Starbucks Unleashes Pumpkin Spice Latte Early—Here’s What’s New in the 2025 Fall Menu

The unmistakable scent of autumn is already wafting through Starbucks cafés as the cult-favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) officially returns nationwide on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Celebrating its 22nd year, the PSL headlines a refreshed fall lineup designed to satisfy long-time devotees and tempt pumpkin newcomers alike. Seasonal drinks and treats • Pumpkin Spice Latte – Espresso, steamed milk and the iconic pumpkin-pie spice sauce, topped with whipped cream and a dash of real pumpkin-pie spices. • Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew – Cold brew coffee mellowed with vanilla, crowned by pumpkin cream cold foam and pumpkin spice dusting. • NEW Pecan Oatmilk Cortado – A balanced, nutty espresso drink crafted with dairy-free oatmilk. • Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato – Back by popular demand with layers of apple, cinnamon and brown-sugar notes. • Bakery highlights – Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Owl Cake Pop and the fan-favorite Pumpkin Loaf return to pastry cases. Key dates and availability • In-store: All U.S. Starbucks locations will offer the fall menu starting 8/26 while supplies last. • Grocery aisles: Pumpkin Spice flavored Starbucks K-Cups, Via instant packets and chilled ready-to-drink lattes are already shipping to major retailers for at-home brewing. • Delivery: Customers can order the PSL and other seasonal sips via Starbucks Rewards, DoorDash or Uber Eats for same-day delivery. Why Starbucks launches pumpkin earlier every year Industry analysts note that the late-August release strategically captures back-to-school traffic and drives incremental visits weeks before cooler weather fully arrives. The PSL alone is estimated to generate more than $400 million in annual revenue and lifts sales of complementary items like breakfast sandwiches and bakery sweets, according to market-research firm Placer.ai. How to score the first sip 1. Update the Starbucks app and enable push notifications for location-based “PSL Is Here!” alerts. 2. Order ahead between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time on launch day to avoid potential drive-thru bottlenecks. 3. Use 25 Stars to swap dairy milk for oatmilk or almondmilk at no extra cost. 4. Bring a clean reusable cup and save 10 ¢ while earning an additional star per drink. Pro tips for custom pumpkin creations • Add one pump of white chocolate mocha sauce to the PSL for a sweeter, dessert-like profile. • Request half-sweet syrup to cut sugar without losing the signature flavor. • Substitute Blonde Espresso for a smoother, less roasty base that lets the pumpkin notes shine. • Ask for “no whip, extra foam” on Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew to reduce calories yet keep the velvety texture. Pumpkin rivals heat up With Starbucks lighting the seasonal spark, competitors are racing to unveil their own pumpkin menus. Dunkin’ launches its Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte on August 20, while Peet’s Coffee revives the Pumpkin Latte and introduces a brand-new Pumpkin Espresso Shakerato on August 27. Expect convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Wawa to follow suit before Labor Day as America’s pumpkin craze intensifies. Bottom line Whether you’re a PSL purist or eager to sample the new Pecan Oatmilk Cortado, 2025’s pumpkin season arrives earlier, wider and more flavor-packed than ever. Set your alarms for August 26, snag those coveted first-day selfies and let the #PumpkinSpice season officially begin.