Overview
- Dunkin' confirmed on Instagram that pumpkin-flavored items will return on Wednesday, Aug. 19, making it the first of the two chains to reintroduce the flavor this season.
- Starbucks announced that the Pumpkin Spice Latte and its full U.S. fall menu will arrive on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and the company provided detailed lists of new drinks and products.
- Starbucks' expanded lineup includes new pumpkin variants such as an Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Spice Chai, Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha, a Chaider (chai‑cider), pecan- and banana-inspired drinks, plus new food items and limited PSL merchandise.
- Dunkin' has not yet revealed its full fall menu beyond the Aug. 19 pumpkin return, and its seasonal marketing character Spidey D has not been confirmed for this season.
- Late‑August rollouts drive customer ritual and sales for both chains, with Starbucks also placing some fall flavors in grocery channels now, a move that could extend reach beyond coffeehouse visits.