Pumpkin spice: Autumn flavor seen in everything from desserts to pet treats
As mid-August rolls around, it signals the arrival of “Augtober,” and with it, the popular pumpkin spice flavor. Many people start enjoying this seasonal delight well before summer is over, with options available around the clock for the next couple of months.
The pumpkin spice phenomenon is taking over.
You can practically include pumpkin spice in all three meals of your day: think pumpkin pancakes or pumpkin cereal for breakfast, followed by pumpkin soup for lunch, and pumpkin pasta for dinner. And that’s just what you can whip up at home.
According to Kevin Bryla, the chief marketing officer at SpotOn—which provides restaurant software and payment solutions—restaurants are getting inventive with their pumpkin selections this year. They’re introducing savory dishes like pumpkin vinaigrette, pumpkin curry, pumpkin black bean soup, and pumpkin ravioli.
And of course, don’t forget to treat yourself to pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin-flavored coffee, or other delightful beverages. Bryla noted that eateries are even experimenting with pumpkin spice espresso martinis and pumpkin spice bubble tea.
Your pets can also join in on the pumpkin spice fun. Chewy.com offers a variety of pumpkin-flavored treats and supplements for cats and dogs. Petco is also getting in on the trend with new limited-edition items, including a 4-foot Pumpkin Spice plush toy priced at $49.99, along with pumpkin-themed T-shirts and other toys for pets.
Experts from McCormick predicted the rise of pumpkin pie spice in their Flavor Forecast back in 2010. Now, according to McCormick’s executive chef Hadar Cohen Aviramshe, pumpkin spice is so well-loved it’s become a symbol of fall. “Those warm spices help evoke comforting memories and experiences,” she explained to YSL News.
Here are some of the latest pumpkin-themed offerings for fans of this flavor.
Exploring pumpkin coffee beyond Pumpkin Spice Lattes
The combination of pumpkin spice and coffee goes far beyond just Pumpkin Spice Lattes. You can find pumpkin spice coffee to brew at home from Dunkin’ and Starbucks. Here are some more ways to enjoy pumpkin flavors in your coffee:
- Chobani: This well-known Greek yogurt brand has introduced two new products this season: Chobani Pumpkin Spice Barista Oatmilk ($4.49 for a 24-ounce bottle), perfect for flavoring coffee and tea, and Chobani Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Drink ($1.99 for a 7-ounce bottle). Additionally, La Colombe, which was acquired by Chobani in December 2023, is launching the La Colombe Pumpkin Spice Draft Latte ($3.29 for individual cans or $9.99 for a 4-pack), as well as two new drinks at La Colombe Cafes: Pumpkin Pie Chai Draft Latte (tea-based) and Pumpkin Spice Latte.
- Daily Harvest: This organic food company is set to release a Pumpkin Spice Latte mix ($9.99 for a six-pack) in September; this mix includes organic kabocha squash puree and various spices. You just need to add milk, cold brew, or espresso. Sign up to get notified when it’s available for purchase.
- Eight O’Clock Coffee: The brand’s Pumpkin Spice Coffee ($9.69 for an 11-ounce bag) is now available, promising the delightful taste and aroma reminiscent of warm spices and sweet cream just like pumpkin pie.
- Planet Oat: Expect to see their Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer ($4.99) hitting stores in August; this too will be a limited-time offer.
- QuickChek: This convenience store chain is also serving their version of Pumpkin Spice coffee, which is available for self-service, either hot or iced.
Pumpkin Pancakes
If you love pumpkin pancakes for breakfast, now is the time to place your order:
- Denny’s: Starting August 21, Denny’s will offer Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes. A stack is priced from $3.99, available for dining in or for takeout/delivery via Dennys.com and other services. You can also try the Pumpkin Pecan Slam for $10.49, which comes with pancakes, two eggs, hash browns, and either bacon or sausage.
