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It's Been a Minute

The rise of the Pumpkin Spice Latte

Aug 28, 2024
Suzy Badaracco, a food trend forecaster and founder of Culinary Tides, dives into the remarkable journey of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which has captivated taste buds for 21 years. The discussion reveals how this beloved drink symbolizes nostalgia, femininity, and broader cultural themes. They explore the $500 million pumpkin spice industry and its ties to identity and seasonal enjoyment. Badaracco even draws fascinating parallels between culinary trends and crime scene investigations, highlighting the hidden depths of what we consume.
15:28

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The pumpkin spice latte's cultural significance transcends its role as a seasonal drink, embodying deeper themes of nostalgia and identity.
  • Its adaptation across various food products highlights the versatility of food trends and their ability to maintain cultural relevance over time.

Deep dives

The Rise of Pumpkin Spice

The pumpkin spice latte (PSL) emerged as a cultural phenomenon after its launch by Starbucks in 2003. Initially introduced as a seasonal beverage, the PSL quickly gained popularity, leading to hundreds of millions sold over the years. This seasonal drink has significantly contributed to Starbucks' financial success, with the PSL drop last year resulting in the biggest sales week in the company's history. The widespread enthusiasm for the PSL is evident in the loyal fanbase that eagerly anticipates its annual return.

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