"Pumpkin Spice Takes Over Fall Menus: Starbucks, Dunkin', and Top Recommendations"

Restaurants and retailers, including Starbucks, Dunkin', and Krispy Kreme, are releasing their autumnal food and beverages earlier each year, with the number of limited-time pumpkin launches more than doubling in August 2022 compared to 2019. The extended fall season is driven by the popularity and profitability of pumpkin-themed items, as well as consumer research indicating permission to push the boundaries of timing. While some consumers enjoy the early release, others prefer to wait until the weather feels more like fall. Despite the early kickoffs, companies have not pulled items faster, and some are still adhering to normal seasonal boundaries.