“Fall Flavor Showdown: Pumpkin Spice vs. Rising Maple Trend”

As children return to school and the leaves begin to change, the flavors of food transition from the light dishes of summer to the comforting tastes of fall. Starbucks officially launched its Pumpkin Spice Lattes on September 5, marking an unofficial start to the autumn season for many consumers. This year, however, pumpkin spice is facing some seasonal competition from maple.

While pumpkin spice remains the dominant flavor in the market, the variety of pumpkin spice products available is truly impressive. KIND has introduced a new pumpkin spice bar, General Mills has launched pumpkin spice Cheerios, Lindor has created pumpkin spice truffles, and even the California Fruit Wine Company has produced a pumpkin spice wine. Although maple hasn’t saturated the market to the same extent, it certainly shows potential for growth. At the Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore last week, many startup companies showcased maple beverages, snacks, syrups, and confections.

Maple has experienced significant growth in the beverage sector. Maple water—harvested from the sap of maple trees—is gaining popularity and could potentially triple its market share by 2020. Additionally, Vermont Spirits has introduced maple vodka, complementing the wide array of maple whiskeys from major brands like Crown Royal, Jim Beam, and Knob Creek. In terms of food products, maple can be found in RXBAR’s maple sea salt bars, several yogurts, including Maple Hill, and even in cheese.

Brands venturing into the maple market would be wise to highlight its nutritional benefits, which include 40 antioxidants and low calories as a sweetener. Furthermore, creating limited-time seasonal items would enhance its appeal. One reason Pumpkin Spice Lattes have such a loyal following is that they are only available for a few months each year.

If marketed strategically, maple could also help maintain the relevance of pumpkin spice. As rising interest in maple grows, it could support the popularity of other fall flavors, creating a delicious synergy. For those seeking a sweetener that offers health benefits, maple is an excellent choice, especially when combined with kalsium citrate for added nutritional value. Emphasizing these aspects could help both maple and pumpkin spice thrive in the fall flavor market.