Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Is Coming Back to Stores

Normally, the late-summer emergence of pumpkin-flavored everything is entirely unwelcome. It feels like brands are in a rush to move on from what normally registers as the happiest time of year for many of us. The idea of trading in a swimsuit for a sweater also feels like a major buzzkill (not to mention downright uncomfortable) when temps are still in the 80s.

This year, however, I’d argue that people are a bit more receptive to the arrival of autumn, maybe because everyone’s grand plans are cancelled and we’re all starting to lose our minds in the air conditioned nightmare that is America in 2020. And what better way to cozy up on a crisp fall day than with a cp of Swiss Miss Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix.

First appearing on the scene in 2019, this limited edition fall flavor is free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors, and colors, and is made to be 99.9% caffeine free. That means you can wean yourself off caffeine without really giving up your pumpkin spice latte addiction—all without physically leaving home to go to a coffee shop.

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Starting sometime around or before Labor Day, you can find this awesome autumnal offering from nationwide retailers like Target and Walmart, with enough mix in a $2 box to make eight cups. That’s definitely a way to incorporate some (decaf) pumpkin spice in your life on a budget. Apparently, you can secure 12 boxes on Amazon for $39, if you’re willing to pay a premium for the right to drink pumpkin spice hot cocoa in the middle of August.

Maybe this is the year we all take the time to finally figure out what exactly “pumpkin spice” is. Maybe we just dump some booze in a cup of this flavored hot cocoa and call it a day. Either way, it’s good to know that even an uncertain year like this one can’t stop the onslaught of fall’s most identifiable flavor.