The evenings are long, warm, and balmy, barbecues are a regular occurrence, and air conditioning is a must. It’s definitely still summer, so why is everyone already thinking about brown leaves, cozy sweaters, and early sunsets? According to new research from Tastewise, it might be August, but fall flavors are already trending.
The GenAI-powered food intelligence platform reported that mentions of “tangerine” across menus, recipes, and social feeds are up 24 percent, even though it’s fresh peach season and tangerines don’t come into season until late fall.
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Maple is also having a moment, particularly with Generation Z, who are seeking out maple cold brew options. Interest in toffee and raisin flavors for frozen coffee and no-bake bars has risen nine percent, while mentions of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for iced chai and smoothies are up as much as eight percent.
Even pumpkin, the ultimate fall fruit, is surging. Tastewise notes that interest in pumpkin frozen yogurt and smoothies has increased 16 percent compared to last year.
Why has excitement for fall come early?
People are often eager for fall to start because of what it represents. Research suggests that many see it as a time for a fresh start, likely because most schools resume after the summer break in September.
“During the summer, people tend to travel for vacation and have less predictable schedules,” Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind told Very Well Mind. “Once fall starts, most people resume their everyday routines, making it easier for friends to get together and socialize. There is a comfortable routine that this season brings.”
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Fall temperatures also tend to be cooler and more tolerable in many places, a quality that may become increasingly appealing as summers get hotter due to the climate crisis. On a lighter note, fall brings the holiday season, happy memories, and time spent in nature as the leaves change color.
The report from Tastewise echoes this sentiment. “People are seeking comfort that comes with these cozy, nostalgic, and traditionally ‘winter’ items – just flipping the script on the format and going for ‘cooling’ options with a favorite flavor,” it reads.
“And it tracks: our feeds are full of Gilmore Girls clips (the staple autumn show), Halloween snacks are creeping onto shelves, and August is already giving fall.”
A taste of fall-summer flavors: 5 vegan recipes to try
If you want to indulge in fall flavors without fully letting go of summer, we’ve gathered some of our favorite recipes that bridge the gap between the two seasons.
1Banana Oat Waffles With Maple Syrup
The perfect lazy August Sunday brunch calls for banana oat waffles. They’re hearty, indulgent, and incredibly nourishing. The easiest way to add a touch of fall? A generous drizzle of maple syrup, of course.
Get the recipe
Rachel Ama
2 Grilled Cinnamon Pineapples With Salted Caramel Sauce
Pineapples are arguably one of the best summer fruits; they’re juicy, sweet, and refreshingly bright. But marinate them in maple syrup and cinnamon and serve with ice cream and a toffee-like salted caramel sauce? They’re next-level delicious.
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Hannah Kaminsky
3Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Frozen Yogurt
When temperatures peak, there’s only one snack that hits the spot: frozen yogurt. Give it a fall twist by swirling in a pumpkin spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and crystallized ginger. It’s the perfect fusion of summer chill and cozy autumn flavors.
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Anson Smart
4
Boozy Ginger-Peach Mint Sangria
Sangria is the ultimate drink for warm summer evenings. Adding a touch of ginger brings a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with mint, lime zest, vanilla bean, white grape juice, and juicy peaches.
Get the recipe
The Experiment
5
Vegan Sweet Potato Pancakes With Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Craving more brunch perfection? We’ve got you. These sweet potato pancakes blend cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and maple for the ultimate cozy flavor. Add a Gilmore Girls marathon, and you’ve got fall-in-August bliss.
Get the recipe
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
