Just as summer's sunny weather is replaced by autumn showers, the Pumpkin Spiced Latte gears up for its return to our high street. This iconic autumnal drink was actually first introduced by Starbucks 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.
Over the years, the PSL has introduced new friends to the market, 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. Starbucks commented on the introduction of cold brew coffee to its range: '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.'
But the real question we all want to know is when will Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte return in 2024? And will there be other autumnal coffee-based drinks in the range? Official details have yet to be announced, but you can find plenty of information about the PSL in previous years down below. We'll be updating this page with all the latest information as soon as we hear more!
Starbucks Autumn menu 2024 - UK release date and menu details
The official release date in the UK for the Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte is 22 August, a whole month earlier than previous years. However, Starbucks has revealed a hack that lets customers get their hands on one before the 22nd. You have to sign up to become a Starbucks Rewards member to be able to access the drink from 8 to the 22 August, two weeks before anyone else.
Starbucks has also released a few details about what's available. Drinks include a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, an Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte and a Pumpkin Spice Frappucino, but we're sure they'll release more autumnal favourites over the coming weeks. The drink is made from Starbucks Signature Espresso and flavoured with pumpkin spice flavour sauce, then topped with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
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When will the Pumpkin Spice Latte be available to buy?
The Pumpkin Spice Latte will be available on the UK app and in store on the 22 August 2024.
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 2023.
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.