When the leaves start to turn and the air feels a bit crisper than usual, it is often a sign that fall has arrived. Alongside this change in weather is another phenomenon: pumpkin spice season. Everything, from pastries to dog treats, is infused with this blend of warm spices and autumnal scents, another signal of the harvest. 

The phenomenon of pumpkin spice is not just about the unique flavor, but it’s the fact that it can act as a transition between summer and fall. By binding together two different periods of time, people are also connected in the process. 

“I think pumpkin spice genuinely brings people together because it’s something that everyone is aware of and signals the start of a cozy and connected season,” Emma Wang (11) said. While it is widely accepted that pumpkin spice is a fall staple, it is not enjoyed by everyone. Many believe that the flavor is overdone and that it gets to a point where it can be unbearable. 

“I don’t really enjoy pumpkin spice flavored items because I think that it just doesn’t taste good,” Benjamin Park (11) said. “ I feel like it was kind of overhyped so when I actually tried it I was not very impressed.”

Yet despite the oversaturation and simplicity of this flavor, it can still evoke such a strong emotional response from its consumers. The warm and cozy flavor is just one part of this characteristic that many people identify with, and for some, it acts as a break in between the chaos of the world.

“The flavor is really basic, so it is most likely popular because it creates a warm feeling and reminds people of the holiday season coming up,” Elizabeth Yu (11) said.

Furthermore, the craftsmanship behind this blend of spices are rooted in old spice trade routes and baking recipes, creating a global flavor profile in a more modern aesthetic that combines the old with familiar flavors.

So, despite the fact that pumpkin spice is almost everywhere in the fall season, if nutmeg and cinnamon are what bring people together in an increasingly divided world, it should be something that is worth celebrating for.

“People aren’t just buying a flavor, but they’re buying an emotion, a vibe, and a memory of autumn,” Wang said. “The overall ability to say that you’re getting a pumpkin spice drink is more satisfying than actually buying it.”