While most people would consider the month of August as summer, others have already moved on to fall with a hot pumpkin spice latte and a slice of pumpkin bread in hand. Starbucks is celebrating 21 years of The Pumpkin Spice Latte with the release of their 2024 limited-edition fall menu, launched on August 22nd, 2024. With six limited-edition drinks and four exclusive snacks, Starbucks has got you covered with all of your fall indulgences. In this review, I will lead you and your taste buds into fall with the release of this new menu.
The Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin is the highlight of the fall snack offerings. Delicious and moist, this “pumpkiny” muffin was full of flavor and a delight to taste. The spices complimented the pumpkin perfectly, and the cream cheese core added sophistication to the treat. This muffin is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appealing presentation, evoking memories of my favorite season.
The first impression of the fan-favorite, Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf, was subdued due to the presence of a plastic wrapper. However, once removed, the aromatic loaf did not disappoint with the impeccable balance of pumpkin and spice. The loaf was crowned by a layer of pumpkin seeds, and its home-baked form created a sense of nostalgia in my mouth. Although not as moist as the muffin, the Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf did not disappoint.
The Baked Apple Croissant was flaky and its texture was pleasing. However, the meager amount of apple filling was very disappointing. While the texture had great croissant qualities, if you are looking for something with a strong apple flavor, this pastry is not for you.
The malformed face of my Raccoon Cake Pop did not provide a good first impression. As I bit into the treat’s right ear, I tried to remain hopeful, but to my disappointment, the cake was too sweet. Additionally, I was disheartened by the flavor being a bland vanilla, as I was hoping for a unique fall flavor; however, I do understand the cute design and classic flavor appeals to children who may not want to try something more adventurous.
As for the fall drink offerings, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai was my favorite. The chai and the pumpkin spice blended seamlessly, creating a comforting autumn flavor. Starbucks’ chai leans on the sweeter side, so if you prefer a spicier chai, that’s something to consider. The highlight of this drink is the pumpkin-flavored cold foam on top, sprinkled with pumpkin spice, which adds a creamy pumpkin taste that truly enhances the drink’s overall flavor.
As a chai fanatic, the new Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Chai was the most disappointing drink offering. The apple flavoring came across as artificial and overly sweet. The overall taste leaned more toward pear than apple. The chai spices were overshadowed by the excessive sweetness, and the drink lacked the balance and depth of a classic chai. It felt like a sugary, fruit-flavored drink with a hint of chai rather than a harmonious blend of apple and spice. However, for those with dairy allergies, this could be a great alternative to the other fall drinks.
The Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato is the perfect option for someone who prefers moderately sweet coffee. This well-crafted beverage combines the creaminess of oat milk with the rich flavors of apple and brown sugar. The oat milk adds a smooth, slightly nutty flavor that compliments the sweetness of the apple syrup perfectly. Additionally, the layered blonde espresso, caramelized apple drizzle and oat milk creates a beautiful visual presentation, making the drink even more appealing.
The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a refreshing yet indulgent treat for those who prefer their fall flavors on the cooler side. The cold brew itself is smooth and strong, and the pumpkin cream adds a rich, velvety texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The subtle notes of pumpkin spice in the cream perfectly complement the robust cold brew, making it a balanced and flavorful drink that’s not too overpowering. It’s an excellent choice for pumpkin lovers who want a lighter, less sugary option.
Lastly, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is the iconic fall drink that Starbucks is most famous for. The perfect blend of espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg creates the signature flavor that has made this drink so famous. It is a sweet, creamy drink that has a strong essence of pumpkin spice that fans have grown to adore. However, the pumpkin spice syrup may taste artificial and too sweet for those who prefer a more bitter coffee. Overall, this iconic drink brings a sense of nostalgia to the menu as it continues to be a fan favorite.
I highly recommend trying out this seasonal menu while it is available! I would rate this menu an 8.5/10 because Starbucks has done a great job of capturing the excitement of fall with their array of unique snacks and drinks that you can’t find elsewhere. I was very impressed with the variety of coffees and teas, especially for their creative fall blends. My only critique is that I would have liked to see more apple flavored pastries. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this menu, and as a dedicated Starbucks fan, I will definitely be ordering these items again. For The Village School students, you can join in on the fall fun with just a quick trip to the local Starbucks at 1535 Eldridge Pkwy #200, Houston, TX 77077.
