Have Pumpkin-Flavored Products Gone Too Far?
October 7, 2014
Over a decade ago, Starbucks launched its Pumpkin Spice Latte and, with it, a revolution. Its success led to almost every company in the world trying to get its piece of the “pumpkin pie.” It’s a big pie. Sales rose to $308 million last year. Even actual pumpkins have become more popular. We now have a record number of pumpkin farms in agriculture. If you’re out to indulge in some nutmeg and clove seasoned festivity, you have a lot of options. I see them in three categories:
Well, that sort of makes sense.
| Dunkin Donuts launched a seasonal coffee to match its competitor, along with the almost required donuts and muffins. Baked goods mimicking pie seems like a no brainer to me. |  |
| Of course, given the origin of the trend, several companies put out pumpkin spiced coffee creamers. |  |
| Ice cream parlors and grocery aisles are lined with pumpkin based seasonal flavors, including this Pumpkin Pie ice cream by Baskin Robbins. |  |
| Perhaps the most prolific boom in seasonal variety is the beer industry. You can find over 600 flavors out there. |
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| I can even make peace with the Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses and M&M’s. They aren’t what I would eat, but like cheesecake, they can adapt to many different flavors. |  |
Really?! I guess if you like that kind of stuff.
(Most of these would make my personal “No way” list but since I know some people really love this seasonal stuff, these don’t seem completely out there.)
| Thomas Bros. English Muffins in Pumpkin Spice. The problem is that these aren’t real muffins. They aren’t meant to be sweet or savory. |  |
| Country Crock Pumpkin Spice Spread. Flavored fake butter? I’m guessing this is for my pumpkin muffins. |  |
| Several types of gum … because nothing says fresh breath like nutmeg. |  |
| Oreos and Jell-O. I know pie is sweet but these just don’t match in my mind. It’s a texture thing. Pumpkin pie shouldn’t be crunchy. And definitely not jiggly! |  |
Um … no. Just no.
| Pringles. Who in the world thought, “Hey you know what goes with pie? Chips!”? |
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| Vodka, Kahlua, or Whiskey. I know the Pumpkin Beer is a hit but trendy hard liquor just seems like an oxymoron. |  |
| Pumpkin flavored liquid for e-cigarettes. Huh? How is this a thing? |  |
| Dog cologne. I think my objection to this is less about the pumpkin part and more about the idea of dogs wearing cologne. |  |
A rumor went around that there were now Pumpkin Flavored condoms, which might require an entirely new category. But, I am happy to report, it was totally false.
If you’re craving real pumpkin, check out all of these great ideas and recipes! A Dessert Change Up: Pumpkin Cheesecake or Zucchini Bread, Holiday Baking: Cinnamon Roll Pie Crust & Pumpkin Lust Cake, and Plentiful Pumpkins: Decorate, Dinnertime, Desserts!
