Kaysey Price/Winonan

The leaves are changing color. The air is colder. People are getting their sweaters out of storage. And here comes the pumpkin spiced everything.

Pumpkin spice has taken off in the last couple of years as the signature flavor of fall. If a flavor can be considered a mascot, autumn’s would be pumpkin spice.

As the flavor embodies the season, food and beverage companies are taking the opportunity to cash in on the frenzy. Pumpkin spice has worked its way into caffeinated beverages as well as many different types of foods, such as pumpkin spice Oreos or pumpkin spice flavored hummus.

One might expect pumpkin spice to have a significant following on a campus with bustling caffeinated students, especially with the abundance and accessibility of pumpkin spice drinks at Mugby Junction.

Junior Nikki McRae does not consider herself a participant in the pumpkin spice phenomenon.

“I personally don’t really like the flavor of pumpkin, so I don’t think it’s really a big deal,” McRae said. “A lot of people go crazy for it though, and it kind of sets the mood for fall.”

Senior Marie Helkenn said she does not understand the popularity of the flavor.

“I don’t really see what’s so appealing about it. I mean, it’s okay every once in a while, but then it gets to be too much,” Helkenn said.

On the other hand, Mugby Junction’s decision to heavily feature the flavor this season indicates there is a consumer base for pumpkin spice on campus.

Mugby offers four different pumpkin spice drinks: the original pumpkin spice, the white pumpkin (white chocolate and pumpkin spice), the jack-o’-lantern (caramel and pumpkin spice) and the pumpkin pie lattes.

The expansion from the original pumpkin spice flavor suggests pumpkin spice is in high demand.

Although I have never desired to participate in the pumpkin spice mania, I decided to give the pumpkin spice latte a try. I ordered the white pumpkin mocha at Mugby, and enjoyed it on my walk home.

The drink relies on the season of fall to make it taste good. I can’t see enjoying pumpkin spice anything in July. Something about the chilly fall weather, and the smell of piles of leaves in October mixes well with the beverage.

If you consider yourself a fan of the pumpkin spice craze, or you’re unsure of your stance, this fall is the perfect time to venture out into the cool autumn air and crunch your way through the falling leaves to try out a pumpkin spice latte.