Coffee shops offering pumpkin spice flavor earlier than past years as industry booms
Pumpkin spice was valued at more than $510 million in 2019, according to Nielsen
The popularity of pumpkin spice has exploded in recent years, especially as an ingredient in coffee. And now, it's in foods like donuts, muffins and goldfish crackers.
Summer isn't over quite yet, but the taste of fall is already brewing in businesses around the country.
The popularity of the pumpkin spice flavor has exploded in recent years, especially in coffee.
The Burnt Coffee Company is preparing for its second autumn since opening – and pumpkin spice is top priority.
"It definitely goes on the menu for as long as possible," manager Kristen Johnson said.
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The popularity of the pumpkin spice flavor has skyrocketed in recent years. (Fox News / Fox News)
"Our system shows exactly what drink gets sold the most," Johnson said. "And if you look between September to October and probably going into November, it’ll be the top sold item. Even over a mocha."
Pumpkin spice swirled its way onto the coffee scene in 2003, becoming a popular flavor pretty quickly. Now, it can be found in foods like donuts, muffins and even goldfish crackers.
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The industry was valued at more than $510 million in 2019, according to recent data from Nielsen.
Recent data from Nielson valued the pumpkin spice flavor at $511 million in 2019. (Fox News / Fox News)
Businesses across the country have noticed how popular pumpkin spice is with customers and thought it made sense to start offering it earlier.
"Most coffee and coffee sales is really strong in the winter," said Dr. Jadrian Wooten of Virginia Tech. "October to February. And it kind of dies down in the summer. So this is an opportunity, creeping back into the summer helps sort of start those winter sales earlier."
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Some coffee shops are prioritizing pumpkin spice as an ingredient heading into the fall months. (Fox News / Fox News)
The Burnt Coffee Company is focusing an entire section of its menu around pumpkin spice this fall.
"Last year, I had the pumpkin spice latte on there," Johnson said. "And then maybe one other item. I think this year, I’ll probably make like five drinks. Like a cold brew, a latte, a frappe, you know? We’ll get crazy with it."
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Pumpkin spice is available as soon as late July or early August at most coffee shops, but Wooten believes it won't be introduced any earlier to ensure demand doesn’t peak too far ahead of fall.