In the spirit of Halloween and fall, there are some things that are always associated with this season. The common seasonal aspects that one thinks about around this time are the leaves changing colors, the change in weather, and ghost stories. It is time to pull out those jackets, UGGs and hot chocolate. But there is also something else: PUMPKINS! Pumpkins are always a popular item in the food world during this time of year. There are pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin brownies, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin blondies, pumpkin pancakes and, of course, pumpkin lattes. Pumpkin lattes are on the rage around this time and I am always excited when they are offered. The latte has definitely become a symbol of fall and what is associated with it over the last few years. It is warm and relaxing; it is almost like taking a walk on a beautiful autumn day. Plenty of places offer pumpkin lattes starting in late September and early October. Some of these places include Starbucks, Panera (my favorite!), our own Jittery Joe’s, and now McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. I’m definitely loving the different pumpkin lattes that they have to offer and I always go to try them out. That’s just what PLLs do (pumpkin latte lovers).
Starbucks is usually filled with lovers of their pumpkin spice lattes at the beginning of fall and they have even had shortages of the product in previous years. The demand is already high for them. Last year, Starbucks released their instant version of the latte as well, which completely sold out. With over 200 million lattes sold and the latte going international, Starbucks is now celebrating its 10th year with their pumpkin spice latte. Even though Starbucks’ version of the pumpkin latte contains no real pumpkin, its spice keeps the customers coming in. But this year there is competition from Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s. With an idea this great, it was bound to be imitated by others. Of course, everyone’s recipe varies a bit. But Starbucks seems to come out on top. It is comical not to think that Starbucks questioned whether the pumpkin spice latte would be a hit. They definitely cannot question that now.
The pumpkin latte craze has begun and the obsession is becoming greater and greater. I have already had my share of pumpkin lattes (bought and homemade) this month already, and I see plenty of other people are doing the same. PLLs are also posting pictures with their lattes all over Instagram and Twitter. The pumpkin public loves pumpkin lattes. I mean, what is there not to like? The sweet and smooth pumpkin flavor with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg spice, the hint of freshly brewed espresso and milk, and all topped with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin spice. No wonder pumpkin spice has become an instant craze of the masses. And it will definitely continue. As long as there are no shortages during this fall season, pumpkin lattes lovers will remain content with getting their pumpkin fix. Happy Pumpkin Latte Drinking!
