Every year, the arrival of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte signals that fall is near—even if it is still hot outside. This year, you will not have to wait until September to get your hands on it. Starbucks is officially bringing back its fall menu on Tuesday, August 18, and it is packed with returning favorites and a few exciting newcomers. Let us take a closer look at what you can expect when you step into a Starbucks store this week.
When does starbucks pumpkin spice latte come back in 2025?
The Pumpkin Spice Latte, often called the PSL, will be back in stores on August 18. Over the years, Starbucks has inched the date earlier and earlier. What used to be a mid-September tradition is now something you can enjoy before the first leaf even falls.
First launched in 2003, the PSL is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal drink ever. It is made with espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, whipped cream, and pumpkin pie spice. A company spokesperson confirmed that hundreds of millions of cups have been sold since its debut.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol summed it up best during the July 29 earnings call: “Obviously, I’m excited for the fall program. I, like many customers, love the Pumpkin Spice Latte.”
What new drinks are coming to the starbucks fall menu?
This fall, Starbucks is not just bringing back old favorites. You will also see new pecan-inspired drinks and add-ons joining the lineup. Here is what you can order starting Tuesday:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)—the original fall favorite.
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew—a smooth, cold coffee with pumpkin cream topping.
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai—chai tea with pumpkin cream, perfect if you want spice and sweetness.
- Pecan Oatmilk Cortado—a new addition with a nutty twist.
- Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte—creamy, crunchy, and fall-ready.
- Pecan Cold Foam—an add-on you can top your drinks with.
Cold foam has been one of Starbucks’ fastest-growing add-ons, with a 23% growth year-over-year. The new pecan version is expected to be a big hit.
What food items are on the starbucks fall menu?
Alongside the drinks, Starbucks is rolling out fall-themed bites to pair with your coffee. These items make it easier to turn your coffee run into a mini meal:
- Italian Sausage Egg Bite—a savory option for breakfast lovers.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin—a sweet treat that has become a seasonal staple.
- Raccoon Cake Pop—a fun, kid-friendly snack shaped like a raccoon.
These additions give you a mix of savory and sweet so you can match your order to your mood.
Why does starbucks release the fall menu so early?
If you are wondering why Starbucks launches pumpkin season while summer is still in full swing, the answer is simple: demand. Customers look forward to these flavors every year, and the earlier release draws people into stores at a time when sales usually slow down.
In fact, Starbucks reported that U.S. sales dropped 2% in the third quarter compared with last year. Seasonal favorites like the PSL are designed to bring people back in. As Niccol explained to analysts, “There’s going to be a lot of customers that come into our business” for the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Should you try the new pecan flavors?
If you love pumpkin but want to try something different, the pecan additions may be your best bet. Starbucks has been experimenting with nut-inspired flavors, and this year’s cortado, latte, and cold foam options are likely to become popular.
Think of it this way: if the PSL is your comfort drink, the pecan line gives you something new to explore without straying too far from the cozy fall feeling you know and love.
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