As the fall season nears, Krispy Kreme, Cracker Barrel, and The Human Bean unveil their seasonal menus, each offering unique twists on classic autumn flavors. From pumpkin spice donuts to apple-infused treats, these new items are sure to delight customers seeking seasonal comfort.
Foodservice Chains Embrace Fall with Krispy Kreme Leading the Pumpkin Spice Charge in 2024
The food service chains eagerly anticipate the fall season, preparing to unveil a wave of seasonal menu innovations that promise to excite and delight with their unique twists on classic autumn flavors.
Krispy Kreme is making a strong entrance into the pumpkin spice category by returning two fan-favorite items. The pumpkin spice cake donut features a glazed, old-fashioned cake donut infused with rich pumpkin spice flavors. Complementing this, the pumpkin spice latte brings the beloved flavor profile into Krispy Kreme’s latte offerings, available in hot, iced, and frozen formats.
“We’re all ready for pumpkin spice, even in August,” said Dave Skena, global chief brand officer at Krispy Kreme. “Our fans are craving their Krispy Kreme pumpkin spice cake donut and latte, and we’re excited to deliver. But stay tuned—we have more fall treats in store.”
The Human Bean Unveils Cozy Fall Beverages, While Cracker Barrel Offers Apple-Inspired Alternatives
Drive-thru coffee chain The Human Bean has also unveiled its fall beverage lineup with three new additions. Food Business News reports the Pumpkin Snowy combines espresso with white chocolate and pumpkin flavors, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles. The Smores Mocha blends toasted marshmallow and chocolate, finished with whipped cream and graham cracker sprinkles. These beverages, available in hot, iced, and blended versions, capture the essence of cozy fall indulgence. The Pumpkin Java Chip also merges a blended java chip base with pumpkin drizzle and whipped cream, available as a smoothie or coffee-based granita.
“Pumpkin drinks are a cherished fall tradition, and their popularity continues to soar each year,” noted Janie Page, chief marketing officer at The Human Bean.
Cracker Barrel offers a unique twist on the fall season’s ubiquitous pumpkin spice with an apple-themed menu lineup that promises to intrigue and delight. The signature fired apple French toast bake, a delicious combination of country bread, vanilla custard, cheesecake filling, brown sugar streusel, and the chain’s signature fried apples, is a must-try. For dessert, the Southern apple cobbler, a delightful blend of cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crust served with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle, will satisfy any sweet tooth. Beverage options include the Granny Smith apple mimosa, a refreshing blend of sparkling wine and Granny Smith apple puree, and the Granny Smith apple tea, a unique mix of the same puree with Cracker Barrel’s iced tea. These items will be available for a limited time until October 20.
“As autumn approaches, our guests are looking for more than just pumpkin spice—they want warm, comforting flavors that complement the cooler weather,” said Julia Perry, vice president of marketing communications for Cracker Barrel.