September 22 is the autumnal equinox, when, by the laws of nature, fall commences and the Earth turns just enough away from the sun for the chilly weather to sweep summer away. Though this crisp weather doesn’t start til mid-September, prevalent coffee companies start profiting early by releasing one of the most talked about coffee flavors. The almighty pumpkin spice flavoring. Depending on who you ask, for some, it is the best thing ever brewed, or for others, it may be sugary devil in disguise. Is the drink truly overhyped or are some just hating on other people’s seasonal celebrations?

Pumpkin spice is a spice mixture, frequently made of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, though some may have allspice and ginger mixed in there as well. Some brands, specifically Starbucks, may even use some pumpkin puree blended into the coffee to add a bit more zing to the drink. The mixture is very nostalgic for most of the population, bringing back memories of Thanksgiving, hometowns, and pumpkin carving with family. This reminiscent feeling may contribute to why it’s one of the most popular seasonal drinks, or it could be because of how essential it is to the autumn aesthetic that many seem to sport when the leaves begin to change. 

Since it is an autumn staple, and a limited edition drink in a majority of places, this is why so many people believe that it is overhyped. When something is only available for a short amount of time, this makes it seem more desirable because it’s a fading offer. Junior Shayani Hall explains her hatred for pumpkin spice vividly.

“I passionately despise anything pumpkin spice. Pumpkin spice lattes, fragrances, candles, anything like October is disgusting. I don’t like pumpkin; pumpkin pie is disgusting,” Hall said.

But the fact that it is such a limited-time deal is something that has its own appeal. If it were a year-round drink, it would lose its appeal during the autumn season. It has such a distinctive flavor that resembles fall, so many people like it! Junior Mena Brack strongly disagrees with Hall.

“Pumpkin spice is amazing. It’s the best drink that Starbucks has,” Brack stated.

Which side prevails each year? Is pumpkin spice truly an atrocity made just to feed off of people’s need for a specific aesthetic or are PSLs so good that they should be added to the year-round menu?