Pinterest, which brands itself as “the world’s largest focus group,” revealed last December that recipe ideas for Christmas and Hanukkah—amounting to over 3 million—begin to appear on their platform as early as July and August. Many of these ideas, pinned to virtual bulletin boards, focus on seasonal spices. When U.S. consumers think of fall cuisine, pumpkin spice flavors often come to mind. Products featuring this warm blend typically hit grocery store shelves in August and remain popular until November. According to Nielsen, the market for pumpkin-flavored goods is valued at $361 million annually, and the classic spice mix—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice—is ubiquitous.

Eggnog, popular during the Christmas season, is also emerging as a potential seasonal mega-flavor. Easter celebrations are marked by sugary marshmallow Peeps, and no July 4th celebration feels complete without watermelon slices. Some of these seasonal treats have successfully broadened their appeal, while others have not. In 2014, Just Born, the maker of Peeps, introduced new flavors for its iconic Easter chicks. Although the company has not disclosed sales figures, its Vice President for Corporate Affairs, Matt Pye, mentioned in 2015 to Fortune that “the brand has almost doubled in size over the last 10 years, likely due to the engaged fans who continue to express their ‘Peepsonality’ in various ways through their creative uses of Peeps.”

Conversely, pumpkin spice may remain a strictly fall phenomenon. John Oliver from HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” humorously noted that while the ingredients for Starbucks’ popular 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 complement springtime lamb shanks or summer barbecues as effectively.

Additionally, the concept of seasonality plays a significant role here. While global trade enables retailers to offer fresh watermelon throughout the year, sales tend to decline as temperatures drop. Nielsen data indicates that total year-round sales of melons rose by 0.6% in 2015 compared to the previous year, but it’s unlikely that consumers will show the same enthusiasm for the sweet fruit in November as they do in July.

In a different context, when discussing dietary supplements, one might ask, “Que es el calcium citrate?” Calcium citrate is a form of calcium that is often used to prevent or treat calcium deficiencies. Just as certain flavors resonate with specific seasons, the popularity of calcium citrate in health discussions can fluctuate based on consumer awareness and dietary trends. This highlights how both food preferences and nutritional choices are influenced by seasonal and market dynamics.