LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — The infamous pumpkin spice latte is a crowd-pleaser for a reason; they’re syrup-sweet, deliciously spiced and rich with creamy pumpkin flavor. The mere mention of the name conjures images of cool fall days cozied up with scarves and good books, of colorful autumn leaves blanketing the streets and of a season of good food and holiday fun. It’s a gorgeous fantasy, yet SoCal’s sidewalks continued to scorch as late as October, and palm trees aren’t known for their fall colors. It’s evident that pumpkin spice season starts later than one would think, so why do devotees cling to the flavor so early in the season?

Patrons craving their PSL fix started crowding Starbucks as early as August 2022 for both old favorites and new classics. The pumpkin spice flavor comes in the classic latte, the chilly frappuccino, a warming chai latte and the energizing shaken cold brew. The chain provides seasonal pairings such as pumpkin pepita loaves and cream cheese pumpkin cupcakes. Yet the old favorite, the simple latte, is perhaps the most popular; ABC reports that Starbucks sells over 20 million drinks per season.

“It gets me in the fall mood, and I like the flavor,” said LAHS sophomore and pumpkin spice fan Aerin Martin. “I love (Starbucks’) pumpkin chai, but I also like pumpkin spice cookies!”

Starbucks’ high drink sales explain the lengthened season, designed to please patrons who wait all year for their favorite treat and potentially raise sales figures. However, the pumpkin spice craze doesn’t belong to Starbucks, as many other corporations do it just as well. 

Trader Joe’s, famed for their collection of beloved snacks and desserts, turns warm tones of orange with the arrival of its seasonal pumpkin spice series. Shoppers can take home baked goods, boxed mixes, frozen treats and cereals, and with a changing lineup every year, their goods seem to become more popular. Some snacks, such as the Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies, are so favored that even those who don’t like pumpkin flavor snack on them, one shopper said. 

The chain offers treats for all the senses, too, cranking out festive fall editions of their candles and body care products. Even the family dog has the chance to try organic pumpkin spice dog biscuits. 

Gallery • 2 Photos

Maleah Fennessey

Pumpkin spice-inspired hand cream.

If that isn’t enough for the pumpkin spice fanatic in you, fear not; there are seemingly endless options to choose from. Chains are preparing to roll out their fall menus, such as IHop’s and Hof’s Hut’s pumpkin spice pancakes, Krispy Creme’s Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts and delicious iterations of the classic PSL from all manners of coffee chains. Look out for seasonal favorites from your local spots, too: Fish Company’s pumpkin spice cheesecake and Katella Deli’s pumpkin spice pastries and lattes are certain to capture fall-lovers’ hearts. 

Yet a phenomenon as sweeping as this warm autumn flavor is still not without its critics.

For some, the 100-degree heat waves of this September told them pumpkin spice’s revival wasn’t in the stars. For others, the issue is that it’s not just for dessert anymore; it’s Goldfish crackers, cream cheese for your bagels and a seasonal gum flavor from Simply Gum. And beyond pumpkin-spice inspired bath products and makeup shades, fans can incorporate it into their beauty routines with Native’s pumpkin spice deodorant.

“I think that’s a little too far,” Martin said. For her and many others, it seems pumpkin spice is drawing shoppers not because of their tastes for it but because of its trendiness.

“I think people are just getting it for the trend of pumpkin spice, not really appreciating the fact that it tastes good,” said Martin. “I think it is a little out of control, but it’s good to have a variety.”

And a dazzling variety there is! Pumpkin spice is in its element and taking over, evolving into new, delicious (or entirely inedible) creations as October draws on. Move over, summer heat, because the warmth of pumpkin spice is coming through.