The coffee chain giant inaugurates the Autumn season with new drinks and returning favorites today.
Starbucks has strategically decided to advance its fall menu’s unveiling in a move that aims to capture burgeoning consumer demand for early fall flavors. Despite the lingering heat of August, select seasonal drinks and food items are available today in Starbucks stores nationwide.
This year’s fall menu not only sees the return of cherished autumnal classics (including the ever-popular Pumpkin Spice Latte) but also introduces patrons to inventive new offerings.
An Early Taste Of Fall At Starbucks
Building on the early consumer interest as fall approaches, recent Nielsen sales data reveals a significant growth trend. In the year ending on July 29, U.S. sales of pumpkin-flavored products reached an all-time high of $802.5 million, marking a whopping 42% increase from the previous year. This data indicates the enduring appeal of pumpkin-flavored offerings, even amidst shifting consumer preferences, may shape strategies as Starbucks gears up to debut its new menu.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Marks 20 Years
Peering back, Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte to the world in 2003, and the world has never been the same. Fast-forward to twenty years later, the drink, often called PSL for short, has become a fall staple among coffee aficionados and has had a ripple effect on the coffee industry and pop culture. With its 20th anniversary in 2023, Starbucks plans to honor the pumpkin-infused beverage that sparked a new coffee trend.
New Arrival: Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Among the new offerings, the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso stands out with its blend of the brand’s Blonde Espresso and a mix of apple and cinnamon notes, topped with oatmilk. The result is a smooth and balanced beverage that still captures the essence of fall.
Starbucks beverage developer Billy Altieri elaborated on the creation of the drink. Altieri states, “The warm, gooey taste of apple crisp paired with a cup of coffee melds perfectly to unveil a cozy beverage customers have come to know and love at Starbucks each Fall. The new Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso features creamy oatmilk that perfectly complements the light roast flavors of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso.”
New Arrival: Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
The new Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is a fusion of classic pumpkin spices, black tea, and chai. Altieri shared the motivation behind creating this new drink, “We’re excited to celebrate the creativity of our baristas and customers by offering the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte on the official fall menu.
The warm spice flavors of chai and pumpkin seamlessly blend together, creating a creamy and comforting iced beverage,” says Starbucks beverage developer Billy Altieri.
Seasonal Favorites Make Their Return
Starbucks’ fall menu would only be complete with returning fan favorites like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, and the Owl Cake Pop. They are all set to brighten Starbucks customers’ days with their sweet, nostalgic flavors.
New Fall-Inspired Food Options
Starbucks’ fall exploration extends beyond beverages with new food items that capture the season’s spirit. One notable addition is the Baked Apple Croissant, a flaky pastry filled with warm apple filling and topped with granulated sugar.
Pumpkin Spice On The Decline?
As Starbucks unveils its exciting new menu, the shifting tides in consumer flavor preferences are worth considering. Over the past five years, Google Trends data has signaled a subtle waning of interest in “pumpkin spice.” Despite a surge each fall and a notably high spike in August 2021, the search volume gradually declined.
Notwithstanding, the interest remains stable through the fall months, hinting at the flavor’s seasonal appeal. Starbucks’ menu additions may aim to rise to these evolving tastes, offering innovative flavors while balancing perennial favorites like pumpkin spice amid this shifting landscape of public interest.
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