20 years later: Pumpkin spice still rules

Psst; it's still summer. In fact, it's one of the hottest ever recorded in history, but it's time for pumpkin spice lattes, according to Thursday's launch of Starbucks' fall menu, which is our annual reminder to don puffy vests and start Christmas shopping with "PSLs" in hand.

Although fall doesn't actually start for nearly a month (Sept. 22), customers are already hitting up their favorite fast casuals for what is commonly known on social media as a favorite of the the "basic bitch."

Boutta be the most basic of bitches once that PSL at starbies drops

— sek 🖤 (@WorksBySek) August 17, 2023

Am I a basic bitch. Yes. Yes I am! Bring on the PSL 🎃 ☕️ https://t.co/3a9pNIGXKY

— Shannon Gregory (@princessshay013) August 23, 2023

Starbucks — credited for starting the pumpkin spice trend when it added PSLs to the menus of 100 Starbucks stores between Washington, D.C., and Vancouver, B.C., on Oct. 10, 2003, — has been rolling out the fall favorite earlier each year, hoping to squeeze the most out of the fall offering. Although it's too early to tell if all-things pumpkin will increase traffic this year, it's a likely outcome, considering that visits to Starbucks were up 25.7% last year during the seven days after it launched its fall menu, compared to the average weekly visit numbers for the previous five weeks. During that same stretch, visits were up 7.5% compared to 2019's numbers, too.

Not be outdone, Dunkin' — which beat Starbucks to the pumpkin LTO race nearly two weeks ago, launching its pumpkin menu on Aug. 16 — found visits increased 9.5% last year during the seven-day stretch after its fall menu launched, compared to the average weekly numbers for the prior five weeks. And visits were up 5.8% during that same period compared to 2019.

"Pumpkin pie is the poster child for the actual parental trend of Fall flavors," said Suzy Badaracco, president of Culinary Tides, which tracks menu trends. "Pumpkin pie spice ties into too many other trends to be unseated and it has no direct competitor. It ties to the trends of seasonal, local, authentic, regional flavors, historical flavors; it is a grounding flavor in an uncertain time.

"The more a trend has something to cross ties with, the more successful it will be and the longer lifecycle it will have. Pumpkin pie spice was able to move laterally across to other categories beyond bakery thus allowing it to franchise and be noticed as a versatile item — Ice cream, yogurt, breads, beverages, etc."

Below is a roundup of pumpkin-inspired LTOs to get you pump(kin)ed for fall.

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse

Beans & Brews Coffeehouse, a drive-thru coffee franchise, has unveiled the he Pumpkin Pie Fritalia, a hot, iced or frozen latte with real pumpkin and spices, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon.

"Customers look forward to our seasonal offerings. We're really proud to introduce these new fall classics," Jeff Laramie, CEO of Beans & Brews, said in a company press release. "Be sure to come by your local Beans for our new fall flavors before they're gone."

Founded in 1993 and franchising since 2004, Beans & Brews Coffeehouse first opened its doors in Salt Lake City.

Caribou Coffee

Provided by Caribou Coffee

Guests of Caribou Coffee, a Panera Brands company, have 15 pumpkin beverages to satisfy their fall cravings.

"Pumpkin is one of the most highly anticipated seasonal flavors in the industry and we're ecstatic to welcome guests to fall with our extensive pumpkin menu," Matt Reiter, senior vice president of product and procurement, said in a company press release. "With a wide variety of menu items and endless customizations, there is something for everyone to enjoy this fall season whether they want their pumpkin shaken, iced, blended, hot or with nitro cold press."

Caribou Coffee's fall menu includes:

