Pumpkin spice all year? Your personality may reveal your seasonal taste buds

NEW YORK — Why wait to devour a turkey on Thanksgiving? Many Americans believe their favorite fall dishes taste just as good outside the actual season.

A survey of 2,000 Americans asked whether seasonal foods, beverages, or activities should only be a treat people enjoy during their matching seasons or year-round. Researchers find that a person’s personality type could influence their timing preferences.

Should you enjoy fall favorites only only during the fall?

Half the poll (52%) identify as loving a certain season and 54 percent of those respondents claim to have Type A personalities — meaning they’re ambitious, impatient, and proactive. Two in three of them may also feel more FOMO than their peers. On the other hand, 48 percent believe you can enjoy seasonal favorites year-round and 57 percent of them identify with a Type B personality – which means they’re more care-free, steady, non-confrontational, and relaxed.

Commissioned by The Honey Baked Ham Company and conducted by OnePoll, the study reveals that no matter your personality type, the overall favorite season is fall (32%), with 69 percent saying that time of year has the best seasonal flavors.

Pumpkin spice mania about to begin again

fall flavorsThose in favor of having fall flavors available year-round add they indulge in pumpkin spice (43%) and peppermint (38%) all the time. Meanwhile, season-exclusive folks believe flavors like cinnamon (48%) and maple (30%) are better off in the fall.

The poll also shows that people who want seasonal flavors year-round are serious about having their favorite flavors. To enjoy them whenever they want, they would shave their heads (26%), go a month without the internet (25%), or give up social media for a month (24%).

Moreover, 74 percent of people who enjoy seasonal traditions year-round say they also enjoy doing fall activities outside of the actual season. These activities include cooking seasonal foods (43%), spending time with family and friends (41%), and going to a pumpkin patch (29%).

“We were thrilled to discover that despite our different personalities, we all come together around a love for fall,” says Jo Ann Herold, chief marketing officer of The Honey Baked Ham Company, in a statement. “The flavors of the season have become part of family traditions. Pumpkin spice, in particular, continues to be paired with more savory foods like popcorn, pot pies, and even turkey — and that brings families more dinner options with their favorite fall flavors.”

Changing seasons is all about the sights and smells

fall flavorsDespite their personalities and flavor preferences during the year, people across the board agree the best parts of fall are the changing colors of leaves (63%), seasonal smells (55%), and the cooler weather (54%). Sixty-five percent agree they get extremely excited when it’s sweater weather and can’t wait to dress in layers this fall.

Likewise, 63 percent believe fall has the best activities to enjoy during the season and 61 percent believe pumpkin spice is an essential part of fall.

Seven in 10 Americans say they’re more likely to try things they usually wouldn’t during the holidays, with 39 percent saying they’ve tried “weird” pumpkin spice products in the past. Some of the strangest pumpkin-flavored things people have tried include beer, deodorant, soda, coffee, and pasta sauce.

“It’s exciting to know people are willing to try new flavors, especially as we get closer to the holiday season,” Herold adds.

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