It all started with a Starbucks drink sold in Autumn.

Most commonly known for Americans as the PSL, the Pumpkin Spice Latte  is back and with it, so is the full blown craziness surrounding all things pumpkin. Most consumers of this sweet drink, however, don’t know when this love for pumpkin originated.

Starbucks saw that their seasonal drinks, such as their flavored teas in the summertime or their Mint Choco Chip Hot Cocoa’s in the snowy winter, were making tremendous success. They decided to adopt an autumn drink, which directed them right towards a pumpkin spice beverage. This, PSL lovers, is where the Pumpkin Spice Lattes began, back in 2003. This sweet treat continues to be the top seller throughout the fall to winter season.

So, what is a Pumpkin Spice Latte and what does it contain?

A Pumpkin Spice Latte is a mixture, hot or cold, of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for the pumpkin flavoring, along with condensed milk, clove, and some colorings and preservatives. The important thing to remember especially about Starbucks’ PSL, is that it is made differently every year.  This year, the pumpkin flavoring is intensified with a pumpkin puree mixture added to it. In past years, they’ve switched the type of pumpkin they put in the drinks, even sometimes switching it up so much that they put in squash! It’s personal preference, but in my opinion, this year’s is definitely the best.

While the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a huge westernized staple for Americans, it isn’t the only pumpkin inspired idea that is trending right now. Candles, Oreos, lip balm, and cereals are hopping on the pumpkin crazy train. Oh and the best one yet, pumpkin flavoured kale chips–yum!

Now, while the U.S. is the most famous for its love of pumpkin, places like the UK are adopting the PSL as well into their own Starbucks. Not only does Starbucks sell PSL’s, but places like Mariano’s Vero, as well as Dunkin’ Donuts and Pete’s Coffee, are beginning to make their own, competing with the original PSL from Starbucks.