Pumpkin spice isn't a new thing, the actual pumpkin spice has been available for years for things like pumpkin pie. It is a combination of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and sometimes actual pumpkin. It wasn't until recently that we starting seeing pumpkin spice flavored everything.

I think most of us credit (or blame) Starbucks for starting the pumpkin spice fall frenzy with their ever-popular Pumpkin Spice Latte. Starbucks released the Pumpkin Spice Latte in the fall of 2003, and sold over 200 million of the fall-inspired drink in the first 10 years.

Since the popularity of the PSL has grown, we have seen an array of other pumpkin flavored products hit the shelves. Everything from tortilla chips, to cookies, even air fresheners, and candles are now available. Usually, these products hit the shelves in mid to late August and are so polarizing. Some people (like me) are excited about the fall flavors and smells, others are angry that people are flocking to stores and coffee shops in 80-degree weather to get a fall beverage or candle.

Listen, I don't tell you not to eat corn on the cob in the winter, or not to chili in the summer, strike that, chili in the summer is weird. It's obviously a winter food. A lot of places offer hot chocolate year round, no one gets all worked up about that. Why the Pumpkin Spice Latte hate?

Even if pumpkin flavored everything signifies the start of fall, whats wrong with that? Especially in Michigan, fall is arguably our most beautiful season. The PSL was released Tuesday (August 28th), a lot of kids were already back in school on Tuesday. Doesn't that also signify fall?

The moral of the story is Pumpkin Spice Lattes are delicious. They have real pumpkin puree in them, so you could even argue they have a few health benefits (if you forget about all the sugar). And if we as a culture want to drink them on an 80-degree day in mid-August, why would you want to take that joy away from us. Pro tip, you can also get them iced.

I will agree that a lot of the pumpkin spice flavored items are weird (I'm looking at you tortilla chips), but if I want to burn my Leaves-scented candle and drink a PSL I should be able to do that in whatever month I want.

Jenny B
Jenny B
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