As the crisp air of autumn arrives, Starbucks enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the return of the beloved fall menu. This seasonal offering is more than just a collection of drinks and food items; it’s a celebration of the flavors and aromas that define the cozy essence of fall. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Pumpkin Spice Latte or looking to try something new, here’s a rundown of the most popular Starbucks fall drinks and food items you won’t want to miss.
New Drinks for 2024
- Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte – This new non-dairy option features oatmilk and a delicious pecan flavor, offering a crunchy twist to your latte experience.
- Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam – A new topping that adds a sweet and salty pecan flavor to any cold drink, perfect for those who enjoy a little extra texture and taste in their beverages.
- Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai – Another new addition, this drink combines the spiced flavors of chai with the sweet and tart notes of apple, finished with a creamy texture.
New Food Items
- Mummy Cookie – A fun Halloween-themed treat featuring a cookie decorated to look like a mummy.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin – A moist pumpkin muffin filled with sweet cream cheese, a returning favorite.
- Baked Apple Croissant – A flaky croissant filled with warm baked apple, perfect for pairing with your favorite fall drink.
- Raccoon Cake Pop – A cute and tasty cake pop shaped like a raccoon, adding a playful touch to your snack options.
These items were rolled out in two phases: the first launched on August 22, and the second, featuring the new pecan-flavored drinks and the Mummy Cookie, started on September 19.
8 Popular Fall Drinks and Treats
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)
The undisputed star of the fall season, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL, has garnered a cult following since its debut in 2003. This iconic drink combines espresso, steamed milk, and a blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Topped with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice, it’s the ultimate fall indulgence. Whether you enjoy it hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino, the PSL is a must-try for anyone embracing the fall spirit.
2. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
For those who prefer their coffee on the cooler side, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a refreshing yet cozy alternative to the PSL. This drink features Starbucks’ signature cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with a generous layer of pumpkin cream cold foam. The contrast between the smooth, bold cold brew and the creamy, spiced foam makes this drink a favorite among cold coffee lovers.
3. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato
Introduced in recent years, the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato quickly became a fall favorite. This drink combines the rich flavors of espresso with apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon, all layered with steamed oat milk and topped with a spiced apple drizzle. The result is a perfectly balanced drink that captures the essence of a warm apple pie in every sip. Available both hot and iced, it’s a delicious option for those looking for a non-pumpkin treat.
4. Chai Tea Latte
While available year-round, the Chai Tea Latte feels especially fitting for the fall season. This aromatic blend of black tea, cinnamon, clove, and other warming spices, mixed with steamed milk, offers a comforting and spicy kick that pairs perfectly with cool autumn days. For an extra indulgence, try it with a splash of pumpkin spice syrup for a unique twist.
5. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
Moving beyond drinks, Starbucks also offers a delectable selection of fall-themed food items, and the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin is a standout. This moist pumpkin muffin is filled with sweet cream cheese and topped with crunchy, sugar-coated pumpkin seeds. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your favorite fall beverage, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
6. Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf
Another pumpkin-flavored delight, the Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf, is a dense, moist bread made with real pumpkin and topped with crunchy, roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). This loaf is a great option for a quick breakfast or a snack and pairs wonderfully with any of the fall drinks on the menu.
7. Apple Crisp Oatmilk Muffin
Newer to the menu, the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Muffin mirrors the flavors of the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato. This muffin is made with a blend of apples, oats, and brown sugar, and is topped with a crispy oat streusel. It’s a warm, hearty treat that makes for a perfect autumn snack.
8. Caramel Apple Spice
Though technically not coffee-based, the Caramel Apple Spice is a beloved fall drink for those who prefer a non-caffeinated option. This drink is made from steamed apple juice, spiced with cinnamon syrup, and topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel. It’s like having a warm apple cider with a luxurious twist.
Healthier Custom Tips
Creating a healthier custom order at Starbucks is a great way to enjoy your favorite drinks and treats while staying mindful of your nutritional goals. Here are some tips and options for making your Starbucks order healthier:
1. Choose a Smaller Size
Opt for a Tall (12 oz) or even a Short (8 oz) instead of the larger sizes. This can significantly reduce your calorie, sugar, and fat intake.
2. Skip the Whipped Cream
Whipped cream can add extra calories and fat to your drink. Asking for your drink without whipped cream can save you around 50-70 calories.
3. Opt for Non-Dairy Milk
Switching to almond, oat, or soy milk can reduce the calories and fat in your drink. These options are also great for those looking to avoid dairy.
4. Reduce or Skip the Syrup
Syrups are a major source of sugar in Starbucks drinks. Ask for fewer pumps (e.g., one or two instead of the standard four) or try sugar-free syrup options.
5. Lighten Up Your Coffee
If you enjoy flavored lattes or macchiatos, try ordering them with “light” versions of the syrup or a smaller number of pumps. You can also ask for a drizzle instead of the full amount of sauce used.
6. Go for the Tea
Teas, especially when unsweetened or lightly sweetened, are much lower in calories. Green tea, herbal teas, or iced teas are great choices that can be enjoyed without adding sugar.
7. Custom Frappuccinos
Frappuccinos can be made lighter by asking for them with non-fat milk or non-dairy milk, skipping the whipped cream, and using fewer pumps of syrup. You can also ask for a “light” Frappuccino, which uses fewer calories and sugar.
8. Healthier Food Options
- Oatmeal: Starbucks’ Classic Oatmeal is a great option that can be topped with nuts or dried fruit for a filling breakfast.
- Protein Boxes: These boxes include balanced options like eggs, fruit, nuts, and cheese, providing a good mix of protein and healthy fats.
- Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon & Cage-Free Egg White Sandwich: A lower-calorie option that’s still satisfying and packed with protein.
Sample Healthier Custom Orders
- Iced Americano with a splash of almond milk and one pump of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
- Tall Matcha Latte with almond milk, no syrup, and one scoop of matcha instead of the standard two.
- Skinny Vanilla Latte made with non-fat milk and sugar-free vanilla syrup.
Conclusion
Starbucks’ fall menu is a celebration of the season’s most beloved flavors. Whether you’re a die-hard Pumpkin Spice Latte fan or eager to try new offerings like the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Pair these drinks with one of the seasonal food items, and you’ll have the perfect cozy treat to embrace the autumn vibes. For more details or to see the complete lineup, you might want to visit Starbucks or check out their official website as these items are available for a limited time this fall. Grab your favorite fall drink and enjoy the season’s best flavors while they last!
