A spice so good, it has its own national holiday on Oct. 1.
Pumpkin Spice season is finally here, ushering in the fall season in Florida despite the lack of typical fall temperatures.
But what exactly is pumpkin spice? And why do we love it so much? Here’s what to know and where you can find it.
What is pumpkin spice made of?
Would you believe it doesn’t even have pumpkin in it?
Pumpkin spice is typically a mix of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, but sometimes allspice gets thrown into the blend, too, according to All Recipes.
When did pumpkin spice start?
According to USA TODAY, the drink was created in 2003 by Starbucks in its “Liquid Lab.”
“During research and development of PSL, the team sampled a forkful of pumpkin pie, followed by a sip of hot espresso to identify the flavors from the pie that best complemented the coffee,” a post on its website states.
Why is America obsessed with pumpkin spice?
There’s actually some science behind why we are so obsessed with pumpkin spice.
According to Johns Hopkins’ Arts and Science Magazine, the key to why people love pumpkin spice is the smell of it. Its scent is heavily associated with holiday seasons and likely brings some comforting memories.
“Pumpkin spice aromas emerge in the fall in shops and cafes, coinciding with the arrival of colorful leaves, family gatherings, and back-to-school bustle. The association that the smell has with the season in our memories allows it to powerfully evoke the refreshing feelings of fall,” Jason Fischer, assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences, told the magazine in 2021.
Science journalist Alice Gray also told the BBC in 2024 that the high levels of sugar in the drink also trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals that make us crave more.
Dunkin’ Donuts releases fall 2025 menu. See items
It’s already here! Dunkin’ Donuts confirmed that its fall menu arrived on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Here are the fall drinks you can sip on at Dunkin’:
As for fall food items:
To locate an establishment near you, check its website here.
Starbucks fall 2025 menu is coming. See items, date
Starbucks has announced its fall menu will return Tuesday, Aug. 26. Some fan favorites and new additions will appear on Starbucks’ fall menu:
According to food blogger Mark Devo, a leaked menu also shows other food items returning: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Baked Apple Croissant and the Raccoon Cake Pop (Vanilla cake with chocolate icing).
You can find a location near you on the company’s locations page.
See other places in Florida offering pumpkin spice items
Want new places to get your pumpkin spice fix other than Starbucks or Dunkin’? See seven places in Florida with fall menus:
Grocery stores have also begun selling pumpkin spice items, including coffee creamers, baked goods and even premade spice blends.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: What is pumpkin spice made of? Here’s what’s in it, where to find it
Reporting by Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
