Pumpkin Spice Eternal

I know pumpkin pie can be somewhat polarizing as far as pies go, but I've always liked it. Sure, it has a texture reminiscent of baby food, or other things that have to do with babies that would be better left undiscussed, but it has a good flavor. When I first heard how pumpkin spice lattes were a thing, I understood the appeal, even if I'm more of a reluctant coffee participant than a coffee enthusiast.

I've noticed how the whole idea of pumpkin spice flavoring has really taken over the world in recent years, very much in parallel with how bacon has, but in a more time-concentrated, autumnal-centric manner. I feel it's reached a level where the arrival of pumpkin spice products has become as much of a seasonal herald as Christmas decorations, Valentine candy, or Back to School shoe sales. To satisfy my own curiosity, I kept a list this year of all the things I've encountered that serve as evidence of the pumpkin spice takeover (or golden age, depending on your preference) we're experiencing: 

*Pumpkin spice lattes (probably as responsible for originating the trend as anything else)

*Pumpkin cream cheese muffins

*Pumpkin spice Belvita breakfast biscuits

*Pumpkin spice stout (the first one that made me think things were getting out of hand)

*Related to the previous item, something called "Harvest Patch Shandy"

*Pumpkin spice ice cream

*Pumpkin spice toaster strudel...

*...and, of course, Pumpkin spice Pop-Tarts

*Pumpkin spice flavor pre-made Toll House cookie dough

*Pumpkin spice Oreos (which I guess are being made in Mexico now?)

*Russel Stover pumpkin spice chocolate pumpkins (which makes sense)

*Pumpkin spice M&Ms

*Pumpkin spice trail mix

*Yankee Candle scents of pumpkin buttercream, pumpkin ginger bark, spiced pumpkin, and apple pumpkin, to name a few

*Pumpkin spice caramel corn (mixed with pumpkin seeds)

*Pumpkin spice biscotti

*Pumpkin flavored Little Debbie cakes (which, to be fair, have been around a long time)

*McDonald's pumpkin pies (in my opinion, something of a risk)

*Pumpkin spice automobile air fresheners (I am not even kidding)

*Pumpkin spice Hostess cupcakes

*Pumpkin spice cheesecake shakes

*Pumpkin spice Oreo shakes

*Pumpkin spice dessert pizza

*Pumpkin spice egg nog (holiday synergy??)

*Pumpkin flavored pancakes

This list is just stuff I noticed; I wasn't even on the hunt. Now, like I said, I enjoy pumpkin spice flavoring just fine. It has a pleasant, comfortable tang that complements the season well. I'm sure come Thanksgiving day, I'll be having a piece of pumpkin pie well after my dinner has settled.

But that's still a good month away. And I suspect the pumpkin onslaught isn't over with just yet....