It is not the pumpkin that brings on the cosy fall feelings – it is the spice. Here’s why this autumnal blend has such a powerful hold on our mood, memories, and health.
It’s the end of October, and ‘tis the season of Halloween. As we revel in the festivities, keep in mind all the horrors it portends, of ghosts and jumpscares and treats with so much sugar they’ll give you cavities (so remember to brush your teeth!).
Thankfully, there’s one magical ingredient that can conjure a calm autumnal breeze in our souls, even as we sink into the frights and other delights of this chilling celebration: the ever-iconic pumpkin spice.
So pervasive is this ingredient that it’s taking over everything, from our coffee cups and baked goods, to even our candles and social media feeds.
But this ingredient hides an important secret: there’s no actual pumpkins in it.
In fact, pumpkin spice is concocted with a blend of herbs that usually include cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg, among others.
Without the venerable fruit in the mix, what is it about pumpkin spice that is just so enchanting at this time of the year?
The Ultimate Fall Flavour
Pumpkin spice is more than iconic – it has become synonymous with autumn. While the name definitely helps market it as such, another reason behind this could be attributed to how our brain processes the flavour.
In general, food isn’t just important for our survival; it also has the power to evoke emotions.
This is because the hippocampus, which is the part of our limbic system that is essential to memory and learning, has hormone receptors that regulate feeding behaviour, and is also closely connected to other parts of the brain that manage emotions. As a result, eating certain foods can trigger a sense of reminiscence before we even consciously recall an actual memory.
This can explain part of the reason why having sweet treats can feel emotionally rewarding, and are soothing during times of stress.
“Even though we may be feeling stressed, treating ourselves provides us with a sense of control in our ability to improve our mood. Enjoying the sweet treat also provides a window for us to take a break away from the stressors faced.” elaborated Mr Muhammad Haikal Jamil, Founder and Senior Clinical Psychologist at ImPossible Psychological Services, in CNA.
And since we’ve long associated pumpkin spice products to this cosy season, every time we consume it, we get to enjoy a dopamine release that brings on feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
Even the scent of it wafting out of our lattes can give us the warm fuzzies.
But the benefits of pumpkin spice don’t just stop at giving us a mood lift.
The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice
If satisfying your tastebuds isn’t enough, you’ll be happy to know that the mix of spices that make up pumpkin spice means that this fancy ingredient is accompanied with some pretty sweet health perks.
An Antioxidant Powerhouse
There are multiple spices present in pumpkin spice, including cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, that happen to be packed with antioxidants. This means that they’re not just there to deepen the aroma and flavour – they can reduce our risk of developing certain diseases.
Antioxidants help protect your cells from oxidative stress, and damage from free radicals like UV rays and pollution. Since these can contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer, including the antioxidant-rich ingredient in your diet is a nice way to combat that.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation isn’t something we need to be too scared about, because it’s simply our body’s natural response to infection and injury. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a wide range of health problems, including arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, and neurodegenerative disorders.
However, compounds found in ginger, cloves and cinnamon may help ease certain inflammatory responses, and are currently being studied for their potential in aiding with inflammation-related issues.
Blood Sugar Regulation
For those keeping an eye on their blood sugar levels, pumpkin spice could help one manage diabetes.
For example, cinnamon is suggested to improve blood sugar control by increasing insulin sensitivity, though further research is still needed to affirm its potential in the treatment of diabetes. Regardless, spices like cinnamon, as well as nutmeg and cloves, are preferred alternatives to the typical sweetener if you need to balance out your blood sugar.
Digestive Support
The herbs in pumpkin spice can also work wonders on our gut health. For instance, cloves are considered a traditional remedy for indigestion, while ginger is well-known for its ability to soothe upset stomachs and alleviate nausea.
Considering how addictive pumpkin spice can be, it’s a good thing that it may also have a favourable influence on our digestive system.
However, it’s important to note that while pumpkin spice itself can be fantastic for our overall well-being, the same can’t be said for all pumpkin spice products.
The Spooky Side of Pumpkin Spice Treats
Not all pumpkin spice products are created equal – and you know it. After all, who can say that a donut or drink heavily topped with sugar and cream are healthy, even when generously seasoned with pumpkin spice?
So when you’re purchasing pumpkin spice and its associated food products, there are a few things you should look into.
For one, check the list of ingredients to confirm that they only contain spices, and don’t include added sugars or sweetening agents, fillers, or artificial flavourings.
And whenever possible, try to buy organic products, or those from trusted brands. This is to ensure quality, and minimise the risk of contaminants.
Turning This Seasonal Spice Into a Daily One
As with anything, the best way to benefit from pumpkin spice is to use it with consistency.
And there’s nothing wrong with spicing it up on the regular.
Consider getting some organic pumpkin spice powder, and making it a kitchen staple. You’ll be able to add it to homemade drinks, baking mixes, or soups whenever you please.
But on this day, whilst you dive into all the goodies this season has to offer, take your time enjoying the magic of Halloween – hopefully without the sugar crash.
External References
- Burdeos, J. (2025, September 22). What Happens to Your Body When You Add Pumpkin Spice to Your Diet. Health. Retrieved from: https://www.health.com/pumpkin-spice-benefits-11811153
- Chesak, J. (2024, August 28). This Is Your Brain on Pumpkin Spice: Why People Love the Fall Seasonal Flavor. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/this-is-your-brain-on-pumpkin-spice
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, October 23). Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice. Retrieved from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pumpkin-spice-benefits
- Panoff, L. (2025, September 16). What Happens to Your Body When You Add Pumpkin Spice to Your Diet. Verywell Health. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/pumpkin-spice-benefits-11810338
- Team Verywell Health. (2025, September 11). What’s Actually In Pumpkin Spice? How Its 4 Spices Impact Your Health. Verywell Health. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-spices-are-in-pumpkin-spice-11806403
- Yeo, N. (2025, May 11). Your craving for sugar or caffeine and what it reveals of how you cope with stress. CNA. Retrieved from: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/mental-health-matters/sugar-caffeine-stress-mental-alertness-placebo-5116926
