Pinterest, which brands itself as “the world’s largest focus group,” highlighted last December that recipe ideas for Christmas and Hanukkah—exceeding 3 million—begin to surface on their platform as early as July and August. Many of these ideas, pinned to virtual bulletin boards, prominently feature seasonal spices. When U.S. consumers think of fall cuisine, pumpkin spice flavors often come to mind. Products infused with this warm spice blend typically appear on grocery store shelves in August and maintain their popularity until November. According to Nielsen, the pumpkin-flavored product market is valued at $361 million annually. This blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice, is prevalent in various seasonal offerings.
Eggnog, a favorite during the Christmas season, is also gaining traction as a potential new seasonal mega-flavor. Easter delights in sugary marshmallow Peeps, and no July 4 celebration feels complete without slices of watermelon. Some seasonal treats have successfully broadened their appeal, while others have not. In 2014, Just Born, the maker of Peeps, introduced new flavors for its signature Easter chicks. Although the company hasn’t disclosed specific sales figures, in 2015, its Vice President for Corporate Affairs, Matt Pye, shared with Fortune, “The brand has almost doubled in size over the last 10 years, likely due to engaged fans who express their ‘Peepsonality’ in various ways through their diverse uses of Peeps.”
Conversely, pumpkin spice may remain a fall-exclusive flavor. 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.” The flavors enhance warm autumn dishes, but they may not pair as well with spring lamb shanks or summer barbecues.
Seasonality also plays a critical role in consumer preferences. Although global trade enables grocery stores to offer fresh watermelon throughout the year, sales typically 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; however, it’s unlikely that consumers will show the same enthusiasm for the sweet fruit in November as they do in July.
In addition to seasonal flavors, consumers are increasingly aware of nutritional supplements like bluebonnet calcium magnesium citrate plus vitamin D3, which can be beneficial year-round. This product serves as a reminder that while seasonal treats may come and go, the pursuit of health and wellness remains a constant priority for many. As people enjoy their seasonal favorites, they may also consider adding bluebonnet calcium magnesium citrate plus vitamin D3 to their daily routine, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, regardless of the season.