With fall just days away and the daylight fading faster, it is time for the cozy joys of autumn to roll in. Coffee chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Peet’s Coffee have all launched their pumpkin and cinnamon-flavored seasonal menus. Here’s a look at their hits and misses.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino ($6.45): 6/10
The Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is quite average. It starts strong with indulgent whipped cream and a sweet, delicate pumpkin spice topping that adds a pop of color. But beneath the inviting surface, the drink falls flat. The texture is not thick enough to be deemed a frappuccino, and the flavor is far more toned down than its name implies. Despite these faults, the presentation is inviting, and the simple milk and pumpkin flavors work well together. That said, “spice” could probably be omitted from the name.
Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin ($3.95): 6/10
The Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin is soft, tasty, and a pleasant execution of a classic fall bite. The muffin is moist, but the contrast between the crunch of the seeds and the creaminess of the filling is slightly over the top. The flavor is quite mellow and nothing exceptional, making this creation a good, quick treat, but it isn’t a must-have for this fall season.
Starbucks Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte ($6.75): 9/10
This latte is simply delicious. It’s indulgently sweet and perfectly captures autumn in a drink—while somehow still feeling like a refreshing pick-me-up. Dressed with crunchy sugar and paired with fluffy cold foam, this drink is anything but a regular latte. This latte offers a way to embrace the fall aesthetic without the need to enjoy the taste of coffee.
Pete’s Cardamom Citrus Cold Brew Oat Latte ($6.70): 3/10
Despite having high expectations for its unique flavor profile, this latte is surprisingly unpleasant. It definitely wakes you up—but in an unwanted way. The coffee tastes strong and bitter, and the combination of cardamom and citrus is odd and not very fall-themed. Even the citrus flavor isn’t executed well, resembling the bitter peel of a citrus fruit rather than the flavorful, juicy inside. The underlying soft flavor of oat milk that occasionally peaks through helps make it more drinkable. Those who enjoy bitter or dark coffee but want to experiment may enjoy this drink.
Pete’s Seasonal Sugar Cookie ($3.15): 7/10
This cookie exceeds expectations and looks adorable while doing so. It is not dry or crumbly like a typical sugar cookie. Instead, its soft texture melts in your mouth. The sweet autumn-colored sprinkles add a nice crunch and festivity, elevating the texture and appearance. This seasonal sugar cookie is an excellent example of how basic can be done right—nothing crazy, just a simple cookie perfected.
Dunkin’ Pumpkin Donut ($1.50): 7/10
As a simple and plain-looking donut, expectations were low for this fall special. But as it turns out, the flavor is surprisingly delightful, though tasting more like a spice blend than a pumpkin flavor. The best part is the glaze, which is hardened over the top. It adds a slight crunch and a frosted flavor that makes the donut more interesting than it appears.
Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte ($6.29): 4/10
If Starbucks’ pumpkin spice flavor needed work, Dunkin’s needs a complete makeover. The flavor is pleasant and sweet at first sip, almost tasting like vanilla (but definitely not pumpkin or spice). While the aftertaste does have a slight spice flavor, it ruins the softness with its harsh and chemical flavor. Still, the hot version of the latte makes it perfect for a cold autumn day, and the caramel syrup and whipped cream option makes it versatile and easy to customize.
