Is pumpkin spice a summer flavor? IHOP and Krispy Kreme are the latest retailers to say yes [Video]

Despite sweltering August temperatures, more stores are rolling out products in what was once the quintessential fall flavor: pumpkin spice.IHOP will launch its fall-themed lineup on Sept. 1, including pumpkin spice pancakes, pumpkin spice cold foam cold brew and maple pumpkin cheesecake-flavored pancakes.And Krispy Kreme unveiled its fall menu even earlier, announcing the return of the pumpkin spice cake doughnut and pumpkin spice latte beginning Aug. 12.Pumpkin spice has cemented itself as a fall staple, with Americans spending more than $500 million on pumpkin spice products each year, according to data from Nielsen. And with companies from Starbucks to Bath & Body Works consistently rolling out their own line of pumpkin spice products as the days grow shorter, the flavor has become a well-established part of the consumption calendar.But fall retail season can seem to arrive earlier with each passing year, with stores like Home Depot selling Halloween décor on …