Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte returns Tuesday without price hike
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The unofficial start of fall arrives Tuesday, when Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte returns.
Why it matters: Seasonal drinks like the PSL are critical traffic drivers for Starbucks, as well as a cultural touchpoint.
- The Seattle-based coffee giant said last year 10% of sales come from returning favorites.
- Starbucks said Monday that the PSL is its "most popular seasonal beverage of all time."
Price of Starbucks fall drinks 2025
Driving the news: A Starbucks spokesperson told Axios the price of Starbucks limited-time-only seasonal beverages haven't increased from last year.
- Prices vary by market, with a grande PSL ranging from $5.75 to $7.25 in company-operated U.S. stores.
- A grande Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew ranges from $5.25 to $5.95.
The intrigue: Empower's "Pumpkin Premium" survey of 2,200 Americans found 44% believe inflation and tariffs have raised the price of pumpkin‑flavored products.
- 1 in 3 shoppers admit they're willing to pay more for pumpkin-spice flavored goods, the survey found.
- Americans say they spend $32 per month on pumpkin spice-flavored items during the fall, with millennials spending $64.
Of note: Starbucks said its pumpkin drinks use real pumpkin, sourced from Washington state farmer Jeff Leber, who has supplied the kabocha pumpkins used in PSLs and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brews since 2018.
Starbucks fall menu: PSL, pecan drinks but no apple
Zoom in: The Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte are back Tuesday along with the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and Raccoon Cake Pop.
- Apple drinks are not on this year's fall menu, Starbucks told Axios.
Kelly's taste test: Starbucks gave Axios an early taste of the Pecan Oatmilk Cortado — made with espresso, pecan, baking spice flavors and pecan crunch topping — and it wasn't too sweet or too strong.
Dutch Bros, Sonic, Dunkin' and 7-Eleven fall drinks
State of play: Starbucks seasonal menu has become a cultural marker of fall — with rival chains racing to roll out pumpkin products even earlier each summer.
- Dutch Bros, Peet's, Dunkin' and First Watch released fall menus ahead of Starbucks.
- 7-Eleven releases two new coffee drinks Wednesday — 7-Select Pumpkin Spice Iced Cappuccino and the Pumpkin Apple Crisp Cold Brew and Latte.
Yes, but: Sonic Drive-In released some anti-pumpkin programming Monday with its "Save a Pumpkin" campaign, which coincides with the reveal of a new Salted Caramel Toffee iced coffee and croissant bites.
McDonald's Pumpkin Spice Latte coming Aug. 29
What's next: McDonald's is launching the McCafé Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin & Crème Pie starting Aug. 29 at participating restaurants nationwide, according to its website.
- The fall equinox is Sept. 22.
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