Aldi marks the start of pumpkin spice season with sell-out candle range return

The first day of September marks the unofficial start of autumn, and that means only one thing: pumpkin spice is everywhere once again. From lattes to hand soaps, the cosy scent has long signalled the start of the colder season, and home fragrance is no exception. TikTok mentions of autumn-inspired candles surged by more than 180 per cent at the end of last summer, proving shoppers want the mood shift earlier every year.

Brands from Anthropologie to Jo Malone now put their own spin on spiced pumpkin and woody notes, and this year Aldi is placing itself firmly in the mix with the return of its cult pumpkin-themed collection.

The star launch is Aldi’s Autumn Hurricane Candle, £19.99, which has become something of a seasonal tradition. Weighing an impressive 2.1kg, it promises up to 140 hours of burn time and comes in two scents: Pumpkin Spice, with its hit of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, and Fallen Leaves, an earthy blend of amber and sandalwood. It’s an oversized statement candle you’d usually expect from higher-end retailers, but at a fraction of the price.

The bargain supermarket has also added a Decorative Pumpkin Candle, £6.99, a fun design in Pumpkin Spice, Fallen Leaves and a sweet Vanilla Pumpkin. It seems to take inspiration from Anthropologie’s Instagram-famous glass pumpkins, which cost £20 for less than half the size.

And Aldi is far from alone in chasing the cosy-season crowd. Anthropologie’s signature pumpkin candles remain firmly on most of our autumn home wishlists, thanks to their jewel-toned glass jars filling Instagram feeds every September. Yankee Candle, meanwhile, continues to dominate with classics like Spiced Orange and Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl(both £29.99 for large sizes).

More recently, luxury brands have also staked their claim on the season: Diptyque’s Cannelleis a chic take on cinnamon, while Jo Malone London leans into citrus and amber with its Golden Amber and Orange Townhouse Candle. All of which points to one clear trend: scent has become as central to autumn styling as knitwear and blankets.

Finally, if you're looking for something a little more chic than a pumpkin, Aldi's new Metallic Fall Icon Candles, £4.99, feature minimalist fall designs in scents like Apple Orchard Farm and Acorns & Oak, while the returning Autumn Trio Candle, £3.99, layers Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Pumpkin and Fallen Leaves in one jar.

You can find all of Aldi's autumn candle offerings in stores now.