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The leaves may still be green and the temperatures blazing, but America's favorite fall flavor is already brewing.

Why it matters: The great pumpkin spice arms race is real.

What's happening: For people who just can't wait until fall, we are in "Augtober" and Summerween — when Halloween meets the summer heat and autumnal flavors creep into menus across the country.

Flashback: The pumpkin spice craze was born 23 years ago, when Starbucks debuted its Pumpkin Spice Latte — PSL, for short — in 2003.

Between the lines: Pumpkin spice isn't just a flavor — it's big business.

Starbucks' PSL alone pulls in around $500 million every season, according to MarketWatch.

By the numbers: Last fall, PSL demand spiked on Aug. 19, nearly two weeks earlier than it did in 2021, per DoorDash data.

And searches for "pumpkin spice" in July increased by 49% this year, according to Yelp data.

Weeks ago, the unofficial season began in grocery aisles.

Now, it's debuting at restaurants with brands slowly launching products.

Trader Joe's traditionally has launched pumpkin spice products by mid-September.

When is pumpkin spice available at places like Starbucks

On Monday, La Colombe begins offering its pumpkin spice latte and draft latte at its cafes. 

Freebie: The first 30 people in line for a pumpkin spice drink at each Philly cafe that day will get a free seasonal pumpkin pastry with their purchases. 

Krispy Kreme's Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut, PSLs and pumpkin coffee are now available. 

And IHOP is already offering pumpkin pancakes.

Aug. 26 is when Starbucks' fall menu debuts, four days later than last year's earliest ever release.

Dunkin' hasn't announced when it switches to the fall menu but food blogger Markie Devo reports that Dunkin's fall menu is expected to drop Aug. 20.

Here's some other dates we're pump-kinned about: 

Aug. 27: Return of Denny's Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes.

Aug. 29: Dairy Queen's Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat is back.

The intrigue: There are even limited-edition dog treats in the seasonal flavor.

For the record, the fall equinox is Sept. 22.

Pumpkin spice lattes are already brewing in Philly

La Colombe Café begins offering PSLs on Monday.

Illustration of a coffee pot with a brown handle and lid, designed to look like a round orange pumpkin, against a neutral beige background.

The leaves may still be green and the temperatures blazing, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s favorite fall flavor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/21/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte-2025-date-fall-menu" data-vars-content-id="2bee85db-f0da-4af8-8678-e51c275fbecf" data-vars-headline="Pumpkin spice lattes are already brewing in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/21/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte-2025-date-fall-menu" target="_self">America&#x27;s favorite fall flavor</a> is already brewing.Why it matters: The great pumpkin spice arms race is real.

Culture

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Egg prices keep climbing at Philadelphia grocery stores as the growing bird flu crisis hurts the nation's egg supply.

The big picture: Avian influenza has affected more than 13 million birds in the last 30 days, according to USDA data.

Driving the news: Egg prices are climbing to new record highs daily, Karyn Rispoli, managing editor for eggs in the Americas for price-reporting service Expana, tells Axios.

In some parts of the country like the Southeast, a dozen large eggs "will be north of $7," Rispoli said.

Zoom in: In the Northeast, which includes Pennsylvania, prices for a carton of grade A large eggs have spiked to $6.46-$6.60 this month, per the USDA.

That's up from between $1.87 and $2.01 at the same time last year.

Organic, cage-free and pasture-raised eggs will cost you more.

And some retailers are having a hard time keeping eggs in stock.

State of play: The first suspected case of bird flu in Philly was detected in a wild snow goose this month.

And the virus is suspected to have killed hundreds of snow geese in the Allentown area recently.

Pennsylvania had no commercial poultry flocks affected by bird flu over the past month, per the USDA as of Friday.

The bottom line: Eggs are considered safe to eat but don't expect them to get cheaper until bird flu is under control.

Eggs are getting even more expensive as bird flu outbreak grows

Prices for a carton of grade A large eggs have spiked to $6.46-$6.60 this month in the Northeast.

