A Season of Pumpkin, Spice, and Cider

The Autumnal Equinox, or the first day of fall, was on Sept. 22, and to celebrate its arrival stores and popular brands have been releasing many spice and cider themed products since the beginning of the month.
Starbucks has brought back their infamous pumpkin spice latte [PSL], as well as a chile mocha in time for the fall rush. The chile topping  is a little spicy, but the mocha powder the baristas steam into the drink is not, and is more of a ‘slow, after-taste cinnamon burn.’
“The PSL is a huge hit on social media, as well as in store, and the summer rush, especially at the downtown [Salem] location had been drawn out to the start of fall with excitement,” Shania Brons ‘17, a Starbucks barista, said. “The chile mocha is among the least ordered but when sampled out a majority of customers who try it end up ordering one.”
McDonald’s, since Aug. 31, has been offering their twist on the PSL.
The salted caramel mocha was also brought back at Starbucks to the delight of customers. All three drinks are offered iced, hot, or in frappuccino form. Stores will be carrying the bottled versions of the PSL frappuccino.
This month, and possibly through the fall season, Starbucks is featuring their dark roast anniversary blend. It can be ground on any setting in store and is also available in a k-cup or verismo. Pastry wise, they now offer a pumpkin scone, cheesecake bar, and cream cheese muffin, as well as a caramel apple pound cake.
“Pumpkin spice is not for everyone, but everyone should try it once- it’s very unique and I myself enjoy it quite a bit,” Brons said.
Pumpkin spice cheerios have been available in grocery stores since mid-August. The product, according to General Mills, is made with real pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Also found at the grocery store are the pumpkin & spice Triscuit crackers, Lindor truffles, and PSL peeps.
Local Salem coffee shop Governor’s Cup, or Gov. Cup for short, has started offering their seasonal apple cider once again.