The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) has become synonymous with fall. There’s no denying its enduring popularity—whether you’re a fan or someone like me who prefers their pumpkin flavors in more traditional forms (pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, anyone?).
The rise of the PSL, from a Starbucks experiment to a seasonal staple, is a testament to how food trends take hold. PSL’s journey began in 2003, and it’s been a fall favorite ever since.
But how do food trends like this even start? If you’re curious, you’ll enjoy the fascinating breakdown from a food-marketing agency that explains how cultural shifts, innovation, and even nostalgia play a role in shaping what we crave. See link below.
Flavors play an important role in how we feel. Just a hint of a spice can evoke memories and moods, which might explain why PSL has such a loyal following.
Whether you enjoy a latte with friends or simply love chatting about the latest food craze, food trends give us all something to talk about. Knowing a bit of trivia about the PSL’s origins can be a fun way to liven up any conversation.
Seasonal flavors are mood boosters, conversation starters, and little ways to spice up our lives.
Fun facts about the Pumpkin Spice Latte:
- Introduced in 2003: The PSL was created by Starbucks in 2003, and it quickly became one of the brand’s most popular seasonal drinks.
- Original Recipe Experimentation: During development, Starbucks tested pumpkin pie flavors with whipped cream and even pumpkin puree before landing on the final spice-heavy blend we know today.
- No Pumpkin in the Original Recipe: Despite the name, the original PSL recipe didn’t actually contain any pumpkin—just the spices traditionally associated with pumpkin pie, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Pumpkin puree wasn’t added until 2015.
- Massive Popularity: Starbucks sells over 420 million PSLs globally, making it one of their most successful seasonal drinks ever.
- Hashtags & Social Media Impact: The PSL has sparked massive social media buzz, with the hashtag #PSL appearing in millions of Instagram posts. It’s become more than a drink—it’s a cultural phenomenon.
- The Start of Seasonal Flavors Trend: PSL is often credited with sparking the trend of seasonal-flavored products, influencing the launch of countless other pumpkin-spiced treats and drinks each fall.
- Lasting Power: Over two decades later, the PSL is still one of the top-selling items on Starbucks’ fall menu, showing its staying power in an ever-changing market of food trends.
Two Links Du Jour:
Starbucks’ Iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte Turns 20 – How a squash-colored longshot became a cultural phenomenon – Food Network magazine, August 2023
Where do Food Trends Come From? And Can Anything Replace Pumpkin Spice? We Asked the Experts– Tenacious Plate
Two Minutes Du Jour 