Flavor Insight Report - Pumpkin Spice (2024)

FAQs

What is the flavor profile of pumpkin spice? ›

Pumpkin spice, also known as pumpkin pie spice, is a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Some pumpkin spice mixes might leave out a spice or two, but most consist of at least two or three of the spices listed above.

Some think it relates way back to our colony days where pumpkins were one of the only crops the settlers could sustain and so, subconsciously, pumpkin reminds us of our roots. Others believe that the seasonal appeal of the pumpkin-flavor is what creates the allure.

"Fall flavors like pumpkin spice evoke strong reactions because they tap into nostalgia and the brain's reward system," he said, similar to the way a person turns to comfort foods. The nature of autumn, with the shrinking days and colder temperatures, helps drive these feelings of nostalgia and comfort, Johnson said.

While pumpkin spice is a very well-established flavor profile in many product categories, we are seeing 40% growth in global pumpkin spice flavored products from 2021-2022. Sales of pumpkin spice products in retail totaled more than $802 billion in the year ending July 2023, according to NielsenIQ data.

Yes, apple pie spice is a wonderful pumpkin pie spice substitute. Both blends contain many of the same ingredients, including cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. The difference comes down to two spices: ginger and cloves. You won't find either in apple pie spice, but it won't make too much of a difference.

Because our perception of taste goes hand in hand with aromas, we taste (and in turn smell) pumpkin spice and our brain perceives it as a warm, happy memory that we enjoy. "Our olfactory systems are already built to respond enthusiastically to odors and their associated memories.

In 1675 the first recipe to call for the mix of pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon known today as pumpkin spice was used. The four spices can also be combined with ginger and all spice depending on where you live. A company known to prepackage these spices in a handy shaker started doing so in the late 1930's.

The major and common ingredient in pumpkin spice lattes include: cinnamic aldehydes for cinnamon, eugenol for clove or allspice, terpenes such as sabinene for nutmeg, and zingiberene for ginger. They may also contain vanillin and cyclotene for the burnt butter or maple notes to round off the flavor.

The most pumpkin spice-obsessed state in 2022 is Washington, which makes sense since Starbucks was founded in Seattle! Washington is known for perfect PSL weather too, with many rainy days in the fall. The next (2nd) most PSL obsessed state is California.

It can really be attributed to coffee lovers in the late 1990s when the hot new beverage of cafes became a pumpkin spice flavored coffee, and the craze spread like wildfire across America in 2003 with the introduction of Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte. What is included in “Pumpkin Spice,” anyway?

Why is it called pumpkin spice if there is no pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin pie spice, also known as pumpkin spice, is an American spice mix, named because it is commonly used as a flavoring for pumpkin pie. It does not include pumpkin as an ingredient. Pumpkin pie spice is similar to the British and Commonwealth mixed spice, and the medieval poudre-douce.

Because food companies realized it was popular and decided to jump on the bandwagon so began making everything with pumpkin pie spice flavor.

According to a research study by Johns Hopkins University scientists, people equate the traditional PSL aromas — cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger — with feelings of nostalgia. Even more interestingly, the study adds that without an evocative scent like this, a person's taste perceptions are actually quite limited.

The spices in pumpkin spice have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce chronic inflammation. Boosts the immune system: Some of the spices in pumpkin spice, such as ginger and cloves, have immune-boosting properties. This means that they may help to protect your body from infection.

There's a reason it's a holiday favorite. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves swim together in a robust pumpkin-flavored syrup. The warmth of the holidays comes through in whatever you make: mochas, lattes, cappuccinos or steamers.

Cinnamon is the base of our pumpkin spice, so there's a slight sweetness and warm baking spice flavor. Spices like nutmeg and ginger have a slight spicy heat or peppery quality. Allspice and mace create a well-rounded spice flavor.

Our iconic pumpkin spice latte is handcrafted with signature espresso, combined with a pumpkin spice flavour sauce and steamed milk, then topped with whipped cream and a spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.

Dunkin's Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte features notes of pumpkin, vanilla, and fall spices blended with espresso and milk.