Just as summer's sunny weather is replaced by autumn showers, the Pumpkin Spiced Latte is back, although it is by no means new. This iconic autumnal drink was actually first introduced in 2004, after rigorous testing which included the team eating pumpkin pie with espresso to discern which flavours combined well. The team also spent a lot of time on the name, workshopping other ideas like “Fall Harvest Latte”, before finding the one that stuck.
Since then, hundreds of millions of Pumpkin Spice Lattes have been sold worldwide, and the flavouring has been used in everything from crisps to hard seltzer. Now, the PSL is not only a drink but a meme and cultural symbol, and its return is a celebrated event each year. In 2019 alone, US consumers spent around half a billion dollars on the drink, and Forbes has even used the term “pumpkin spice industrial complex” to describe the phenomenon.
Last year, however, the PSL brought some friends, including the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, which was a "roaring success" in the states, according to Starbucks.
For those not in the know, cold brew coffee is made by steeping grounds in cold water, usually overnight. When asked about the addition, which was new last year, Starbucks commented: “We’ve already made great advances in cold coffee innovation, and with a growing number of our customers drinking their coffee iced all year round, we are delighted to introduce a new iced, pumpkin beverage.”
Starbucks Fall 2024 menu leak
Over in the states, the fall menu has supposedly been leaked, showing a plethora of sweet treats available this year - with both old and new products making an appearance. Along with pumpkin spiced latte and pumpkin cream cold brew, it's rumoured that the US menu will also offer the likes of an iced pumpkin cream chai tea latte, an iced apple crisp oatmilk shaken espresso (both of which are new), and an apple crisp oatmilk macchiato that returns for another year. Beyond just drinks, there's also some autumnal snacks up for grabs, with a baked apple croissant making it's debut, alongside the pumpkin cream cheese muffin and owl cake pop that are back after success in the past.
Starbucks Autumn menu 2024 - UK release date
You can expect to find the Pumpkin Spiced Latte alongside other autumnal drinks from last year, including the ice cool Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino and the innovative Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Whilst the full seasonal menu is yet to be announced in the UK - or leaked! - we're hoping that it'll look a little like what's being offered across the pond. So, whether you’re an avid fan of the PSL looking for the latest scoop, or a newcomer who’s curious about the drink, read on to find out everything you need to know about the Pumpkin Spiced Latte in the UK for 2024.
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When will the Pumpkin Spice Latte be available to buy?
Starbucks will officially have these sweet treats back on the menu from Thursday 7 September.
How much does a Pumpkin Spice Latte cost?
Prices vary across the country but you can typically expect to pay about £3.65 for a tall pumpkin spice latte (that’s a small, in case you were wondering).
What does a Pumpkin Spice Latte taste like?
Funnily enough, it doesn’t really taste like pumpkin. Instead, your palate will spot notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove - spices 'inspired by the pumpkin season’.
Is a Pumpkin Spice Latte bad for you?
Excessive consumption of any food or drink can be bad for you. A PSL combines sugar, caffeine and whipped cream, so while it’s not exactly one of your five a day, as an occasional treat it’s just fine.
How many calories are in a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte?
It's hard to give an exact measure here as the calories will vary with the size, milk choice and amount of whipped cream you go for. As a rough guide, a grande Pumpkin Spice Latte with whole milk is 384 calories.
How can I order a low-calorie Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Forget the whipped cream and order the smallest size available (that’s short) for a quick win, then choose almond milk and your drink will come to about 140 calories.
Why do people get so angry about Pumpkin Spice Lattes?
Coffee connoisseurs are not big fans of the PSL, with many arguing that the sugary syrup ruins the taste of the coffee. The biggest problem people have with it, however, is its sheer ubiquity. Once it returns each autumn, it seems to take over the internet for a few weeks, and you'll likely spot them all over the UK.
What else was on the autumn menu at Starbucks last year?
Here are the items that were on the autumn menu for 2022, many of which were brand new.
Drinks:
Food:
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American Deli Meats Focaccia (new) - £4.59
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Mushroom and Egg Muffin (new) - £3.40
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Fiery No' Chicken Wrap (new) - £4.20
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Egg Bites with Three Cheese and Ham (new) - £3.20
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Toffee and Apple Muffin (new) - £2.19
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Espresso Roast Blondie (new) - £1.85
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Fruit & Nut Flapjack (new) - £1.75
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Blackberry & Apple Overnight Oats (new) - £2.70
Is there a Pumpkin Spiced Latte recipe I can try at home?
Yes, you can! You'll need:
To make your PSL, first mix the pumpkin puree, spices and coffee in a large mug.
Then, gently heat the milk in a saucepan until steaming and frothy, then pour into the mug and stir. Finally, top with whipped cream (optional), some extra cinnamon and enjoy!
If you're looking for a more grown-up coffee fix, be sure to browse our selection of the best coffee shops in London.