Pumpkin spice lattes have been a fad since their introduction to the world in September 2004. Available during just one season of the year, this coffee drink is irresistible for many college students and keeps growing in popularity.

“Starbucks already has the reputation for being a typical white girl thing, so these pumpkin spice lattes are now just an extra shot of that,” said Abigail White, freshman sports management major.

It began when Starbucks started developing the Pumpkin Spice Latte in January 2003 after the company noticed success with other seasonal drinks like the Peppermint Mocha and Eggnog Latte, which are both featured during the winter. The company wanted to expand their seasonal reach into the fall. When the drink was finally released, pumpkin spice sales exceeded all expectations.

Arguably the most popular Starbucks seasonal drink, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has sold over 200 million cups since its release.

How did this drink become such a strong trend? Pumpkin spice is unique and the unexpected taste caught coffee drinkers by surprise, startling them with an amazing taste of fall.

“It was surprising,” said Jordyn Wells, freshman. “When you first hear about it, you wouldn’t think it would taste as good as it does. No wonder everyone loves it so much!”

While most college students enjoy and partake in this fall trend, some students like Miranda Carter, junior english major, choose not to participate.

“It’s just become a mainstream thing that everybody does,” Carter said.

Nonetheless it’s obvious that this trend is here to stay and will only continue to grow.