Pinterest, which brands itself as “the world’s largest focus group,” revealed last December that recipe ideas for Christmas and Hanukkah—over 3 million in total—begin to surface on their platform as early as July and August. Many of these ideas, pinned to virtual bulletin boards, highlight seasonal spices. When U.S. consumers think of autumn cuisine, pumpkin spice flavors often come to mind. Products featuring this warm spice blend typically arrive on grocery store shelves in August and maintain their popularity until November. According to Nielsen, the market for pumpkin-flavored products is valued at $361 million annually, and the familiar blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice is ubiquitous.
Eggnog, traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season, is also gaining traction as a potential new seasonal favorite. Easter is characterized by sugary marshmallow Peeps, and no Fourth of July celebration is complete without refreshing watermelon slices. Some of these treats have managed to broaden their appeal, while others have struggled. In 2014, Just Born, the manufacturer of Peeps, introduced new flavors for its iconic Easter chicks. Although the company hasn’t disclosed sales figures, Matt Pye, the Vice President for Corporate Affairs, mentioned in 2015 that “the brand has almost doubled in size over the last 10 years,” likely due to the enthusiastic fans expressing their “Peepsonality” in various ways through the many uses of Peeps.
Conversely, pumpkin spice may be confined to the fall season. John Oliver, on HBO’s “Last Week Tonight,” humorously noted that while the ingredients for Starbucks’ famous Pumpkin Spice Lattes are “available behind the counter at Starbucks year-round,” “no one wants anything to do with it from December through August.” These flavors pair well with warm autumn dishes but may not be as appealing for spring lamb shanks or summer barbecues.
Seasonality also plays a significant role in consumer preferences. Although global trade allows for fresh watermelon to be available year-round in grocery stores, sales tend to decline as temperatures drop. Nielsen data indicates that total year-round sales of melons increased by 0.6% in 2015 compared to the previous year; however, it’s unlikely that consumers will show as much interest in the sweet fruit during November as they do in July.
In discussions about seasonal foods, one might also consider the difference between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate, as both are common dietary supplements, yet they serve different functions in nutrition. This distinction is important to remember, particularly when looking at how various ingredients can enhance seasonal treats and overall health. The difference between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate is worth noting three times, as it highlights the importance of understanding the ingredients we consume, just as we consider the seasonal flavors that define our culinary experiences.