A Whole “Latte” Pumpkin Spice: Restaurants Expand on This Autumn Favorite

?Ever since Starbucks served the first Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003, Americans can’t seem to get enough of this blend of seasonal spices. People love pumpkin spice so much that researchers from Johns Hopkins University have studied the phenomenon. What they found is perhaps what pumpkin spice fans have known all along: The flavor reminds fans of everything we love about fall, from warm sweaters to colorful falling leaves.??

To meet consumer demand for all things pumpkin spice, franchisors are looking beyond the latte and are infusing this taste of autumn into juices, muffins, smoothies and even chia pudding. Professor of Psychology and Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins Jason Fischer said, “We often long for the arrival of fall at the end of a hot summer, and our sense of smell can summon up the season early.”?

The earlier the better, at least according to the many restaurants that started serving their pumpkin spice menus in early August – more than a month before the official arrival of fall. Brands such as Dunkin’ and Scooter’s Coffee got a jump on autumn while temperatures were still soaring, but customers were more than ready. Consumers looking for their fill of pumpkin spice items won’t have to look too far to find creative offerings from their favorite fast-casual restaurants.?

Clean Juice?

Now through November, Clean Juice is offering four new, all-organic seasonal menu items at more than 125 stores nationwide. These limited-time items include new smoothies, blended coffee and an acai bowl featuring the beloved taste of pumpkin. As always, they’ll create their pumpkin menu with organic pumpkin puree derived straight from the fruit without any additives. Consumers will enjoy the added benefit of vitamin A and other antioxidants that help boost the immune system as we move into the cold and flu season.?

Donato’s?

With the introduction of their Pumpkin Spice Bread , Donatos becomes the first major pizza chain to get in on this annual rite of autumn. Although their specialty is a thin-crust edge-to-edge pizza with abundant toppings, Donatos president Kevin King is excited to be in on the pumpkin spice craze this year. He said, “Pumpkin spice has become a big hit with consumers, and we’re hopping on the bandwagon with a product we believe our customers will love. It’s a sweet and satisfying treat that will have you feeling like you’re walking through a pumpkin patch on a breezy autumn day.” Donatos Pumpkin Spice Bread will be offered at their locations across 27 states for a limited time only.?

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Shake Shack?

Proving that pumpkin spice doesn’t have to come in the form of hot beverages, Shake Shack introduced their limited-time trio of fall shakes: Pumpkin Patch Shake, Choco Salted Toffee Shake and Apple Cider Donut Shake. The Pumpkin Patch Shake is made with Libby’s 100 percent pure pumpkin puree, hand-spun with vanilla frozen custard, cinnamon and nutmeg and topped with whipped cream and candied pumpkin seeds.?

Nekter?

?Health-conscious consumers looking for affordable seasonal fare will find four fresh options at Nekter Juice Bar . Their freshly made, low-calorie, low-fat offerings include a Pumpkin Spice Smoothie, Pumpkin Almond Bowl, Pumpkin Mousse Chia Pudding, and Pumpkin Superfood Oats. Visitors to Nekter are invited to “Pick the Pumpkin” they want. They can feel good about their food choices while still being able to enjoy the pumpkin spice craze. Nekter’s pumpkin menu will be offered until December 1st at all 180 locations across the country.??

IHOP?

As part of their permanent menu, “The Choice ,” IHOP launched two limited-time items to help customers celebrate the fall season. Guests can now choose Pumpkin Spice Pancakes in several combos, and kids can enjoy Scary Face Pancakes. According to CMO Kieran Donahue, “Choices will continue to expand as IHOP adds more items to the menu, including seasonal and LTO items that the brand will introduce this holiday season.” As inflation continues to affect consumer spending, IHOP, like other family-dining chains, is responding by marketing their value meals.?

For those traditionalists who still prefer their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Huhtamaki’s Chinet Comfort? cups are an excellent packaging choice to help your customers savor the taste of fall. They keep hot beverages hot while on the go and keep hands happy. Keep up on all the latest industry trends like the continuing popularity of pumpkin spice with Huhtamaki. We offer packaging for your business needs, and we’re a true partner in innovation for customer success.??