Illustration of a frying egg with a dollar sign for a yolk

Egg prices keep climbing at Philadelphia grocery stores as the growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bird flu crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/10/bird-flu-pandemic-risk-prepared" data-vars-content-id="591ecee2-2597-4167-bd03-ab7a614841e3" data-vars-headline="Eggs are getting even more expensive as bird flu outbreak grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/10/bird-flu-pandemic-risk-prepared" target="_self">bird flu crisis</a> hurts the nation&#x27;s egg supply.The big picture: Avian influenza has affected more than 13 million birds in the last 30 days, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="USDA data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks" data-vars-content-id="591ecee2-2597-4167-bd03-ab7a614841e3" data-vars-headline="Eggs are getting even more expensive as bird flu outbreak grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks" target="_blank">USDA data</a>.

Health

Food and Drink

Data: Center for American Progress; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios

The Real ID deadline is today … sort of.

Why it matters: You now need a Real ID-compliant license — or another acceptable document — to board a commercial airplane in the U.S., or enter federal facilities, like courthouses.

Yes, but: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday those without identification that complies with the law "will be allowed to fly."

Noem told a Congressional panel that those who still lack an identification that complies with the Real ID law "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step," the Associated Press reports.

Zoom in: Passengers at Philadelphia International Airport who only have a state-issued identification that's not a Real ID may be directed to a separate area or receive additional screening, TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein tells Axios.

"TSA is planning accordingly to ensure no impact to wait times or TSA screening operations," she said.

Worth noting: TSA accepts more than a dozen forms of alternative IDs.

By the numbers: Pennsylvanians aren't flocking to get a Real ID.

Only 28% of residents have signed up for one, as of May 1, per WHYY.

The caveat: Real ID is optional, which helps explain the lower adoption rate.

How it works: People who received a state driver's license, learner's permit or state ID card after September 2003 can complete a pre-verification document check and fill out an online application to receive their Real ID.

Expect to wait at least 15 business days to receive it in the mail.

Pennsylvania doesn't offer Real ID appointments.

Alternatively, you can walk in and get a Real ID on the spot after your documents are verified at one of more than a dozen locations across the Commonwealth, including in Southwest Philly.

Philadelphia Airport travelers without Real IDs may face extra screening

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday those without identification that complies with the law "will be allowed to fly."

A choropleth map of the U.S. showing the share of citizens by state without a valid passport as of FY2024. West Virginia leads at 79.3%, while New Jersey trails at 20.1%. The nationwide figure is 46.9%.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Real ID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/08/pennsylvania-how-to-get-real-id-adoption-rate%5C" data-vars-content-id="9be74670-7919-4aae-b3e8-b5c7d2722634" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia Airport travelers without Real IDs may face extra screening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/08/pennsylvania-how-to-get-real-id-adoption-rate%5C" target="_self">Real ID</a> deadline is today … sort of.Why it matters: You now need a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Real ID-compliant license" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/22/real-id-travel-requirement-date-may-2025" data-vars-content-id="9be74670-7919-4aae-b3e8-b5c7d2722634" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia Airport travelers without Real IDs may face extra screening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/22/real-id-travel-requirement-date-may-2025" target="_self">Real ID-compliant license</a> — or another acceptable document — to board a commercial airplane in the U.S., or enter federal facilities, like courthouses.

Transit

You might see some eggstra charges popping up on breakfast menus across Philly.

Why it matters: Spots including Philly's popular Middle Child hoagie shop and luncheonette and Darnel's Cakes are raising prices for some egg-based dishes.

The big picture: Egg prices have skyrocketed and could rise more this year as the bird flu and other factors cause scarcity nationwide.

Driving the news: Middle Child will increase egg-based dishes by 50 cents to $1.50, depending on the item, per a social media announcement Monday.

A classic breakfast sandwich, featuring fluffy eggs, now starts at $10.50.

What they're saying: While the company had been keeping prices flat, the price of eggs has increased around 250% over the last year, the company said in its posting.

Zoom out: Big-chain restaurants have already put in place egg surcharges, including Waffle House and Denny's.

Zoom in: Price increases at restaurants and bakers are starting to pop up elsewhere in Philly.

Darnel's Cakes in Northern Liberties increased its prices for egg sandwiches and quiches in February, owner Kyle Cuffie-Scott tells Axios.

