While pumpkin is the overwhelmingly most popular ingredient on fall menus, there are some other flavours making their way onto the scene as the seasons change this year. Research shows that 52 per cent of diners seek out LTOs or seasonal menu items before they visit, and these menu items can boost the bottom line by up to 29 per cent. As we head into fall, it is a great time for operators to take a look at the menu and switch it up with current popular flavours to help attract guests and get attention.
This season, there are some new flavours being featured on fall menus, along with the long-awaited pumpkin favourites:
Dairy Queen has introduced two new flavours to their fall Blizzard lineup, available from August 29. The Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard Treat mixes soft-serve ice cream with cookie pieces and caramel, and the New Maple Cookie Shake features soft-serve ice cream blended with milk, crumbled maple cookies, and topped with whipped cream.
Dunkin’ has launched a fall menu that has more of a nostalgic feel, with the new Cereal ‘N’ Milk Latte, along with the return of some seasonal favourites like the Maple Sugar breakfast sandwich, Chipotle Loaded hashbrowns, and a new trio of Daydream Refreshers.
While most of the Starbucks menu includes pumpkin-flavoured features, they have included the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte (returning to the menu) and added a new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado for the season. The fall menu was introduced August 26 and will last through the season.
Tim Horton’s has launched its fall menu and most of the beverages and treats feature pumpkin, but they have added a Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew, Protein Lattes, Salted Caramel Butter Tart, and Apple Fritter Dream donuts to their seasonal selection.
KFC has gone another route altogether, launching a pickle-focused menu for fall. The menu features a Pickle sandwich, Loaded Pickle Fries, Fried Pickle Chips, and Pickle Pepsi, and is available for a limited time only for the season.
Switching up your menu for fall allows you to re-interest your customers, offer unique flavours, and compete in the LTO space. It’s also a great way to test what works, use up ingredients, and market something new to your audience.