• Pumpkin Espresso Shaker: Real pumpkin purée and fresh espresso shaken with ice and topped with a splash of oatmilk.
• Pumpkin Latte: Real pumpkin purée with espresso and steamed milk; topped with ground nutmeg.
• Iced Pumpkin Latte: Real pumpkin purée with espresso and milk; topped with ground nutmeg.
• Nitro Pumpkin Latte: Nitro cold press with milk and real pumpkin purée; topped with espresso whipped cream.
• Pumpkin White Mocha: White chocolate melted into steamed milk and combined with espresso and real pumpkin purée; topped with whipped cream and white chocolate chips.
• Iced Pumpkin White Mocha: White chocolate, espresso, milk and real pumpkin purée; served over ice.
• Pumpkin White Mocha Cooler: Coffee blended with ice, white chocolate and real pumpkin purée; topped with whipped cream and white chocolate drizzle.
• Nitro Pumpkin White Mocha: Nitro cold press with milk, white chocolate and real pumpkin purée; topped with espresso whipped cream.
• Pumpkin Chai: Chai tea latte made with real pumpkin purée; topped with ground nutmeg.
• Iced Pumpkin Chai: Iced chai tea latte made with real pumpkin purée.
• Blended Pumpkin Chai: Chia tea blended with ice, milk and real pumpkin purée.
• Pumpkin Hot Crafted Press: Cold-brewed coffee steamed with a splash of milk, real sugar and a hint of real pumpkin purée.
• Pumpkin Iced Crafted Press: Cold-brewed coffee with a splash of milk, real sugar and a hint of real pumpkin purée.
• Pumpkin Blended Crafted Press: Cold-brewed coffee blended with ice, a splash of milk, real sugar and a hint of real pumpkin purée.
• Pumpkin Cooler: Coffee blended with ice and real pumpkin purée; topped with whipped cream and ground nutmeg.
• Pumpkin Cake Pop: Pumpkin flavored cake pop dipped pumpkin in white chocolate glaze.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin: Pumpkin spice muffin filled with cream cheese icing.

Caribou Coffee fans may also brew pumpkin coffee at home by purchasing the limited-time Pumpkin Love ground bagged coffee, available nationwide at select Target stores and Target online. It features notes of pumpkin, spices and whipped cream,

Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee has 327 company-owned, 139 non-traditional and 303 franchise locations in 11 countries.

Cinnaholic

Cinnaholic, a 90-unit chain based in Georgia, is featuring its fall menu from Sept. 5 to Oct. 31, according to a company press release. Options include the Pumpkin Cheesecake Roll, a pumpkin cheesecake frosting topped with pumpkin cookie bites, marshmallows and a dusting of brown sugar cinnamon mix; pumpkin cookies and pumpkin bread. A non-pumpkin offering is the Cinnamon Toasty Crunch Roll with maple frosting topped with cinnadoodle cookie dough, graham cookies and a dusting of brown sugar cinnamon mix.

Provided by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Southern California-based The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which has over 1,094 units, has launched its fall seasonal menu featuring the return of the Pumpkin collection of beverages as well as the Valencia Orange Cream Cold Brew Tea and Salted Caramel Mocha Latte and Ice Blended drink.

"Our fall menu really celebrates the nostalgic sweet, spicy and savory flavors of the season, complete with pumpkin, chocolate and even orange," Sanjiv Razdan, president of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, said in a press release. "We are excited to see our guests enjoy and indulge in their favorite flavors and beverages that are all made with the highest quality coffee and tea that are globally sourced and perfectly roasted and prepared."

The offerings are available now through Oct. 31and feature:

• Pumpkin Latte, Iced Latte & Ice Blended drink.
• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, a cold brew drink with pumpkin and a hint of vanilla bean, finished with a vanilla cream cap, a sweetened cold foam.
• Salted Caramel Mocha Latte, Iced Latte, and Ice Blended® Drink – New to the fall menu, these beverages feature The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's signature 5-bean espresso blend that is highlighted by a salted, buttery caramel flavor and Special Dutch chocolate powder that creates a sweet and savory beverage, perfect any time of day.
• Valencia Orange Cream Cold Brew Tea, a combination of sweet Orange flavor and Ceylon tea, topped with a smooth vanilla cream cap.
• Pumpkin Old-Fashioned Donut.

Dunkin'

After 258 days since pumpkin fans savored their last taste of pumpkin at Dunkin, the chain's pumpkin line-up is back.

Provided by Dunkin'

"Every year, we can practically feel the buzz around our pumpkin lineup," CMO Jill McVicar Nelson said in a company press release. "It's truly amazing to see our fans light up for this cherished flavor. Catching their excitement both on social media and in our restaurants underscores how much Dunkin' and the fall season go hand in hand. As the pumpkin spice season embodies Dunkin's vibrant spirit, we're all in:splashing our signature shade of orange everywhere we can."