- IHOP: Beginning September 1, IHOP will reintroduce its seasonal pumpkin spice menu, featuring Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake as the Pancake of the Month. Customers can also enjoy Pumpkin Spice Pancakes (both options can be part of a combo with 2 eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage). Prices may differ by location, starting at $8.99 for a short stack, $12.99 for a full stack, and $14.99 for a combo. Additionally, Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam Cold Brew will be available.
Pumpkin Desserts
Pumpkin spices are an ideal complement to baked goods and desserts, having been initially created to enhance the flavor of pumpkin pies.
According to Cohen Aviramshe, the executive chef at McCormick, their Pumpkin Pie Spice blend combines elements like the sweetness of cinnamon, the earthiness of nutmeg, the spicy kick of ginger, and the characteristic notes of allspice, creating a warm, delightful, and irresistible flavor that has certainly earned its special place.
Check out some delicious pumpkin-flavored treats available this season:
- Bubbies Pumpkin Spice Mochi: This ice cream brand wraps premium ice cream in sweet mochi rice dough, with a limited-edition pumpkin spice ice cream variant launching mid-September for $5.99-$6.99. You can find it online on their website, FreshDirect, or in grocery stores like Albertsons, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, and Whole Foods.
- Carvel Pumpkin Cheesecake: Carvel is bringing back its Pumpkin Cheesecake offerings for a limited time starting August 15. Available treats include Pumpkin Cheesecake Soft Serve, scooped ice cream, shakes, sundaes, Flying Saucer sandwiches, and a soft serve ice cream pop dipped in white chocolate, with prices starting at $2.99 for pops and sandwiches to $6.79 for shakes and sundaes, varying by location.
- The Cheesecake Factory: This restaurant chain, featuring around 340 locations, will reintroduce its Pumpkin and Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecakes starting September 1. A slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake is priced at $9.95, and Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake starts at $10.50 (whole cheesecakes range from $35.95 to $65.95). Members of the Cheesecake Rewards loyalty program who sign up before or during September can look forward to a special reward on September 3, which includes a free slice of one of the pumpkin cheesecakes. New members who join by September 30 can also benefit from a reward. All rewards are available until September 30.
- Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen will offer a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard beginning August 26, featuring real pumpkin pie pieces blended with soft serve, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg.
- Duncan Hines: You can bake two dozen cookies using the Dolly Parton Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix ($6.98), available at grocery stores and retailers like Walmart, and also through Instacart delivery.
- Entenmann’s: Entenmann’s pumpkin treats include Iced Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Donuts, and Little Bites pumpkin muffins, among many other snacks available in stores.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: On Aug. 20, the fast-food chain will launch their Pumpkin Pie Concrete ($5.89+) and Pumpkin Pie Shake ($5.69+) for the season. The Concrete features vanilla frozen custard blended with pumpkin pie, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The Shake includes milk for a smoother sip.
- Great American Cookies: Their Pumpkin Spice Cookie ($2.59), made with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, white chocolate, and coated in powdered sugar, is currently available.
- Insomnia Cookies: From Sept. 3 to Sept. 22, they will feature a Pumpkin Spice Latte Classic cookie, crafted from pumpkin spice cookie dough and vanilla chips. Sign up for their new Insomnia Rewards program to receive a free classic cookie upon joining.
- Marble Slab Creamery: Known for their small-batch ice cream, they introduce a new Pumpkin Spice Latte ice cream, made with coffee, pumpkin, and cinnamon, available until Oct. 31. The starting price is $7.49 for a 12-ounce shake or $7.59 for the ice cream.
- Macarooz: Starting Aug. 19, this macaron company will have Pumpkin Spice Creme Brûlée Macarons ($35 for a pack of six) and Pumpkin Spice Mac Pops ($27 for six) available online.
- Pepperidge Farm: This bakery brand will release its Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread ($4.69) and Milano Pumpkin Spice Cookies ($5.09 for a 7-ounce bag), featuring pumpkin and chocolate cream this month.
- Werther’s Original Pumpkin Spice Soft Caramels: Featured for fall, these caramels are enhanced with pumpkin spice for a creamy texture, priced between $3.99 and $9.99.
