Beyond Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin spice has long dominated October flavor menus and marketing: from candles to lattes, from the grocery store to Starbucks, “new” fall offerings often recycle the same pumpkin spice theme. Although pumpkin spice has its moments, many are becoming tired of the flavor. October’s seasonal flavors extend beyond the basic pumpkin spice latte, and each deserves their own moment in the spotlight. Some other options:

The original, classic flavor of fall was apple. There is something deeply nostalgic about picking apples with grandparents or eating warm apple pie for dessert. Apple has also recently been trending through fresh apple cider donuts and cakes. 

Cinnamon season begins in October, but it lasts throughout the whole winter because of its warming essence and coziness. In my opinion, cinnamon is perfect in everything from cinnamon rolls to snickerdoodle cookies.

A classic alternative to pumpkin spice lattes, chai lattes are served all year round. Although chai is usually just in drinks, it is also incorporated into cookies and cakes. 

Pumpkin itself, without the spice, also deserves appreciation. Pumpkin is versatile as it can be used in both savory and sweet treats, soups and seeds, to pumpkin muffins and bread. 

Pumpkin spice may be the most popular, but October has always offered a wide array of fun fall flavors. This year, consider trying to bake the perfect childhood apple pie or Taylor Swift's viral chai cookies as an alternative fall treat.