Kay Kay's bakery in South Philly has added an egg surcharge for breakfast sandwiches, per CBS.

Cuffie-Scott said that "at some point, we may have to rethink items on the menu" due to the high price of eggs.

The other side: Other eateries are holding their prices firm.

That includes Federal Donuts & Chicken, which hasn't put in place any egg price increases or surcharges, a spokesperson tells Axios.

McDonald's also has no plans to add an egg fee and recently expanded its breakfast menu.

What we're watching: Wholesale egg prices have begun to drift lower amid signs the bird flu is easing. 

Yes, but: The upcoming Easter and Passover holidays could cause prices to jump again.  

The USDA said in a recent report that egg prices are expected to rise by 41% this year.

Rising egg costs scramble Philly's breakfast scene

Spots including Philly's popular Middle Child are raising prices for some egg-based dishes.

You might see some eggstra charges popping up on breakfast menus across Philly.Why it matters: Spots including Philly&#x27;s popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Middle Child" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/02/09/middle-child-clubhouse-philadelphia-adam-sosnowik" data-vars-content-id="cf6ce8d5-cb56-41d6-922d-e57e8de0bd03" data-vars-headline="Rising egg costs scramble Philly&#x27;s breakfast scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/02/09/middle-child-clubhouse-philadelphia-adam-sosnowik" target="_self">Middle Child</a> hoagie shop and luncheonette and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Darnel&#x27;s Cakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.darnelscakes.com/" data-vars-content-id="cf6ce8d5-cb56-41d6-922d-e57e8de0bd03" data-vars-headline="Rising egg costs scramble Philly&#x27;s breakfast scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.darnelscakes.com/" target="_blank">Darnel&#x27;s Cakes</a> are raising prices for some egg-based dishes.

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

A mischievous little monster with fangs is America's must-have toy — and it's clawing its way into the Philly region.

Why it matters: Labubu, the spiky-eared collectible from China and star of the "cute horror" boom, is causing fans of all ages to line up and resale prices to soar.

Driving the news: Pop Mart — the official retailer of Labubu dolls — is opening its first brick-and-mortar shop in the region at Cherry Hill Mall. 

While an exact opening date hasn't been shared, a mall spokesperson tells Axios that the roughly 2,400-square-foot store is coming later this summer.

The intrigue: A Pop Mart vending machine in Cherry Hill Mall is already attracting Labubu hunters, who are posting their quests for the often-sold-out dolls on social media.

Catch up quick: Labubu is an elf-like character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. It gained a following through a 2019 collaboration with Chinese toy giant Pop Mart.

It's sold in "blind boxes," meaning buyers don't know which figure they'll get, fueling a thrill-of-the-hunt resale culture.

Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham are among the celebrities helping drive the trend by displaying the dolls on their bags.

By the numbers: The retail price for standard Labubu figures that come in blind boxes ranges from $8.99 to $27.99.

Larger Labubu plush dolls retail for $40 to $85, while limited editions and special collaborations typically start at $167.

Resale and secondary prices are astronomically higher.

The bottom line: Good luck finding one. The Pop Mart website sells Labubu dolls and merchandise, but nearly all 131 items listed this week were out of stock when Axios checked.

Authorized resellers sell real Labubu — including Amazon, which has a Pop Mart store, though inventory was nonexistent when Axios searched.

Labubu doll craze hits the Philadelphia region

The mischievous little monster with fangs is America's must-have toy.

Labubu dolls are the latest trend and hottest toy around the world. Photo: Mark Rightmire/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

A mischievous little monster with fangs is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s must-have toy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/labubu-doll-toy-trend-pop-mart-inventory" data-vars-content-id="f6c16703-84db-45e9-a51b-72cbd33f0cf6" data-vars-headline="Labubu doll craze hits the Philadelphia region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/labubu-doll-toy-trend-pop-mart-inventory" target="_self">America&#x27;s must-have toy</a> — and it&#x27;s clawing its way into the Philly region.Why it matters: Labubu, the spiky-eared collectible from China and star of the &quot;cute horror&quot; boom, is causing fans of all ages to line up and resale prices to soar.

Kelly Tyko

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