Key Takeaways

Starbucks launched its still-popular pumpkin spice latte more than two decades ago in 2003.

Retailers continue to cash in on the seasonal trend — and significantly mark up standard products.

Love it or hate it, if you’re like millions of Americans, you probably associate one particular flavor with the start of fall: pumpkin spice .

The spice blend was born back in 1934 when McCormick and Company developed the product, then surged in popularity when Starbucks launched its pumpkin spice latte in 2003 .

Nowadays, Americans spend more than $500 million on pumpkin spice products every year, according to Nielsen data reported by CNN Business .

Naturally, some of the biggest retailers, from Trader Joe’s to Target and beyond, cash in on the seasonal trend — and a

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