The first chill in the air may still be weeks away, but fall flavor fever is already in full swing. According to new data from DoorDash, the appetite for autumn-inspired treats is showing up earlier and stronger than ever in 2025. Whether it’s in the form of hot lattes, DIY grocery hauls, or regional favorites, one thing is clear: America’s love affair with fall flavors isn’t slowing down—it’s evolving.
Fall Starts When Your Taste Buds Say So
Forget the official calendar date—fall has a new start signal, and it’s flavored with pumpkin, pecan, cinnamon, and more. Consumers are signaling a seasonal shift long before the leaves change, with flavor-driven choices that suggest autumn now begins when cravings strike.
In 2024, pumpkin-flavored items on DoorDash began to spike as early as August 19, nearly two weeks sooner than in 2021. And in a now-legendary move, one enthusiastic customer in Cincinnati placed the very first pumpkin spice latte (PSL) order of the season on August 9 at 9:45 a.m.—cementing their status as a true seasonal pioneer.
But this year, the fall frenzy kicked off even earlier. DoorDash observed a sharp increase in grocery orders for classic PSL ingredients like pumpkin purée, maple syrup, and cinnamon as early as late July. This signals a rising trend of DIY autumn indulgence, with consumers crafting their own fall-inspired drinks and desserts weeks before national chains unveil their seasonal menus.
Pecan Takes the Spotlight as 2025’s Hottest Flavor
While pumpkin spice continues to reign supreme in many parts of the country, a new contender is emerging on the flavor throne. In 2025, pecan has surged to the forefront, registering a 28% year-over-year increase in orders—making it the fastest-growing fall flavor in DoorDash’s seasonal data.
Traditionally reserved for pies and holiday spreads, pecan is now making a splash in lattes, cheesecakes, pastries, and savory dishes. National chains are responding in kind by incorporating pecan into new seasonal offerings, reflecting consumer interest in warm, nutty notes that complement the cozy themes of the season.
“Pumpkin spice lattes have long since graduated from trend status—they’re now a ritual, a seasonal cue that fall has arrived,” said Cristen Milliner, Consumer Trends Expert at DoorDash. “But while PSL remains popular, we’re seeing growing interest in new and nostalgic flavors that help people mark the seasonal shift in more personal, regional ways. Pecan is definitely having its moment.”
The Rise of Comfort Rushing
This new trend of seasonal early adoption has given rise to a term Milliner calls “comfort rushing”—the habit of leaning into comforting traditions earlier as a way to soften the transition from summer to fall.
“Whether it’s Halloween decor in July or gingerbread in September, people are embracing seasonal rituals as soon as they need an emotional refresh,” Milliner explained. “And flavor is one of the fastest ways to achieve that. With more than half of iced coffee orders now featuring a flavor add-on, it’s clear that small treats like a flavored latte or apple pastry are helping people ease into the new season.”
Regional Flavor Trends: From Coast to Cup
DoorDash’s flavor report also dives into which fall flavors dominate across different U.S. states—and the results paint a diverse, delicious picture.
🍎 Apple Leads in the South and Mid-Atlantic
Apple was the number one fall flavor in 18 states, including Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and—fittingly—New York, also known as “The Big Apple.” The popularity of apple-based treats such as cider, pies, and spiced donuts shows strong loyalty to this crisp, fruity classic.
🍬 Caramel Shines Across the Midwest
In 13 states spanning Illinois, Iowa, and the Dakotas, caramel rose to the top as the season’s most beloved flavor. From salted caramel lattes to caramel apple desserts, the Midwest is embracing this rich and buttery fall staple.
🎃 Pumpkin Still Reigns Out West
The West Coast remains Pumpkin Spice Territory, with California, Oregon, and Washington claiming pumpkin as their top fall flavor. These states, which include the birthplace of the original PSL from a globally renowned coffee chain, have remained steadfast in their devotion to the iconic blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
🌰 Cinnamon Dominates New England and Beyond
New England states like Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, along with Alaska and Utah, showed a strong preference for cinnamon. This versatile spice is a staple in both sweet and savory fall dishes and continues to evoke nostalgic, cozy vibes.
🥧 Flavor Standouts
- Texas declared pecan its top fall flavor—a fitting choice for the state that birthed the classic pecan pie. With pecan seeing widespread interest nationwide, Texas seems to have led the charge.
- Meanwhile, Michigan charted its own course by naming maple as its top fall flavor, leaning into the syrupy, woodsy sweetness that defines autumn mornings.
PSL Power States: The Most Obsessed
When it comes to pumpkin spice latte devotion, the biggest fans might not be who you’d expect. Based on per-person PSL order data, the highest levels of enthusiasm were found in Alaska and Montana—states known for early autumn weather and longer fall seasons.
The Pacific Northwest also placed high, with Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and California all making the top rankings. Utah rounded out the list, further proving that chilly climates and scenic foliage drive PSL popularity.
On the flip side, Vermont and Mississippi recorded the fewest PSL orders per capita. Interestingly, Vermont still ranked pumpkin as its favorite flavor overall, but residents apparently preferred to enjoy it in other forms—such as baked goods—rather than lattes.
What’s Next for Fall on the Menu?
With the seasonal shift continuing to blur, and regional preferences becoming more pronounced, food and beverage brands are exploring new frontiers in fall flavor innovation.
Expect to see pecan-based beverages, butter pecan cheesecakes, braided pastries, and sweet potato mashups dominating fall menus in 2025. The flavor landscape is growing more creative and inclusive, catering to both traditionalists and trendsetters.
“Consumers still crave the nostalgia and ritual that fall brings, but they’re looking for more than just the same old PSL,” said Milliner. “They want variety. They want regional flavor. And most importantly, they want options that let them define what fall feels like to them—whether that’s apple cider in August or pecan coffee in September.”
So whether you’re sipping a maple latte in Michigan or crafting your own pumpkin concoction in Cincinnati, one thing is certain: fall isn’t just a season anymore—it’s a flavor experience that starts when you say it does.
