Overview
- Starbucks confirmed the Pumpkin Spice Latte will return to U.S. stores on Aug. 25 and published a full fall menu that lists new pumpkin variants, pecan items, banana‑bread drinks and a new Chaider beverage.
- Dunkin' announced on Instagram that pumpkin returns on Aug. 19 but has not released a wider fall menu or detailed seasonal items beyond pumpkin.
- Starbucks will pair the beverage launch with new food items such as a Chicken Bacon Protein Pocket and a Hedgehog Cake Pop plus a limited PSL Society merchandise collection.
- Some Starbucks pumpkin products are already arriving in grocery aisles as ready‑to‑drink beverages and creamers, giving customers early access before the in‑store menu date.
- Seasonal rollouts like these typically boost short‑term café visits and let chains extend sales through grocery and CPG partnerships, while Dunkin's limited disclosure leaves questions about the brand's broader fall strategy and marketing tie‑ins.