Explore More Pumpkin Flavors
Beyond pumpkin pies and donuts, there’s a variety of pumpkin-flavored foods to try:
- Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP: This popcorn brand is offering Pumpkin Spice Flavored Kettle Corn ($4.29), sweet corn with a hint of spice, available at various grocery stores, including Kroger and Walmart.
- Fit Butters Pumpkin Pie Cashew Butter: Arriving at the end of August, this vegan-friendly cashew butter ($12.99) is perfect for spreading on pumpkin bread and muffins, made with actual pumpkin pie filling and vegan marshmallows.
- GoGo squeeZ Apple Pumpkin Spice: This apple and pumpkin puree blend, with a hint of cinnamon and no added sugar, will be available in September within a variety pack, priced around $14.99 for a 20-count pack at stores nationwide.
- Nicola’s Marketplace: This New Jersey grocery offers homemade Pumpkin Ravioli ($16.99 for a box with 24 pieces), crafted with local pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and Parmigiano Reggiano, shipped directly to you.
- Pumpkin Spice Cheerios and more: In addition to the seasonal cereal infused with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, General Mills is also bringing Pillsbury Grands! Pumpkin Spice Rolls ($6.18), premade cinnamon roll dough with pumpkin spice icing, and new Pumpkin Spice Pillsbury Bread Batter ($5.99). Also, Oui Pumpkin Caramel whole milk French-style yogurt ($1.69) contains real pumpkin puree. These items are expected in stores from mid-August through October.
- Premier Protein Pumpkin Spice High Protein Shake: Launching in August for a limited time, these shakes provide 30 grams of protein with only 1 gram of sugar and pumpkin spices. They can be consumed directly or used in recipes, as well as in beverages. They are available in 15-packs ($25-$35) and 18-packs of 11-ounce bottles, as well as in one dozen 11.5-ounce packs ($32) at retailers like Walmart and on Amazon.
- Pumpkin Pie Perfect Bar: This seasonal delicacy features organic peanut butter, honey, dried pumpkin, autumn spices, and over 20 superfoods, delivering 14 grams of protein. Since they are crafted with freshly ground nut butters and contain no preservatives, you’ll find them in the refrigerated section. They begin showing up in stores on August 18 and will be available nationwide by late August on PerfectBar.com (8-pack for $29) and through various retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Costco.
- Schlafly Vanilla Pumpkin Ale: This popular St. Louis brewery offers one of the best pumpkin ales, and this year has launched a new addition to their fall lineup. The Vanilla Pumpkin Ale (8.0% ABV, $13.99 per six-pack) maintains the classic Pumpkin Ale flavors, including cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and pumpkin, and features a hint of vanilla that adds “creamy sweetness to this autumn classic,” according to the brewery’s announcement.
- Seven Sundays’ Real Pumpkin Spice Oat Protein Cereal: This cereal, which will be available from September for $7.99, is packed with real pumpkin, cinnamon, and other spices, and contains more protein and fiber than regular oats. It can be found online as well as at retailers such as Natural Grocers, Thrive Market, Whole Foods, and more.
- Smoothie King: Members of the Healthy Rewards program can enjoy the chain’s seasonal Pumpkin Smoothie offerings early on August 20, with general availability starting August 27. Choices include the Pumpkin Power Meal, made with 100% organic pumpkin, seasonal spices, almonds, and dates — providing 21 grams of protein; and the Pumpkin Slim-N-Trim smoothie, which combines pumpkin, seasonal spices, bananas, and dates for 13 grams of protein and totals under 250 calories. Healthy Rewards members earn 1,000 bonus points on pumpkin smoothie purchases from August 20-26. Additionally, during August 24-26, they can get 32-ounce pumpkin smoothies for just $7.
- siggi’s yogurt: The limited-edition pumpkin & spice flavor from this Icelandic yogurt brand is available at retailers across the United States, including Whole Foods, until December. A single 5.3 oz. cup contains 15 grams of protein and retails for $1.97.