Pumpkin spice coffee turns thirty four this year, and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois reveals it was never supposed to exist in the first place. It started as a marketing mistake at Starbucks, and sales have dropped five to ten percent since peaking in 2023.

One major fast food chain has just stepped back from pumpkin spice on its fall menu after ten years of serving it. Sylvain breaks down what that decision signals for the entire coffee industry and the flavour combinations companies are testing to fill the gap.

Meanwhile, a different drink category is climbing fast, and it is not what you would expect to be gaining ground. Sylvain shares the sales numbers behind it and the surprising product it now ranks just behind.

Topics: pumpkin spice, McDonald's, non-alcoholic beer, food trends, fall flavours

GUEST: Sylvain Charlebois | @‌foodprofessor

Originally aired on 2026-09-17

Pumpkin spice coffee turns thirty four this year, and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois reveals it was never supposed to exist in the first place. It started as a marketing mistake at Starbucks, and sales have dropped five to ten percent since peaking in 2023.
One major fast food chain has just stepped back from pumpkin spice on its fall menu after ten years of serving it. Sylvain breaks down what that decision signals for the entire coffee industry and the flavour combinations companies are testing to fill the gap.
Meanwhile, a different drink category is climbing fast, and it is not what you would expect to be gaining ground. Sylvain shares the sales numbers behind it and the surprising product it now ranks just behind.
Topics: pumpkin spice, McDonald's, non-alcoholic beer, food trends, fall flavours
GUEST: Sylvain Charlebois | @&zwnj;foodprofessor
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-09-17

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.