The common argument against pumpkin flavoring in the fall is that it is either “too basic” or “overrated.” But honestly, it is simply inferior. Fall is widely recognized as “pumpkin spice season” but that narrative should be flipped, because apple flavor is almost always better executed.
The popular pumpkin spice latte is rarely made in a way that doesn’t taste overly artificial or overwhelming. Both Starbucks and Dunkin’ have already released their fall menus, and neither company hits the pumpkin nail on the head.
Pumpkin itself isn’t the issue: When people make a pumpkin drink at home it, for the most part, ends up tasting better than what you’d get at a coffee chain.
The Starbucks pumpkin chai passes the test, but considering the numerous possibilities for pumpkin customizations and the new items just released, that doesn’t mean too much.
On the opposite end, though, of the few apple items they’ve released, the apple crisp oat milk latte and the apple crisp frappuccino clear their pumpkin counterparts.
Apple is so overlooked that the only apple menu item Dunkin’ released is their apple cider donut, which is still better than their pumpkin spice donut.
Outside of chains, there are plenty of local and smaller restaurants as well as brands that offer apple-flavored products.
For instance, The Roaming Bean coffee truck offered a caramel apple latte last autumn. It was one of the best flavor combinations they’ve released, with the caramel and apple balancing each other well.
Alani Nu energy drinks get it right by offering a “Witches Brew” caramel apple flavor, and nothing pumpkin to compare it to. This honestly sets Alani apart and makes for a more unique Halloween or autumn product drop than most companies offer.
Two of the best fall staples are warm apple pie and apple cider – both giving off the most perfect, cozy vibes.
Pumpkin cider is also a thing, but it is rightfully unpopular and tastes like chemicals. Even pumpkin pie can be too overpowering at times and often can’t beat an apple pie.
Overall, pumpkin can be great – when done well. But apple tends to be the better-executed flavor and should be as popular of a signature fall staple as pumpkin.
Hating pumpkin doesn’t make you special.
While the flavor of highly sweetened Starbucks and Dunkin’ pumpkin spice drinks may be too sweet for some, they should not be considered representative of the pumpkin flavor as a whole.
When people think of fall, they think of pumpkins. What do people use to decorate their yards in the fall? Pumpkins. What is one of the most popular fall activities? Carving pumpkins. What is the scent that reminds people of fall the most? Most people’s answers are probably something involving pumpkin.
If the topic is fall flavors, pumpkin dominates people’s choices. Apple is more of a year-round flavor. Easter dinner with the family is far more likely to feature an apple pie on the dessert table than a pumpkin one.
A big factor in what makes pumpkin so good is that it’s unique to fall.
Pumpkin is also more versatile, coming in many more forms of food and drinks. They have more of a neutral flavor that can be mixed with a wide variety of flavors.
Pumpkin-flavored products are almost always more successful because pumpkins can combine with many flavors and still work, while with apples, that’s not always the case. While apples are good on their own, not everyone prefers the combination of fruit and classic flavors such as cinnamon and vanilla.
Consider the classic pumpkin spice latte. Apple naturally doesn’t sound as appealing as pumpkin for mixing with coffee, which is why the most popular fall drink is the pumpkin spice latte.
Overall, the approach with pumpkin flavors is just better and more successful. A lot of apple products come out tasting more artificial and less appealing to most people.
Just remember: There aren’t many people carving apples and putting them out in their front yards for fall.