The menu items include:

• Pumpkin Spice Signature, available iced or hot, it features notes of pumpkin, vanilla and fall spices. It's blended with espresso and milk, then crowned with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
• Nutty Pumpkin Coffee combines Dunkin's Original Blend Iced or Hot Coffee with pumpkin, cream and a touch of hazelnut.
• Pumpkin Swirl serves as the secret ingredient underpinning the brand's fall beverage line-up, and guests may customize their favorite drinks by adding the swirl to hot or iced coffee, espresso drinks, cold brew or frozen coffee.
• Dunkin's Pumpkin K-Cup Pods are back at participating Dunkin' locations.
• Pumpkin Cake Donut, Munchkins Donut Hole Treats and Pumpkin Muffins are also available.

Dunkin,' founded in 1950, has over 13,200 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets.

Fazoli's

Provided by Fazoli's

Kentucky-based Fazoli's, owned by FAT Brands, has partnered with the Cheesecake Factory Bakery to create a pumpkin cheesecake made with a secret blend of spices. Garnished with a rosette of whipped cream and drizzled with Ghirardelli salted caramel sauce, the blend of sweet, salty, and pumpkin spices will have each forkful tasting like fall, according to a company press release.

Great American Cookies

Great American Cookies, based in Atlanta,is bringing back its Pumpkin Spice Cookie on Sept. 11. The chain is owned by FAT Brands.

Nation's Giant Hamburgers

Nation's Giant Hamburgers has rolled out the Pumpkin Pie Shake, available Sept. 5 - Nov. 30, featuring a vanilla milkshake with a slice of blended homemade pumpkin pie.

"We are joining the seasonal pumpkin craze in our own Nation's style," Nation's Giant Hamburgers President Michelle Bythewood said in a company press release. "Pie shakes have long been a secret item on our menu, beloved by our regulars, but this is the first time one has ever made it to the official menu. Our pumpkin pie is made with true pumpkin ingredients and a homemade flaky crust. The bites of pie and flakes of crust in each bite make this dessert uniquely craveable."

Founded by Russ Harvey in 1952, Nation's Giant Hamburgers has 29 locations throughout Northern California.

Prospector Popcorn

Prospector Popcorn, whose mission is to provide competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities, is celebrating Fall with the return of Pumpkin Spice Gourmet Popcorn on Aug. 31.
Cozy spice and ribbons of chocolate make this treat one of Prospector Popcorn's most popular flavors, according to a company press release.

Approximately 75% of the 128 Prospects, the name given to all Prospector employees, self-identify with a disability, according to a company, which ships popcorn to all 50 U.S. states.

Provided by Scooter's

Salata Salad Kitchen

Houston-based Salata Salad Kitchen, which has over 90 locations, is bringing back its Pumpkin Puff Cookie on Sept. 19. The cookie, which debuted last year, features a light and fluffy texture with large pieces of macadamia nuts, white chocolate chunks and a hint of cinnamon, according to a company press release.

It will be available through the end of the year.

Scooter's Coffee

Scooter's Coffee is putting a pumpkin spin on its puppy-loved Pup Cups Saturday, which is also National Dog Day. Dogs may enjoy a free, fall-inspired Pumpkin Spice Pup Cup made up of all dog-friendly ingredients, including whipped cream, a pumpkin dog treat and a dusting of cinnamon. The first 15 canine customers at each Scooter's Coffee store on National Dog Day also will receive a bandana imprinted with the Scooter's Coffee signature Smiley logo, at participating locations while supplies last.

"We know how much dogs mean to our customers, and with the upcoming launch of the Scooter's Coffee fall menu and popular pumpkin offerings, we wanted to provide something special for our pup friends to celebrate National Dog Day," Scooter's Coffee Chief Community Officer Bill Black said in a press release. "It's always fun to see our customers' Pup Cup photos, and we look forward to seeing how their dogs enjoy the new Pumpkin Spice Pup Cups."

