Best Fall Flavors to Add to Your Menu
At a Glance: 8 Great Fall Flavors
- Pumpkin Spice
- Apple
- Maple
- Salted Caramel
- Toffee
- Candy Corn
- Sweet Chili
- Loaded Baked Potato
Why Seasonal Flavors Are So Popular
Seasonal flavors are more than just a passing trend—they’re a wise strategy that represents a profitable opportunity for businesses. Fall is the season for warm, cozy, nostalgic flavors.
Why are fall flavors so popular? They are symbolic and bring out an emotional connection with consumers. Only available for a limited time, there’s a sense of urgency and excitement that can increase sales and strengthen customer loyalty. Whether your goal is to drive repeat visits, boost impulse buys, or create signature treats customers can only get from you, fall flavors deliver on every level.
Let’s explore some of the top fall flavors, from all-time favorites to the unexpected, yet delicious additions. Find inspiration for your next menu item!
1. Pumpkin Spice
Let’s start with the number one flavor of fall—pumpkin spice. This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger captures the essence of autumn. It gained incredible status as a coffee flavor, which turned pumpkin spice a cultural phenomenon. But the opportunity doesn’t stop there.
Pumpkin spice can be incorporated into a number of other foods bringing that tempting aroma and satisfying taste.
No matter how you serve it, pumpkin spice is a flavor that will drive sales throughout the fall season.
2. Apple
Few flavors compare to apple. From orchards to county fairs to homemade pies, apple treats are a fall must-have. Whether tart and crisp or sweet and mellow, the flavor of apple is a versatile crowd pleaser.
The pinnacle has got to be candy and caramel apples. That satisfying crunch and sweet delight is something customers look forward to.
Next, apple cider, served hot or as frozen slush, is a customer favorite. And it is simple to make. Try our special recipe for apple pie cider!
For a snack that will be savored and enjoyed, try flavoring popcorn with apple. There are two recipes to try. Apple cider popcorn is made in a cooker mixer for rich, candy-coated popcorn. Or for maximum ease of preparation, there is Apple Crisp Glaze Pop®. Just add to the kettle with corn and oil and pop up this golden-glazed dessert popcorn.
Last, but not least, indulge in the sweet, comforting apple pie fudge. Dust with Churro seasoning for the perfect finishing touch.
3. Maple
Maple warms you like a warm blanket on a cool day. Rich and satisfyingly sweet, maple pairs well with nuts, bacon, cinnamon, or even coffee for layered flavor profiles.
Perhaps one of the best uses of maple is fudge recipes. It infuses the fudge with a smooth, buttery sweetness without being overpowering. Our classic maple walnut fudge is ideal for fall. Or pair vanilla and maple together in our tempting French toast fudge.
A must for cotton candy vendors, Maple Flossugar will deliver a taste just like maple syrup. Add a touch of fun to waffles or funnel cakes by using maple cotton candy as a garnish.
For popcorn, Maple Glaze Pop is available in bulk. Simply add to the kettle with corn and oil to produce irresistible flavor.
Finally, frosted nuts can be made in a maple flavor as well. Choose from almonds, pecans, or walnuts then coat in a thin layer that provides a pleasing crunch of deliciousness.
4. Salted Caramel
Yum. The decadent sweetness of caramel paired with a pop of saltiness is the ultimate balance of flavors. It continues to be a flavor that customers can’t resist. How can it be incorporated into your fall menu?
Specialty hot drinks are something customers are drawn toward. Our salted caramel apple cider or salted caramel hot chocolate will be just what they want to warm up on a chilly fall day.
Next, our special Salted Caramel Flavoring is the secret ingredient for the rich and flavorful salted caramel fudge recipe. It makes a great gift for selling at candy shops, grocery stores, and tourist attractions.
5. Toffee
It may be an old-fashioned flavor, yet toffee is a classic that is simply timeless. Its charm is well-suited for the fall season, and it pairs nicely with chocolate, coffee, or nuts, making it highly versatile.
Use Toffee Signature Blends® to create mouthwatering toffee popcorn. This mix is combined with the Basic Corn Treats Mix to make candy-coated popcorn in a cooker mixer. Signature Blends can also be used to flavor funnel cakes, waffles, fudge, and even drinks!
6. Candy Corn
There’s a love-hate relationship with candy corn. Either way, nothing says “Halloween” quite like the vanilla indulgence of candy corn. Candy corn can be used as a decoration for caramel apples, mixed in with popcorn, or a topping for funnel cakes.
A fun and tasty recipe is candy corn fudge! Made in layers of vanilla fudge colored to match the tri-color appearance of candy corn, it has an attractive visual appeal. Topped with candy corn pieces, it is sure to be an eye-catching display customers won’t want to miss.
7. Sweet Chili
Not all fall flavors are sweet. Sometimes customers crave a little heat to warm them up. Sweet chili is a blend of spices with a hint of sweetness creating a dynamic flavor profile that’s bold and satisfying.
Sweet Chili Signature Shakes® fits well as crowd-pleasing popcorn seasoning. Featuring red bell pepper, subtle fruity undertones, and a gentle spice, it is a taste that customers will find intriguing. In addition, it can also be used in recipes for chili cheese fries, gourmet burgers, or even wings.
8. Loaded Baked Potato
Savory comfort food meets snackable convenience! Combining cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and chives, it is hearty enough to satisfy hunger while offering a nostalgic made-from-scratch taste.
Loaded baked potato popcorn is made in a tumbler using Cheddar Pure Gold Cheese Corn Paste, Bacon Signature Shakes, and Sour Cream & Chive Signature Shakes. This simple recipe is full of flavor and will be a hit with your customers.
Make Fall Flavors Work for You
Fall is the perfect time to refresh your menu with flavors that make customers excited for the season. Capitalize on this by having limited-time offers showcasing your special fall menu items. From sweet classics like pumpkin spice to bold options like sweet chili, incorporating seasonal flavors can entice customers and set you apart from the competition. Add them to your menu now and give customers a reason to return all season long.
For more flavor inspiration, visit:
- Must-Try Gourmet Popcorn Flavors
- Fun Fudge Flavors
- Fun Food Recipes