October’s food trends are a vibrant mix of seasonal traditions and viral phenomena. As fall settles in (and spring blooms in the southern hemisphere), people’s cravings pivot to both comfort and celebration. From Halloween treats and cozy soups to Diwali sweets and TikTok-driven gadgets, the month’s top trends show how culture and social media are steering our appetites. Many of these build on September’s momentum, now amplified by holiday excitement and changing weather.
1. Kmart Slushie Machine
Kmart’s new home slushie maker became a surprise viral hit this month, especially in Australia. As spring turns to warmer weather down under, everyone wants one to whip up frozen drinks at home, leading to sold-out stock and frenzied restocks. This affordable gadget’s TikTok fame shows how a social media craze can turn a simple kitchen appliance into October’s must-have item.
2. Pumpkin Patch Near Me
Every October, interest in local pumpkin patches surges as families seek out classic autumn fun. With Halloween around the corner, people are eager for the experience of picking pumpkins, enjoying hayrides, and snapping festive photos at the farm. Pumpkin patches have become a seasonal ritual, so it’s no surprise this search spiked again as soon as the leaves turned.
3. Chakli Recipe in Marathi
Diwali’s arrival in late October has home cooks in Maharashtra searching for chakli recipes in the Marathi language. Chakli is a beloved spiral snack made for the festival of lights, and many people want authentic instructions just like their grandparents made. The trend highlights a cultural moment — as families prep traditional treats, they’re turning to local-language recipes to get it just right.
4. Candy Corn
The classic Halloween candy is back in the spotlight, sparking its annual mix of nostalgia and debate. Every October, candy corn divides snackers (love it or hate it) and that buzz helps push it up the trend charts again. Limited to the fall season, this tri-colored treat benefits from tradition and curiosity — people buy it for Halloween parties and then everyone talks about it online.
5. Butternut Squash Soup
As the weather cools, hearty recipes like butternut squash soup are on everyone’s minds. October is peak squash season, and people crave warm, comforting dishes that highlight fall produce. Food bloggers and chefs are sharing creative twists on this classic soup right now, driving home cooks to search for the perfect recipe to cozy up with.
6. Comida Saludable / Frutas y Verduras
In Spanish-speaking communities, there’s a surge in interest around healthy eating, specifically focusing on fruits and vegetables. Whether sparked by new school nutrition campaigns or a personal post-summer reset, terms like “comida saludable” and “frutas y verduras” are trending as people seek better diets. Online challenges and public health messages are encouraging people to load up on produce, making healthy eating a hot topic as October unfolds.
7. Kaju Katli
The Diwali effect strikes again – Kaju Katli, a rich cashew fudge, is trending as the festival of lights brings sweets to center stage. This Indian dessert is a Diwali must-have, and late October sees people either making it at home or hunting it down in shops. Its surge in popularity highlights how cultural celebrations can drive cravings worldwide, with even those outside India curious to try this festive treat.
8. Buy Wine
As holiday season approaches, more people are searching how and where to buy wine. October often kicks off wine-buying in earnest: some are stocking up for upcoming celebrations, while others are enjoying new vintages from the fall harvest. With plenty of autumn wine festivals and online deals, this trend shows people gearing up to uncork and unwind as the year’s end nears.
9. Stuffing Recipe
Fall cooking is in full swing, and stuffing recipes are suddenly in high demand. Canada’s Thanksgiving in early October gives an initial boost to this trend, and then American cooks begin prepping for their late-November feast. From traditional bread stuffing to creative new twists, everyone is on the hunt this month for the perfect recipe to serve at holiday dinners.
10. Tim Hortons Coffee Prices
News of a Tim Hortons coffee price hike in October has Canadians buzzing. It’s the first increase in a few years, so customers quickly took to Google (and social media) to see how much their morning cup will cost now. The conversation around this shows how a small change at a beloved coffee chain becomes a nationwide talking point, especially when wallets are involved.