When the air turns crisp and leaves begin to change, one flavor dominates the seasonal spotlight: pumpkin spice. Loved by many, this iconic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger has become synonymous with autumn—but consumers are beginning to crave something new.
Brands looking to stand out this season are leaning into alternative fall flavor profiles that still deliver warmth, nostalgia, and indulgence—with a twist. And the numbers don’t lie: among fall flavor preferences, 39% of consumers favor cinnamon, 37% prefer salted caramel, and 36% choose candy apple—while pumpkin spice ranks fourth at 32% (The Food Institute).
In this article, we’ll explore six flavor standouts that go beyond the pumpkin spice latte and bring something fresh (yet familiar) to the table.
Seasonal Flavor Landscape: By the Numbers
According to a survey of 2,000 American adults, 58% now prefer alternative fall flavors over pumpkin spice, and 45% report fatigue with the once-beloved spice blend (Better Homes & Gardens, Flavourtrends.com, FONA, The Food Institute).
The numbers back it up: while pumpkin spice remains iconic, it no longer dominates. As we shared above, among fall flavor preferences, 39% of consumers favor cinnamon, 37% prefer salted caramel, and 36% choose candy apple—while pumpkin spice ranks fourth at 32% (The Food Institute).
Additionally, 46% of consumers purchase fall/autumn flavored products, and 44% begin buying them as soon as they hit shelves, often as early as mid‑August (FONA).
Such data highlights a major opportunity for brands to reposition their seasonal offerings—and innovate well beyond the PSL.
Flavor Standouts Beyond Pumpkin Spice
1. Maple Bourbon: Sweet, Smoky and Sophisticated
Maple has always been a fall favorite, but pairing it with bourbon creates a rich, grown-up profile that speaks to cozy evenings, flannel blankets, and fireside sipping. The warmth of bourbon—with its caramel, oak, and vanilla undertones—adds complexity to maple’s natural sweetness.
Why it works:
- Maple appears in 28% of preferred fall flavor mentions and is rising rapidly in seasonal innovation reports (The Food Institute, FlavorChem).
- Maple bourbon evokes a sense of indulgence and comfort while aligning with the craft cocktail and elevated dessert trends.
Perfect for:
- Blondies, cookies and quick breads
- Cold brew concentrates and flavored lattes
- Gourmet caramel sauces
- Ice creams and syrups
- Marinades and glazes
2. Chai: Bold, Aromatic and Comforting
Chai is having a major moment—and for good reason. With its bold blend of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper, chai offers a more exotic twist on traditional fall spice.
Why it works:
Chai captures the same cozy essence as pumpkin spice, but with greater complexity and cultural richness. It is a versatile addition to both sweet and savory applications.
Perfect for:
- Caramels
- Flavored yogurts or milk-based drinks
- Muffins, scones and snack cakes
- Protein bars and functional gummies
- RTD lattes and teas
3. Caramel Apple: Tart Meets Indulgent
What’s more classically autumn than biting into a sticky-sweet caramel apple at a fall fair? This nostalgic combo is finding new life in modern applications that balance tart apple notes with buttery, creamy caramel.
Why it works:
Caramel apple taps into childhood memories while appealing to today’s preference for familiar flavors with a premium twist. Brands can play with the tartness of green apple, the creaminess of slow-cooked caramel, or even add a hint of sea salt for a modern edge.
Perfect for:
- Bars, pies, and granolas
- Ice cream
- Protein bars and functional gummies
- RTD juices and mocktails
- Seasonal energy drinks
4. Apple Cinnamon: A Classic Reinvented
Apple cinnamon isn’t new—but it’s having a renaissance. As consumers seek better-for-you comfort foods, this tried-and-true combo of juicy apple and warm spice is being reimagined in clean-label, low-sugar, and functional formats.
Why it works:
Apple cinnamon is universally loved and carries strong associations with fall. It's easy to elevate with heirloom apple varieties, smoked cinnamon, or complementary ingredients like oats and vanilla.
Perfect for:
- Dairy-free frozen desserts
- Overnight oats
- Muffins, breads and pastries
- Nutraceutical chews or gummies
- Teas and sparkling waters
5. Fig & Honey: Earthy Meets Elegant
Looking to add a touch of sophistication to your fall lineup? Fig and honey offer a beautifully balanced flavor profile that’s subtly sweet, floral, and grounded in warm, earthy tones.
Why it works:
This pairing resonates with consumers seeking a more mature, less sugary take on seasonal indulgence. It works well in both gourmet and functional formats—from upscale desserts to nutrition bars.
Perfect for:
- Cheese pairings and spreads
- Cookies and pastries
- Greek yogurt
- Plant-based protein bites and functional bars
- Teas, cocktail mixers and infused waters
6. Pear & Ginger: Crisp, Bright and Comforting
For a lighter take on fall, pear and ginger offer a fresh, aromatic alternative to heavier seasonal flavors. Juicy pear delivers mellow sweetness, while ginger adds a warming kick and subtle spice that rounds out the profile.
Why it works:
This pairing brings balance—sweet and spicy, cool and warm—making it ideal for both indulgent and wellness-forward formulations. It feels seasonal without being overdone, and it aligns with the growing demand for botanical and fruit-spice blends.
Perfect for:
- Functional gummies or wellness shots
- Scones and muffins
- Sparkling beverages, herbal teas and kombuchas
Final Sip: Tapping into Fall's Full Flavor Palette
Pumpkin spice will always have its fans, but there’s a whole orchard of fall flavor potential waiting to be explored. With cinnamon, salted caramel, and candy apple now topping the seasonal flavor charts, it’s clear that consumers are ready for something different.
Maple bourbon, chai spice, caramel apple, apple cinnamon, fig & honey, and pear & ginger bring comfort, sophistication, and novelty to the table—helping brands deliver a fall experience that feels both familiar and fresh.
Bickford Flavors offers the high-quality, true-to-source flavoring solutions you need to bring your seasonal vision to life. Whether you’re developing a cozy RTD beverage, a limited-edition baked good, or a functional fall nutraceutical, our team is here to help.
Let’s collaborate on your next fall release.
👉 Contact us today to get started.