Why Apples And Sweet Potatoes Are The Real Fall Flavors In the South, Not Pumpkin Spice

Discover why apples and sweet potatoes reign as the South’s true fall flavors, and how the pumpkin spice craze is rooted in commercialization, not Southern tradition

by Esme Addison

Let’s start with a confession—I used to think that apple spice and pumpkin spice were basically the same thing. I mean, they both smell warm, cozy, and like a crisp fall day, right? But after a little research, I realized that while these spice blends share some key ingredients, they each bring something a bit different to the table—and have very different origins, especially when we talk about Southern fall flavors.

In the South, our fall traditions have long been centered around apples and sweet potatoes—two staples that have flavored our autumns for generations. So how did pumpkin spice, a northern invention, become such a big deal? For that, we can thank Starbucks and the media, who have made the pumpkin spice craze a global phenomenon. But even as pumpkins have gone mainstream, I’m still sticking to the rich, cozy traditions that reflect the true tastes of Southern fall.

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Apples and Sweet Potatoes: The True Southern Staples

In the South, fall flavors have traditionally revolved around apples and sweet potatoes. Before Starbucks made the Pumpkin Spice Latte the official drink of fall, pumpkins were more of a Halloween decoration than something you found in your kitchen. We’d carve them into jack-o’-lanterns, but when it came to what was on the stove or in the oven, it was all about apple pie, apple cider, and, of course, sweet potato pie.

Growing up, the only time I saw a pumpkin was as a porch decoration. Meanwhile, apple desserts and sweet potato casseroles were frequent guests on our dining table. Sweet potatoes were (and still are) the Southern fall hero—perfect for pies, soufflés, and as a side dish. You didn’t need pumpkin spice because we had our own flavorful traditions rooted in the land and history of the South.

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Invasion Of The Pumpkin Spice

So how did pumpkins, and more specifically pumpkin spice, become such a big thing—even in the South? Enter Starbucks and their Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). When Starbucks launched this seasonal drink in 2003, it quickly took over autumn like kudzu on an abandoned barn. Suddenly, pumpkins weren’t just for Halloween; they were the new symbol of fall. Now, you see pumpkin spice everywhere—lattes, candles, snacks, you name it.

But here’s the thing—pumpkin pie is traditionally a northern thing. In the South, we’re more about pecan pie and sweet potato pie when it comes to holiday desserts. So, for me, pumpkins and pumpkin spice felt like a northern intruder sneaking into our fall traditions. Yet, it was hard not to get swept up in the craze—pumpkin spice does smell delightful, after all.

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The Pumpkin Spice Phenomenon

So how exactly did pumpkin spice become such a ubiquitous part of fall? As I mentioned, we can largely thank Starbucks for that. In 2003, Starbucks launched the Pumpkin Spice Latte (or PSL as it’s affectionately called) as a seasonal offering, originally testing it in a few locations before rolling it out nationwide. It was an instant hit. The timing was perfect—autumn was already a cozy, nostalgic season for many, and Starbucks capitalized on that by offering a drink that paired the warmth of spices with the comfort of a hot latte.

The media, social networks, and influencer culture all played a major role in boosting the pumpkin spice phenomenon. As fall approached, major outlets began featuring pumpkin spice in recipes, lifestyle segments, and even beauty products. Social media platforms like Instagram turned the PSL into a must-have accessory, with influencers sharing pictures of their drinks and cozy fall moments. Thanks to this media frenzy, pumpkin spice became a worldwide symbol of fall.

What started as a simple coffee drink quickly spiraled into pumpkin spice-flavored everything—foods, home fragrances, beauty products, and more. It became a cultural moment, stretching far beyond coffee shops and making its way into homes across the world.

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The Spice Breakdown

So what’s the difference between apple spice and pumpkin spice? Turns out, pumpkin spice is a bit spicier, which makes sense considering it’s traditionally used in pumpkin pie—a dense, earthy dessert that benefits from a bolder flavor profile. Pumpkin spice usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. It’s that ginger and cloves that give it that extra kick.

Apple spice, on the other hand, is a little more subtle. It typically includes cinnamon and nutmeg but often skips the cloves and ginger. It’s milder, more suited to complement the bright, tart sweetness of apples rather than overpower them. Apple spice doesn’t try to be the star of the show; it’s there to enhance the natural flavor of the fruit.

Embracing Cozy, Southern Traditions (With A Side of Spice)

Now, I’ll admit—I enjoy pumpkin spice. It’s warm, comforting, and there’s something undeniably nostalgic about that scent filling your home. However, I can’t fully embrace the commercialization that comes with it, or the way it’s become the face of fall—even in places like the South, where apples and sweet potatoes reigned supreme long before pumpkins took over.

There’s a coziness that comes with our traditional Southern fall flavors—a simplicity and warmth that I’d rather hold onto. So while I may light a pumpkin spice candle here and there, you’ll still find me sticking to my Southern roots when it comes to food. I’ll take a sweet potato pie over pumpkin pie any day. After all, why fix something that isn’t broken? Let the North have their pumpkins—down here, we’ll keep our apples and sweet potatoes, thank you very much.