'Too Soon!' Starbucks' Iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte Is Back With a New Fall Menu and Seasonal Treats It's the unofficial start of fall — and it keeps getting earlier.
By Erin Davis
Key Takeaways
- Starbucks' beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte makes its annual return alongside a full lineup of fall-themed drinks and treats.
- New to the menu is the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai, made with oat milk.
- There's also a Starbucks Artist Collaboration Series with tumblers and other wares.
Starbucks fans, it's time to celebrate: It's Pumpkin Spice Latte season!
Starbucks debuted its fall menu Thursday, a day now considered to be the unofficial start of the fall season.
Related: Starbucks Wants to Make Its Stores Quieter — Here's How the Coffee Company Is Making It Happen
This year's menu features the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), the original beverage that ignited the pumpkin spice craze more than two decades ago, plus offerings including the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai, for those looking for non-dairy options.
"We are excited to introduce the new Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai to our customers," said Rosalyn Batingan, Starbucks beverage developer, in a statement. "This beverage perfectly captures the taste and feeling of fall. We have combined creamy oat milk with notes of cinnamon, clove, and other warm baking spices from our chai tea to compliment the layered flavors of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar, which are infused into the nondairy cold foam topping."
The drink innovation continues with the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai, described by Starbucks beverage developer Rosalyn Batingan as a drink that captures the "essence of the season."
Starbucks' most popular seasonal offering, the PSL, was first introduced in 2003 and is served hot, iced, or blended. The company claims it is crafted from real pumpkin and Starbucks Signature Espresso melded with steamed milk and a trio of spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Related: Starbucks' New CEO Can Make Up to $113 Million His First Year
The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew also returns along with the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, introduced last year.
Fall favorites such as the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato and the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso are also returning to the menu.
Still, some fans think it's too soon for the fall treats.
Dear Starbucks and Dunkin': August is too soon for pumpkin things. Please.
— Alabama Lawyer (@AlabamaLawyer74) August 20, 2024
You know fall is coming when Starbucks has their pumpkin spice drinks on the menu. Too soon guys ??♀️??♀️
— ? (@aswariya) August 22, 2024
Beautiful morning. Enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Latte at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago. Love this place. Life is so good!!
— Sgt Pepper (@MzSgtPepper) August 22, 2024
(Did you know It's ok NOT to comment if you don't like Pumpkin Spice Lattes or think it's too soon or whatever) pic.twitter.com/0EQU24nJXa
You can find the full Starbucks fall lineup, here.
