As the fall season approaches, grocery store shelves and Starbucks menus have become the headquarters for pumpkin spice galore.
With the annual trends for this product, has anyone ever stopped to wonder what the popular spice is actually made of? Here’s a hint: it’s not pumpkin. Pumpkin spice, also referred to as pumpkin pie spice, is generally created from a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice.
Ironically, the seasoning has been titled pumpkin spice, even though most mixtures do not have a trace of pumpkin.
Pumpkin pie spice was given its name because it had been used to flavor pumpkin pies. During the 1950s, companies decided to create bundles of common spices found in pumpkin pies for the convenience of their customers.
Now, food manufacturers are formulating synthetic versions of spices to replicate the pumpkin pie flavor.
Getting into the fall spirit, local markets are stocking up their shelves to cater to pumpkin spice lovers. Brands have made an effort to satisfy pumpkin spice skeptics by adding pumpkin into their products.
New ingredients such as pumpkin puree, high in nutrition and low in calories, can balance out the intense sugar in foods.
Being a good source of fiber and vitamin A, you can get the best of both worlds from these fall treats. If you’re looking for some pumpkin in your pumpkin spice, try these items:
Pumpkin Spice Cheerios
Loaded with pumpkin spices, a big bowl of Cheerios for breakfast provides a quick transition into a season’s worth of pumpkin flavors.
The cereal is packed with traditional pumpkin spices as well as pumpkin puree.
Spiced Pumpkin Pie Clif Bar
For any athletes or energy bar enthusiasts, Clif bar has launched their seasonal Spiced Pumpkin Pie flavor.
Made with nutritious pumpkin flakes, apples, raisins and pumpkin spices, the company has used organic ingredients to jump on the fall trend.
Pumpkin Smash
A fall favorite at Jamba Juice, Pumpkin Smash is a smoothie concocted from a blend of pumpkin spice base, nonfat frozen yogurt, ice, and reduced fat milk.
The creamy drink is made with real pumpkin, tasting like a pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
The classic Pumpkin Spice Latte has returned to Starbucks as a seasonal drink.
Made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie flavored sauce, the latte sets the mood for season to follow.