Starbucks’ iconic pumpkin spice latte returns

Starbucks has announced the return of its fall menu at its US stores starting Thursday, August 22, marking what many consider the unofficial start of the season. In addition to the return of the highly anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL), the chain is introducing the new Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai among the full lineup of fall favorites, which will be available for a limited time while supplies last.

Since its debut in 2003 the Pumpkin Spice Latte continues to be Starbucks’ most popular seasonal beverage and is enjoyed by customers around the world. Made with real pumpkin, the handcrafted beverage combines Starbucks Signature Espresso and steamed milk with the flavor combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. It’s topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices, and is available hot, iced or blended.    

The popular Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew also returns to the menu. It’s crafted with Starbucks Cold Brew sweetened with vanilla syrup, and is topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and a pumpkin spice topping.

After being introduced to the Starbucks fall menu in 2023, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai returns for a second year. This creamy fall beverage pairs a rich blend of spiced chai notes with pumpkin cream cold foam and a pumpkin spice topping.     

New to the seasonal menu this year, the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai features warming spice flavors of chai combined with creamy oatmilk and topped with nondairy apple crisp cold foam, for a seasonal sip that is reminiscent of homemade apple pie.

“We are excited to introduce the new Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai to our customers,” says Rosalyn Batingan, Starbucks beverage developer. “This beverage perfectly captures the taste and feeling of fall. We have combined creamy oatmilk 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.”

Another apple crisp beverage on the menu this year is the returning Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, featuring layered flavors of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar combined with rich espresso poured over creamy oatmilk, topped with a spiced apple drizzle. It’s available hot and iced.

The Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso features a perfectly balanced combination of Starbucks Blonde Espresso with notes of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar, shaken together and topped with oatmilk.

Customers can also find two additional fall beverages exclusively in the Starbucks app. The Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte is made with rich espresso combined with milk and notes of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar, served over ice and topped with smooth salted caramel cream cold foam. The Iced Honey Apple Almondmilk Flat White features Starbucks Blonde Espresso and almondmilk poured over ice with a hint of honey and nondairy apple crisp cold foam.

In the bakery case, customers can enjoy the new Raccoon Cake Pop, which combines vanilla cake and buttercream, dipped in chocolaty icing, and the returning Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, a moist pumpkin muffin topped with sweet cream cheese filling and a sprinkling of chopped, spiced pepitas. The Baked Apple Croissant and popular Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf are also available for a limited time.