The chain has also released the following pumpkin-filled LTOs:

• Pumpkin Caramelicious, featuring espresso melded with caramel, milk and pumpkin spice flavors.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte, made with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves combined with espresso, steamed milk, a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
• Pumpkin Cold Foam, can be added as a topping to any iced or blended drink. Pumpkin Cold Foam is made-to-order with nonfat, freshly frothed milk, pumpkin flavor and finishing touches of caramel drizzle or a dusting of sweet cinnamon.
• Pumpkin Spice Cake Bite, traditional pumpkin spices are covered with frosting and topped with autumn leaf sprinkles.
• Pumpkin Caramelicious Muffin, the buttery caramel flavor of the Caramelicious drink, combined with pumpkin spice and infused it into a baked pastry.

The Autumn Caramel Crunch, which combines espresso, caramel, hazelnut and vanilla flavors; as well as the Maple Waffle Sandwich, maple-flavored waffles with sausage, a cooked egg and cheddar cheese, are also fall LTOs.

Scooter's is approaching 700 stores in 29 states

Smoothie King

Smoothie King is offering five limited-time pumpkin smoothies at locations nationwide, both in-store and through the Smoothie King app.

"We're proud that our pumpkin smoothie lineup contains real ingredients — that you can actually pronounce — like organic pumpkin, and they taste amazing," Marianne Radley, CMO of Smoothie King, said in a company press release. "Whether guests are looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, or a vegan or high-protein option, our five pumpkin varieties provide a delicious and nutritious option for everyone."

Smoothie King's limited time Fall flavors include:

• Pumpkin Power Meal, a protein-packed smoothie made with 100% organic pumpkin, almonds, dates, Gladiator protein, protein blend, multivitamin and seasonal spice blend. It has 20 grams of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• Pumpkin Slim-N-Trim, a nutritious meal under 300 calories, this pumpkin smoothie boasts 14 grams of protein and is made with 100% organic pumpkin, bananas, dates, protein and seasonal spice blend.
• Pumpkin Vegan, an entirely plant-based blend made with 100% organic pumpkin, Califia Farms Oat Milk, bananas, dates, Sunwarrior organic plant-based protein, stevia and seasonal spice blend.
• Pumpkin Coffee High Protein, a blend that gives guests caffeine, made with 100% organic pumpkin, dates, almonds, non-fat milk, protein blend, whey protein and a seasonal spice blend, along with choice of cold brew coffee or espresso.
• Pumpkin D-Lite, a blended drink made with 100% organic pumpkin, dates, frozen yogurt, nonfat milk, protein blend and seasonal spices.

Smoothie King Franchises Inc. has over 1,350 locations worldwide.

Starbucks

Starbucks has brought back its Pumpkin Spice Latte along with a variety of fall LTOs, including

• Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, a chai tea with a blend of spiced chai notes with pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice.

  Provided by Starbucks

• Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, which combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso with notes of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar, shaken together and topped with oatmilk.
• Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, featuring layered flavors of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar combined with a spiced apple drizzle.
• Baked Apple Croissant, made with layers of croissant dough wrapped around a warm apple filling, topped with sugar.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin.
• Owl Cake Pop.
• Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf.

Starbucks Reserve locations in the U.S. will introduce the Starbucks Reserve Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Barrel-Aged Iced Latte and a Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, according to a company press release.

Ziggi's Coffee

Colorado-based Ziggi's Coffee has rolled out several pumpkin-inspired dishes, including

• Pumpkin Pie Latte: creamy spice-filled pumpkin is combined with espresso and milk.
• Gluten-free Pumpkin Bread: spice-filled Gluten-free Pumpkin bread.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: the perfect balance of sweet and spice.

The chain's fall LTO's also include a Salted Caramel Crumble Latte, Cinnamon Roll Cake Pop, which is made from cinnamon cake, cream cheese cinnamon frosting and sugar crystals, the Maple Waffle Breakfast Sandwich, which is an egg and sausage between a sweetened maple-flavored waffle.

"Embracing the spirit of autumn, we are thrilled to extend the heartwarming and comforting flavors of the season to communities nationwide through our specially crafted seasonal menu at Ziggi's" Dani Wanner, VP of operations at Ziggi's Coffee, said in a company press release. "With a commitment to fostering connections, this fall brings a distinctive assortment of fall flavors, providing convenient and enjoyable ways for our communities to come together."

Ziggi's has 72 drive-thru and coffee shop locations throughout the country