Decoder Ring Cozy Autumn Mysteries
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Nov 5, 2025 Join writer and podcaster Don Martin as he dives into the cozy mysteries of autumn. Discover the cultural impact of the beloved pumpkin spice latte, exploring its rise and the debates around its recipe. Then, delve into the science of leaves changing color, unveiling theories on why some turn red to repel pests. Finally, learn about Malamars, the iconic seasonal cookie, and the marketing strategies that keep it a fall favorite. Snuggle in for a delightful exploration of autumn's quirks!
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PSL Sparked A Cultural Obsession
- Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte became a cultural phenomenon after its 2003 introduction and spread beyond coffee into many products.
- Don Martin links early food-ingredient panic to broader misinformation trends that affect trust in expertise.
Food Blogger Triggered A Reformulation
- Food blogger Vani Hari (Food Babe) exposed that the PSL originally contained no pumpkin and flagged additives, sparking public outcry in 2014.
- Starbucks publicly reformulated the PSL after the backlash and added real pumpkin in 2015.
Red Leaves Are Actively Produced
- Yellow and orange fall colors are revealed as chlorophyll fades, but red requires new synthesis of anthocyanins in autumn.
- The existence of costly seasonal red pigments challenges the idea that colors are merely passive byproducts.
