As the seasons change, so do the flavors showing up everywhere, from coffee shops to grocery store aisles. The Condor Poll asked students a simple but surprisingly divisive question: which is better — pumpkin spice or peppermint? The results ended in a perfect tie, with pumpkin spice and peppermint each earning 50% of the poll.
Pumpkin spice is most commonly associated with fall and early autumn. The flavor itself is a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and it shows up in everything from lattes and chai drinks to candles, baked goods, and snacks. Stores like Starbucks, Target, Trader Joe’s, and local grocery stores usually begin rolling out pumpkin spice items as early as August. For many students, pumpkin spice marks the start of the school year and the transition into fall.
That’s exactly how senior Sienna Martinez feels. She shared that pumpkin spice helps her get through the beginning of semester one. “Pumpkin spice helps me tough out the start of semester one,” Sienna said. For her, it’s all about the flavor, especially since Starbucks releases pumpkin drinks before fall even officially begins. Her favorite order is a pumpkin chai, and when pumpkin season ends, she switches to a pink drink. Sienna also described pumpkin spice as “a passage of time,” explaining that it feels like a reminder that fall is coming.
On the other hand, peppermint is strongly tied to winter and the holiday season. Peppermint-flavored items usually appear closer to December and are often connected to Christmas-themed drinks, desserts, and candy. Peppermint can be found in hot chocolates, mochas, candy canes, cookies, and seasonal treats, with stores like Starbucks, Dunkin’, grocery stores, and candy shops carrying peppermint items throughout winter. The flavor is often associated with cozy weather, holiday music, and festive traditions.
Sophomore Haven Jimenez, who voted for peppermint, said the flavor instantly reminds her of Christmas. “I love Christmas time, and peppermint just gives off that cozy winter vibe,” she said. Haven prefers the flavor over the scent and shared that her favorite peppermint items are peppermint hot chocolate and candy canes. To her, peppermint’s significance comes from how strongly it connects to winter and holiday memories.
With both flavors tied, it’s clear that Condors are split between fall comfort and winter cheer. Whether students are holding onto pumpkin spice or fully embracing peppermint season, the poll shows that seasonal flavors play a big role in how students experience the school year.
