Temperatures are dropping, sweaters are emerging from the backs of closets and LSU Dining is hard at work to provide students with savory fall foods this season.
Starbucks vendors are selling the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte again, along with Salted Caramel Mochas and Hot Apple Spice drinks.
The Jamba Juice in the Student Union is now serving a pumpkin and vanilla blend known as the Pumpkin Smash Smoothie.
Pumpkin-flavored bagels and cream cheese are popular at Einstein Bros. Bagels as well.
“Everyone loves the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Frapuccino,” said Jennifer Meinholz, business junior and barista at Starbucks in the Student Union.
Students agree.
“I’m addicted to the Pumpkin Spice Latte,” said chemical engineering sophomore Kyra Jones. “Because it’s only offered for a short time, I feel more compelled to buy drinks.”
Even the dining halls are serving more savory foods and hosting fall-themed events such as last week’s Oktoberfest and the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner, the date of which is to be determined.
Throughout the seasons, Director of LSU Dining David Heidke said LSU Dining works closely with the local produce company Capitol City Produce to provide seasonal foods.
“The fall menu itself is really designed around hearty foods that fit the season,” Heidke said. “We receive a list from [local producers] that tells us what is coming into season when we make our options.”
Providing these options ultimately does not affect the amount of students eating at LSU Dining locations, Heidke said, but he thinks it helps gain student appreciation.
“Honestly, we don’t see any real change in our attendance meal-to-meal, week-to-week,” Heidke said. “What we really see is that our students appreciate the changes in