Fall is one of the long awaited seasons of the year. Not only is it often enjoyed because of the weather, but also because it brings along a very well-known spice: pumpkin. People often hate it or love it, but it cannot be argued that it is one of the most popular spices of the season. Pumpkin spice products can range from pumpkin spice Twinkies to pumpkin spice hamburgers. Every year brings even weirder combinations, and it seems that companies cannot get enough, no matter how outrageous some of them may seem. Below are a few of this season’s pumpkin spice products being reviewed. 

#1: Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte- 6.5/10

Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte (PSL) is often considered one of the most awaited seasonal drinks of the year since its creation in 2003. It has a balanced pumpkin flavor that is noticeable, but not too overwhelming. Although it is not one of the best Starbucks drinks, the PSL is often ordered because of the idea that fall is coming along with it. It is enjoyable, but it most likely has to do with its seasonal availability. It is a recommendable drink for the fall season, but not a necessity. This ranks it with a 6.5/10

#2: Pumpkin Pie- 8/10

Pumpkin Pie is one of the fall favorite pies, especially when nearing Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pies’ smooth and silky filling makes its texture enjoyable to the palette when executed correctly. Its balanced sweetness makes it hard to get sick of, making it easier to eat slice after slice.  These qualities allow pumpkin pie to earn an 8/10. 

#3: Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino- 4/10

The pumpkin spice frappuccino from Starbucks was very underwhelming. It was not blended nicely, leaving chunks of ice in the drink. The flavor was not the best either. It tastes like milk with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice in it. Lastly, the presentation was also unsettling. There was a layer of food coloring left at the bottom of the cup, leaving a strip of bright orange. These qualities earn it a 4/10.

#4: Pumpkin Scone- 7/10

The pumpkin scone from Starbucks was interesting. The texture was not exactly the texture of a scone. It was more of a pumpkin bread with icing. The breading itself was very light and fluffy though. It had a mild pumpkin taste which allowed it to be enjoyable, as it did not have a strong artificial flavor. The icing was very sweet. The first few bites are nice, but the strength of the sweetness of the icing becomes overwhelming, making it difficult to finish in one sitting. The flavor, though, was good. The scone earns a 7/10. 

Overall, pumpkin spice products can be a hit or miss. Many companies make these products because they are often profitable due to their seasonal demand, which means that not all of them are going to be good. It all depends on balance, which some products have, and some just do not. It will never be known until the products are tried.