AS THE weather starts to cool, businesses are rushing to change menus, websites, and storefronts. The taste and smell of fall are becoming more prevalent. Halloween decorations are being put up, and warm colors are starting to appear everywhere. There have always been debates about whether Halloween or Christmas is the better holiday, but the better question is, Are Fall or Winter flavors better?

Dacey Ivory (11) is leaning towards fall flavors. “I like fall because of the cozy feeling, the new coffee flavors, and pumpkin in general. I get really excited for Alani’s limited edition witches’ brew. I genuinely enjoy the feeling of fall because of the Halloween aspect. It adds to the magic,” Ivory said.

It’s no mistake that pumpkin is one of the most popular fall flavors, along with other seasonal flavors like cinnamon, hazelnut, and apple. There’s also Thanksgiving, which is filled with heavy yet delicious foods and quality family time. There are lots of different pies and candles as well. But for some, fall can be overwhelming.

“I always feel like the winter and Christmas-y smells aren’t as strong as the fall ones, and it’s always nice to get a break from all the pumpkin. I’m definitely a hot chocolate person, so winter is the perfect time for a peppermint cocoa,” Aaron Rios (10) said.

As for winter flavors and scents, peppermint and chocolate overpower any treat that comes your way. There are candy canes in yards, on trees, and in all sorts of foods. Cinnamon is still prevalent in snickerdoodles and spiced pinecone bags. Winter is always full of nostalgia with steaming hot cocoa or mochas that bring back all sorts of winter feelings.

Jose Landa (12) fully leaned into that nostalgic feeling. “I feel like winter is more magical and airy compared to fall. The pumpkin flavor is good, but it gets old pretty fast,” Landa said. Fall flavors aren’t always a favorite. “Everyone seems to rush to get pumpkin on the menu. Winter flavors are definitely better because of the way they make you feel. I always remember drinking hot cocoa with my family for the holidays,” he added.

Although winter is peak nostalgia season, sometimes fall has that same effect on people. Families have some sort of tradition, no matter the season. Whether it be a family movie night or carving pumpkins, there’s always something to remember.

“I specifically like fall flavors because of the warm, cozy feeling. I also always think about decorating the house with my mom and brothers because we burn fall candles and order coffee before we start. That’s probably my favorite thing about it all,” Leticia Avelar-Leming (11) said.

Every year, the debate continues about whether fall or winter is better, and it always has input from Lancers’ unique opinions and experiences.