Kowalski Heat Treating Pumpkin Spice blog featured image. Image of pumpkins and a pumpkin spice latte in an orange mug with whipped cream on top. Text reads "Pumpkin Spice" on the bottom right corner.

Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin spice. It has become synonymous with autumn, evoking images of cozy sweaters, falling leaves, cool nights, and warm drinks. I thought I’d search out the origins and history of this beloved spice blend, and found out it stretches far beyond recent association with trendy lattes seasonal baked goods, and craft beers. The origins of Pumpkin Spice, or the flavor/blend known as “pumpkin spice” actually date back to the culinary traditions of colonial America. I think I remember the first time I tasted it –  in a cookie, and realized it was not good! Full disclosure, not everything needs or should have pumpkin spice added! 

While pumpkins are native to North America and were a staple in the diet of indigenous peoples, pumpkin pie as we know it today didn’t become popular until the 17th century. Early settlers used pumpkins in stews, soups, and pies, but pumpkin flavor and pumpkin spice as we recognize it was a necessity for flavoring food due to limited ingredients.

Pumpkin spice is a combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. These spices originated from various parts of the world – Cinnamon and cloves come from Sri Lanka and Indonesia, nutmeg from the Banda Islands in Indonesia, and ginger from Southeast Asia. European colonists brought these spices to the Americas through the lucrative “spice” trade routes, making them luxury goods for early American settlers.

Pumpkin pie recipes from as early as the 1700s in the US called for these spices to be used in the filling. In those times, the use of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg was not unique to pumpkin dishes; they were often used to flavor all types of desserts, stews, and savory dishes alike. However, over time, these spices became closely associated with pumpkin, particularly pumpkin pie. It wasn’t until the 1930s that pumpkin spice was introduced as a blend. McCormick & Company introduced its pumpkin pie spice in 1934, just a few years after canned pumpkin first appeared on shelves. I remember as a kid my Mom making pies, and the spices would fill the air.

The modern pumpkin spice craze is widely attributed to the Starbucks coffee chain, which launched its now-iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (commonly referred to as PSL) in 2003. The company sought to create a fall-themed beverage and, after experimenting with several flavors, found that pumpkin paired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves resonated strongly with customers. The PSL rapidly grew in popularity, sparking a cultural phenomenon that has endured for two decades. Starbucks has sold over 600 million PSLs since its debut, and the drink’s release is now considered the unofficial beginning of autumn for many. Locally, I started noticing PSL products appear in my neighborhood grocery stores. Ironically, I have never had a Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte (PSL).

The success of the Pumpkin Spice Latte led to the proliferation of pumpkin spice-flavored products. Today, we can find pumpkin spice in everything from candles to cereal, beers, and even pet treats. The flavor has moved beyond its original association with pumpkin pie to become a seasonal marker in its own right.

Interestingly, most products labeled as “pumpkin spice” contain little to no actual pumpkin. The blend refers primarily to the spices that are traditionally used to flavor pumpkin pie.

Here’s a List of 15 Best Pumpkin Spice Products Out This Fall.  (I’m gonna let you all try and see if you can sample ALL of them!) This is the one time that I am providing this list as information only!

Duncan Hines Dolly Parton’s Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix – Put on your favorite Dolly playlist and get ready to bake these pumpkin spice cookies! The iconic country legend has teamed up with Duncan Hines to create a soft and chewy cookie mix that’ll have you singing a little tune. All you need is an egg and some melted butter to make ’em!

M&M’S Pumpkin Pie Milk Chocolate Candy – This brand new M&M flavor tastes just like a slice of pumpkin pie—in bite-sized form! Stir some into your favorite trail mix or grab a handful for your next hayride. They would even make a great addition to your Halloween candy stash.

Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts – Everyone’s favorite toaster pastry now comes in a fall flavor that’s ready to be warmed up for the coziest breakfast of all. Between the pumpkin pie-flavored filling and the classic frosting with autumnal sprinkles, this is one great way to start the day.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate – It doesn’t matter when the PSL returns to Starbucks because you can enjoy the seasonal flavor right at home! Starbucks released this cold brew variation for those who can’t seem to part from their morning iced coffee triple foam, no fat, decaf latte.

Pepperidge Farm Milano Pumpkin Spice Cookies – No need to turn on the oven for these pumpkin spice cookies! Add a couple to your kid’s lunchbox and it’s sure to put a smile on their face. Then again, you might want to save a few for yourself to dip in a cup of pumpkin-flavored coffee! (OMG!)

Little Debbie Pumpkin Patch Variety Pack – For a burst of nostalgia, check out this seasonal variety pack from Little Debbie! It comes with Pumpkin Brownies, Pumpkin Spice Rolls, and Pumpkin Delight Cookies. The sweet treats are everything you remember as a kid and more!

Kellogg’s Cheerio’s Pumpkin Spice Cereal – You can’t go wrong with a bowl of cereal! Especially when it’s sparkling with sweet frosting and pumpkin flavor. These make for a quick breakfast on back-to-school mornings. I’m not sure, but I’m guessing these are both great!

Pumpkin Spice Wafer Cookies – These thin wafer cookies are a surprisingly healthy snack for fall! They’re made without artificial colors or flavors and they only have one gram of sugar! Plus, they’re individually wrapped so you can grab them on the go.

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Spice Coffee Pods – Made with 100% Arabica beans and a delightfully spiced flavor, these coffee pods will transport you straight to fall! The pods will work in any coffee machine that brews K-cups and can even be served hot or iced – with a cinnamon stick and whipped cream of course.

KIND THINS Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Bars – Toss one of these KIND bars in your pocket (or your kid’s backpack) for an easy pick-me-up this fall. The thin bars are chewy, nutty, and loaded with pumpkin spice flavor. Each bar is drizzled with chocolate so it feels like a treat even though each bar only has 100 calories!

OREO  Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies – ok, anything Oreo rocks –  Just as dunk-able as their chocolate counterparts, these Oreo cookies are made with a golden wafer cookie instead. Each one has a thick pumpkin-flavored creme filling that makes it taste just like a slice of pumpkin pie! Where’s my coffee??

Pumpkin Pie Flavored Jelly Beans – With Halloween right around the corner, these Jelly Belly candies will come in handy! The chewy snack now comes in a pumpkin pie flavor and bright orange color that’s perfect for spooky season.

Williams Sonoma Spiced Pecan Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix – There’s nothing like a stack of fluffy pancakes (or waffles) to start your day. But if you’re short on time, there’s nothing wrong with starting with a boxed mix. This easy-to-use blend is full of rich pumpkin, warm spices, and crunchy candied pecans. It’s a fall favorite that’s even more delicious with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Kernel Season’s Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Seasoning – If you’re a fan of sweet and salty, you’ll love this seasoning blend sprinkled over freshly popped popcorn! Put on your favorite fall movie to make your seasonal night complete. Oh, and you can also shake this spice blend over pancakes or yogurt! (I gotta try this one).

Dunkin’ Donuts Pumpkin Spice Ground Coffee – Only back for a short time, you can enjoy the taste of Dunkin Pumpkin Spice coffee right at home! The medium roast is loaded with the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Plus, it’s pre-ground so you can use it with just about any coffee maker you have in your kitchen.

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