In 2003, Starbucks launched its first-ever pumpkin spice beverages, and the world truly hasn’t been the same since. Pumpkin spice mania hit its peak in fall 2017, according to Google Trends, and though the craze has died down a bit in the years since, pumpkin spice flavors have cemented themselves in US culture as a permanent (and fragrant) part of fall festivities.
At the end of summer – or, really, smack-dab in the middle of summer – autumn obsessives start getting excited about pumpkin spice again. Whether you’re team #ItsStillSummer or you’re ready to don a sweater and toss your iced coffee order to the curb, the truth is, it’s coming.
Ready or not, it’s almost time for Starbucks to release its fall menu – though exact timing of the drop is still up in the soon-to-be-chillier air. Here’s what we know so far.
When Is Starbucks Releasing Pumpkin Spice For 2024?
Starbucks typically announces the return of its fall menu – including the coveted pumpkin spice latte – in the last week or so of August, nearly a month before fall officially starts on Sept. 23.
Last year, pumpkin spice hit the barista stations on Aug. 24. In 2022, Starbucks released its pumpkin spice drinks nationwide on Aug. 30, announcing it on its website only one day ahead of time. In 2021, the chain brought out its seasonal drinks about a week earlier, on Aug. 24. In 2020, Starbucks released drinks around the same time, on Aug. 25.
Even before last year’s pumpkin spice release date was confirmed, rumors were already flying around the internet. Instagram user @markie_devo alleged the fall menu would drop on Aug. 24, claiming to have gotten the news from a Starbucks employee.
What Else Can We Expect in This Year’s Pumpkin Spice Drop?
In addition to the brand’s classic pumpkin drinks, last year Starbucks also debuted two additional fall beverages: the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte (which was inspired by a popular customization) and the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
The chain also brought back customer favorites, including the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, and Owl Cake Pop.
Starbucks usually adds a caveat that the fall menu is available “for a limited time, while supplies last,” like the brand did last year in a press release. Typically, the menu is only around until Nov. 1 – so get your fix while you can (or learn how to make your own pumpkin spice latte at home).
– Additional reporting by Emma Glassman-Hughes
Lauren Mazzo was the senior fitness editor at PS. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Prior to joining PS, she worked for six years as a writer and editor for Shape Magazine covering health, fitness, nutrition, mental health, sex and relationships, beauty, and astrology.
Emma Glassman-Hughes is the associate editor at PS Balance. Before joining PS, her freelance and staff reporting roles spanned the lifestyle spectrum; she covered arts and culture for The Boston Globe, sex and relationships for Cosmopolitan, travel for Here Magazine, and food, climate, and agriculture for Ambrook Research.
