, diversifying with pumpkin drinks beyond just the latte. That suggests demand is strong enough to justify innovation.
Pumpkin Spice Alternatives That Could Outshine the Trend Soon
While pumpkin spice will always have its fan club, there are other fall flavors alternatives that are knocking on the door. This new lineup of flavors can become seasonal beverage trends soon and honestly, they smell just as dreamy. Here’s what these flavors are and why they’re catching so much buzz.
Maple: The Cozy Classic
According to dsm-firmenich’s 2025 Flavor of the Year, Milky Maple was crowned the next comfort flavor because it hits that same nostalgic, creamy note people love about pumpkin spice. However, it feels a little more natural and less spiced-up. Maple isn't a new flavor, but it is having a real glow up this season.
Maple brings the same warmth and comfort, but it’s more versatile. It fits into lattes, cookies, oatmeals, and even savory glazes. It’s also tied to the “back-to-nature” vibe consumers are craving. Think weekend pancakes, crisp air, and that golden syrup drizzle. It’s cozy, but calm.
2. Salted Caramel: The Sweet with Salt Punch
Honestly salted caramel is a bit less polarizing than Pumpkin Spice. Many local coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin are witnessing an increase in the sales of Salted Caramel beverages. So, it is safe to say that Salted Caramel has moved from special treat to fall staples.
3. Pecan: The Southern Comfort Flavor
Pecan is pure comfort. It’s buttery, nutty, and rich and more brands are realizing its potential beyond pie. In 2024, several national chains introduced butter pecan and brown butter pecan drinks and desserts as their fall alternatives.
Pecan flavors carry the same cozy, home-baked vibe as pumpkin spice but with an elegant twist. It’s nostalgia, but not cliché. According to the statistics of DoorDash, there has been a 28% increase in sales of Pecan flavored beverages.
Moreover, Many of Starbucks’ seasonal 2025 fall launches include “pecan” versions in their lineup: e.g., Pecan Oatmilk Cortado and Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte (iced or hot). This suggests pecan isn’t a one-off experiment but part of their strategy.
Do people still love pumpkin spice? Quick answers
Is the pumpkin spice trend fading?
No though some signs of consumer fatigue are appearing, pumpkin spice still anchors fall flavor culture. New tastes like cinnamon, salted caramel, and pecan are emerging as alternatives, but pumpkin spice continues to hold strong appeal.
What new flavors are replacing or complementing pumpkin spice?
Many consumers are now gravitating toward cinnamon, salted caramel, pecan, maple, and candy apple as fall favorites.
Why has pumpkin spice grown so popular?
It’s not just about flavor it’s emotional. Pumpkin spice evokes nostalgia, seasonal rituals, cozy feelings, and marketing synergy around autumn. It became more than a flavor; it’s a cultural marker.
Can pumpkin spice remain relevant despite flavor fatigue?
Yes brands are refreshing the offering with new pairings, limited-edition twists, and category expansions (e.g. creamers, desserts, scented products). These innovations help keep the trend alive.
When does pumpkin spice season typically begin?
Retailers often start promoting pumpkin spice products as early as late summer, with full launches by early fall. However, there’s a balance launching too early can dilute the seasonal momentum.
Will pumpkin spice ever “die out”?
Unlikely, at least not entirely. While its dominance may shift over time, the flavor has established itself too deeply in consumer culture to disappear fully. Even amid competition, the ritual of “pumpkin spice season” is hard to retire.
Final Words
Is the Pumpkin Spice Trend fading? The simple answer is no. At FoodvLove, we know this flavor isn’t just about cinnamon or pumpkin it’s about feelings. It’s the nostalgia of fall, the marketing magic that brings people together around a warm cup, and the shared excitement for the changing season. What began as an experimental latte flavor has evolved into a cultural moment. A ritual that reminds us of cozy sweaters, quiet cafés, and the sweet comfort of nostalgia.
But here’s the thing: even comfort needs a refresh. At FoodvLove, we’re seeing flavors like maple, salted caramel, and pecan step in as the next generation of “fall favorites.” These new tastes bring the same warmth and coziness we all love about pumpkin spice but with a modern, more nuanced twist.
There may be other seasonal beverage trends bubbling up, but one thing is clear pumpkin spice isn’t going anywhere. It’s just evolving, one cozy cup at a time.
FAQs
Pumpkin spice is still going strong in 2025. The pumpkin spice trend has matured; it’s no longer just about the latte. You’ll find it in protein shakes, candles, cereals, and even skincare.
Try a DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte by mixing espresso (or strong coffee) with steamed milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and a homemade spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove). You can also whip up pumpkin spice overnight oats, pancakes, or even roasted pumpkin spice almonds for a cozy snack. These easy recipes capture the flavor of fall.
It depends on how it’s made. The spices themselves have real health benefits like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. But the pumpkin spice trend often turns unhealthy when it’s paired with high-sugar syrups or whipped cream.
Keep your pumpkin spice mix in an airtight glass jar and store it in a cool, dark place. It usually stays fresh for up to 6 months.
Pumpkin spice pairs beautifully with vanilla, maple, pecan, and caramel — all the cozy fall notes that complement its warmth. It also works well with coffee, chocolate, oats, apples, and cream cheese.
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