The Great Fall Flavor Drop

Consumers are excited for the return of fall flavors, although releasing them in late summer is still up for debate. Over 1,200 limited-time offers were released in the fall of 2024, with major chain restaurants releasing the majority of seasonal items in November¹.  Whether you’re serving busy families, college students rushing to class, or brunch-goers chasing Instagram-worthy bites, fall flavors have grown way beyond the coffee cup. And while pumpkin spice is still predicted to grow +36.9% on menus in the next 4 years², 2025 isn’t about the same old pumpkin spice latte routine. This year, fall flavors are showing up in creative combinations so read on to see what’s trending this year.

Twist on Tradition

Fall menu trend flavors are going “comfort with a twist” this year. Diners still crave the flavors that make them feel at home, but they also want options that are seasonally unique and interesting. Key flavors this fall include Cranberry, Apple Cinnamon, Sweet Potato, Goat Cheese, and yes, Pumpkin Pie. Think – cranberry apple lemonade, gnocchi caprese with goat cheese, Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza, or cinnamon apple waffles. New and returning fall menu items, including soups like Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup and other comforting dishes, accounted for 26% of all launches in Fall 2024¹, reflecting the strong consumer demand for seasonal offerings brought back year over year. The “twist” this season is comfort meets creativity – bringing familiar menu favorites to life with fresh flavor combinations that resonate across every dining occasion.

From Plate to Post

Food trends in 2025 are driven by the “phone eats first.” 67% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials stated they had taken a video of a dish at a restaurant³. Gen Z leads in usage of Instagram (76%), TikTok (68%), and Snapchat (54%), while Millennials and Gen X are more active on Facebook and LinkedIn. So, if it’s not camera-ready, it’s not going viral. Michael Foods BBQ Pulled Pork Flatbread with mashed sweet potatoes as the “sauce” provides a deliciously creative twist on a traditional pizza, along with photo-worthy appeal. Knowing where your audience scrolls is just as important as knowing what they crave – because the right menu item promotion, on the right social platform, can turn a seasonal item into a viral sensation for your restaurant.

The Bottom Line

Fall flavors aren’t just back – they’re bolder, brighter, and more buzzworthy than ever. From cozy classics with a twist to camera-ready creations that practically beg for a reel, this season is all about blending tradition with innovation. Whether you're planning your next LTO or just looking to spice up your menu, Fall 2025 is serving up endless inspiration. So, grab that cinnamon shaker, lean into the cranberry drizzle, and let your menu do the talking. Operators who lean into these flavor trends aren’t just keeping up with the season; they’re leading it.

Sources

1. Datassential. (2025). 2025 Fall Trends Report.
2. Datassential. (2025). Menu Trends 2025.
3. Datassential. (2025, June 30). Social media Sensations.