Pinterest, which labels itself as “the world’s largest focus group,” revealed last December that recipe ideas for Christmas and Hanukkah—surpassing 3 million—begin to surface on their platform as early as July and August. Many of these ideas, pinned to virtual bulletin boards, center around seasonal spices. When U.S. consumers think of fall dishes, pumpkin spice flavors immediately come to mind. Products featuring this warm spice blend typically appear on grocery store shelves in August and maintain their popularity through November. Nielsen reports that the pumpkin-flavored product market is valued at $361 million annually, and the blend of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice—can be found everywhere.
Eggnog, a popular beverage during the Christmas season, is also becoming a potential contender for the next big seasonal flavor. Easter is characterized by sweet marshmallow Peeps, while no Fourth of July celebration feels complete without slices of watermelon. Some of these seasonal treats have managed to broaden their appeal, while others have not. In 2014, Just Born, the manufacturer of Peeps, introduced new flavors to its beloved Easter chicks. Although the company has not disclosed specific sales figures, Vice President for Corporate Affairs Matt Pye mentioned to Fortune in 2015 that “the brand has almost doubled in size over the last 10 years,” likely thanks to engaged fans showcasing their “Peepsonality” in various creative ways using Peeps.
On the other hand, pumpkin spice may remain a strictly fall flavor. John Oliver, on HBO’s “Last Week Tonight,” humorously noted that while the ingredients for Starbucks’ famed Pumpkin Spice Lattes are “available behind the counter at Starbucks year-round,” “no one wants anything to do with it from December through August.” The flavor aligns perfectly with cozy fall foods but may not pair well with spring lamb shanks or summer barbecues. Additionally, there’s the issue of seasonality. While global trade allows for fresh watermelon to be available in stores throughout the year, sales typically decline as temperatures drop. According to Nielsen data, total year-round sales of melons increased by 0.6% in 2015 compared to the previous year, yet it’s unlikely that consumers will crave this sweet fruit in November as much as they do in July.
Amidst all these seasonal trends, the rising interest in health supplements such as calcium citrate has also emerged. This compound, known for its benefits in promoting bone health, has seen increased popularity, paralleling trends in seasonal flavors. As consumers increasingly seek out products that contribute to their overall wellness, calcium citrate may gain traction alongside their favorite festive flavors, becoming a staple in their diets throughout the year.