SouthCoast Pumpkin Products Arrive Early, Sparking Mixed Reactions and Ruining the Seasonal Allure

This may be somewhat controversial, but there's something I need to get off my chest: the early arrival of pumpkin-flavored products is spoiling the allure of fall.

Every year, it seems the release date for pumpkin-flavored coffee, beers and ciders creeps up earlier and earlier. This year, on Tuesday, August 13, pumpkin products began sprouting up all over the SouthCoast, sparking a social media frenzy.

Dunkin', Honey Dew and Costco have jumped on the bandwagon, pushing the fall flavor while summer still has some life left in it. And let’s be honest — it’s still pretty warm outside. Sipping on a pumpkin coffee in the heat feels as wrong as drinking milk on a hot day. It’s just not right.

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Now, before you remind me that I don't have to drink the stuff, let me be clear: I’m a fan of pumpkin. But, in my opinion, September 1 should be the earliest that pumpkin-flavored products hits the shelves. The taste of pumpkin should be enjoyed when the foliage is vibrant and the air is crisp, not when the sun is blistering your skin because you forgot sunscreen.

READ MORE: Pumpkin Beer or Pumpkin Cider: What's Better?

Once one stores begin the great pumpkin push, the rest follow to keep up with the competition, and suddenly, summer is over before it’s even had a chance to breathe.

I’m not trying to be a fall Grinch, but can we please let summer have its final moments before pumpkin takes over? Let’s save the pumpkin propaganda for when it feels like fall.