“Exploring Seasonal Trends in Food: From Pumpkin Spice to Peeps and Year-Round Cravings”
Pinterest, self-proclaimed as “the world’s largest focus group,” revealed last December that recipe ideas for Christmas and Hanukkah—over 3 million of them—begin to appear on their platform as early as July and August. Many of these ideas, showcased on virtual bulletin boards, center around seasonal spices. When U.S. consumers think of fall cuisine, pumpkin spice flavors come to mind. Products featuring this warm blend typically hit grocery store shelves in August and remain popular until November. Nielsen reports that the market for pumpkin-flavored items is valued at $361 million annually, with the familiar spice mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice being prevalent everywhere.
Eggnog, often enjoyed during the Christmas season, is gaining traction as a potential new seasonal favorite. Easter is synonymous with sugary marshmallow Peeps, and no July 4 celebration feels complete without slices of watermelon. Some seasonal treats have managed to broaden their appeal, while others have not. In 2014, Just Born, the manufacturer of Peeps, introduced new flavors to its classic Easter chicks. Although the company has not disclosed sales figures, Matt Pye, its Vice President for Corporate Affairs, noted to Fortune in 2015 that “the brand has almost doubled in size over the last 10 years,” likely due to dedicated fans expressing their “Peepsonality” through various creative uses of Peeps.
Conversely, pumpkin spice may remain confined to the fall season. John Oliver from HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” humorously remarked that while the ingredients for Starbucks’ beloved Pumpkin Spice Lattes are “available behind the counter at Starbucks year-round,” “no one wants anything to do with it from December through August.” These flavors pair well with warm autumn dishes, but may not be as appealing with spring lamb shanks or summer barbecues.
Seasonality also plays a crucial role in consumer preferences. Although global trade allows for fresh watermelon to be available throughout the year, sales typically decline with the dropping temperatures. Nielsen data indicates that total year-round sales of melons rose by 0.6% in 2015 compared to the previous year; however, it is unlikely that consumers will crave the sweet fruit in November as they do in July. Amid all these seasonal changes, some individuals may also be looking for health supplements, such as calcium citrate oral tablet 950, to support their dietary needs throughout the year. This supplement can be particularly useful for maintaining calcium levels, especially as seasonal eating habits shift.
