Although the first day of fall is still more than a month away, food and beverage brands are betting big on their seasonal bestsellers early, rolling out the return of pumpkin spice lattes.
For fans of the sweet and spicy aromas of ginger, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, the wait for autumnal flavors returning to menus is over.
The beverage that started the pumpkin spice phenomenon in 2003 is back this week at Starbucks alongside some more delicious fall-inspired drinks.
On Thursday, August 22, Starbucks' main character for fall, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, hits menus nationwide along with a fresh newcomer, Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai.
The new seasonal beverage is made with chai, oatmilk and topped with a nondairy apple crisp cold foam that the brand said delivers "a seasonal sip reminiscent of homemade apple pie often enjoyed at fall gatherings."
Customers can also enjoy a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, made with sweetened vanilla syrup and topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and pumpkin spice topping; Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, inspired by customer and barista customizations;
Also returning to the fall lineup are the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato. Plus, two additional apple beverages will be available exclusively in the Starbucks app: Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte and nondairy Iced Honey Apple Almondmilk Flat White.
The pastry case also has some fresh fall treats: a new Raccoon Cake Pop, a creamy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, flaky Baked Apple Croissant and, of course, the fan-favorite Pumpkin Loaf.
The doughnut chain announced Monday that its seasonal Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and Pumpkin Spice Latte will be returning to shops for a limited time starting Aug. 12.
The pastry will be available for individual purchase or in a specialty dozen, while Krispy Kreme's classic Pumpkin Spice Latte comes hot, iced or frozen, and gets topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice seasoning.
The breakfast restaurant chain known for its pancakes is adding the autumn flavor on menus nationwide starting Sept. 1.
IHOP is making Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake pancakes the flavor of the month. Each stack of four will be topped with maple glaze, cheesecake mousse and whipped topping.
The restaurant is also bringing back its popular Pumpkin Spice Pancakes. IHOP said it has sold nearly 1 million Pumpkin Spice Pancakes per year since 2008.
The Pumpkin Spice Pancakes will be available in short and full-stack form and are made with real pumpkin and seasonal spices and finished with creamy whipped topping.
Finally, fans of the seasonal pumpkin flavor can enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam Cold Brew to sip as well. The beverage is made with 100% Arabica Iced Cold Brew that's sweetened with vanilla and topped with pumpkin spice creamy cold foam.
An earlier version of this story was originally published on August 12, 2024.
