Pumpkin spice takes over the commercial world

BY CAROLINE CRAIN / Multimedia Journalist

For many, the arrival of pumpkin spiced everything is an annually celebrated event. While traditional treats like coffee and desserts are expected, some brands take the craze a step further. 

Below are several of the oddest pumpkin and pumpkin spiced items on the market today.

Dog treats

Why let humans keep all the pumpkin-flavored fun for themselves? Zuke’s Mini Naturals are one example that took on the trend with their turkey and pumpkin flavored dog treats.
Faye Della, a junior and self-proclaimed pumpkin spice lover, showed full support of the pet-centric item.
 

“That sounds amazing. I think that they would love it, and pumpkin is actually really good for dogs,” Della said.
 

Trash bags
 

That’s right - even your garbage can smell like pumpkin spice. Hefty shared their take on fall with their cinnamon pumpkin spice trash bags in September 2022, and they have remained on shelves every fall season since.
 

Senior Jozelin Molinar shared her mixed feelings behind the unorthodox product.
 

“They have lavender ones, so I guess it’s not that crazy,” Molinar said. “I definitely wouldn’t use them, though.”
 

Protein bars
 

Looking for a way to fuel your body and embrace the season? Pumpkin pie protein bars might be the answer. Atkins featured this festive flavor in their ‘limited seasonal edition’ snack package.
 

Deodorant
 

After your pumpkin-protein driven workout, you can neutralize those post-gym odors with pumpkin scented antiperspirants. 
 

Brands like Native and Dove have come out with different pumpkin scented deodorants in the past few seasons, and they have been stuck to enthusiasts (and their armpits) during pumkin season ever since.
 

Della was also enthusiastic about the festive hygiene product.
 

“I actually have some pumpkin spice deodorant, and it smells amazing,” Della said. “It’s my favorite thing.”
 

Breakfast
 

Pumpkin spice pancakes? Check. Pumpkin spice Cheerios? Check. Whether you’re spreading Philadelphia pumpkin spice cream cheese on your bagel or grabbing a pumpkin pie Pop Tart on the go, there is no shortage of fall-flavored breakfast foods to kickstart your day. 
 

The toughest decision will be choosing which one to eat first.
 

Senior Emma De La Cruz gave her opinion on the morning food options.
 

“I think I would definitely have to try the cream cheese,” De La Cruz said. “I love cream cheese on toast already, so that’s got to be good.” 
 

Toilet spray
 

~Pourri debuted its pumpkin spice toilet and home sprays in September 2019. More fall themed scents were released in August 2022 as well, including Autumn Air and Maple Pumpkin. 
 

The brand was not shy about their appreciation for the craze.
 

“If loving pumpkin is wrong, we don’t want to be right,” ~Pourri said on their website.
 

These festive products showcase only a few of the quirky pumpkin-themed items available just at Walmart. If one store offers such a variety, think of the selection at Target, dollar stores and many other retailers fully embracing the trend.
 

Pumpkin spice has truly taken over the season, one surprising product at a time.