Every year seasonal trends become more popular. With Thanksgiving approaching, pumpkin spice has become the main ingredient for various foods and drinks. However, Starbucks happens to be the most well known for selling not only pumpkin spice lattes but pumpkin spice instant coffee, frappuccinos, scones, and cream cheese muffins.

“When word of the pumpkin spice drink first came out, I just remember tons of people coming in with their friends and family,” said Lilia Ishihara, senior from PLA. “Majority of the orders were either for the pumpkin spice latte or frappuccino.”

Along with the change of every season comes the start of a new trend. However, after falling into the habit of purchasing the products that are temporarily trending, customers are forced to jump into a new one as a new season approaches. Although they may not always agree with this, a change of menu is what makes Starbucks the go to place for what is current. This season’s pumpkin spice trend is a perfect example of this.

“I appreciate that customers really like what we are currently selling,” Ishihara said. “But it can get a bit frustrating when we stop selling something because the season is changing and they continue demanding items that are no longer in stock.”

The pumpkin spice latte was originally brought about in January 2003. Seeing that there weren’t many popular pumpkin items around this time other than pumpkin pie, the Starbucks company decided to experiment with different components of pumpkin and spice, in search of a recipe. Once the recipe was found, approved, and released; sales of the drink exceeded its expectations.

Today the pumpkin spice latte is one of Starbucks most popular seasonal beverages.With all this talk about pumpkin spice the question of what exactly is there to love about it comes up. Seeing that it is a Starbucks favorite, there must be something about it that keeps customers coming back for more.

“I love the pumpkin spice drinks. I’ve actually tried both the latte and the frappuccino, and I plan on trying the muffins that I’ve heard so much about very soon,” said senior Nayannah Krauland.

“I think that (the latte) is the perfect drink for this time of the year; (it) makes me feel like Thanksgiving is here early.”

The change of season/theme process may be frustrating for some individuals, but that’s what sells. Yes, an item no longer being available because it is no longer in season can be a disappointment, but the change of scenery in stores, restaurants, and cafe’s is what keeps customers on their toes, and gives them something to look forward to.

“I really enjoy how stores are set up and decorated for each season,” said Ishihara. “It really gives people the feeling of joy, and I believe by changing the drinks and some of the foods we sell to fit the holidays we do the same.”

Although the newest trend is only temporary, that is no reason to not enjoy the season. As the month of November continues and slowly goes into December customers are looking forward to the new specials that will be coming soon.

“Starting Nov. 10 we will be transitioning into our Christmas specials and products,” said Ishihara. “But, seeing that the pumpkin spice theme is really trending we’ve decided to extend the days it will be in stock and continue selling it throughout winter.”