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.'
And now, the time has come! Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte has returned for 2024 along with a selection of other autumnal coffee-based drinks. We've got all the official details below, from what's in the range to how much a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks costs.
Starbucks Autumn menu 2024 - UK release date and menu details
The official release date in the UK for the Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte was the 22 August 2024, a whole month earlier than previous years. Starbucks also revealed a hack that let customers get their hands on one before the 22nd. By signing up to its app, Starbucks Rewards, people could access the drink two weeks before anyone else.
Included in Starbucks Autumn menu 2024 range is a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte made with two signature espresso shots, steamed milk, pumpkin spice flavour syrup, whipped cream and a spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. You can also order an iced version of the PSL if you're not quite ready to make the transition to hot drink weather yet.
Also included in the range is a Salted Maple Caramel Latte which features its Blonde espresso blend, salted maple and caramel flavour sauce, foam, and a crunchy caramel sugar topping, which you can also order in iced form if you prefer.
We're pretty hyped about Starbucks' 'Shaken Espresso' range too, which includes a ton of tantalising flavours such as Pumpkin Cream, White Chocolate & Pistachio, Creme Brulee and Brown Sugar, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, and Caramelised Macadamia. All are made with oat drink for a tasty vegan alternative.
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When will the Pumpkin Spice Latte be available to buy?
The Pumpkin Spice Latte launched 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 semi-skimmed milk is 266 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 119 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.