It might still feel like summer is in full blast, but Starbucks just dropped the date for one of the most anticipated fall rituals in the U.S., the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Yep, the PSL is officially coming back on August 26, a bit later than last year’s release but still early enough to kickstart fall vibes even if you’re sweating in 90-degree heat. This year’s drop is the latest release since 2022, but ironically, Starbucks has never announced the date this early, probably because fans have already been Googling “pumpkin spice” since June, way ahead of the usual July interest spike.
So why does this matter? Well, the Pumpkin Spice Latte isn’t just a cozy seasonal fave, it’s a serious sales driver for Starbucks. The brand revealed that around 10% of its entire revenue comes from seasonal drinks like the PSL, and last year’s launch led to a 24% spike in visits to stores, with the buzz carrying on for days. For a company currently dealing with a sales slump and fierce competition, this spicy-sweet pick-me-up could be the jolt it needs.
Starbucks has had a tough couple of years trying to keep up with the changing coffee crowd. That’s part of why they brought in a new CEO last September, Brian Niccol, formerly with Chipotle, who’s been shaking things up big time. He’s already cut 30% of the menu, updated employee uniforms, and is even testing a new café layout that encourages customers to actually hang around instead of just grabbing and going.
If you’re too impatient to wait until August 26, Starbucks has a treat for you. Their fall flavors are already rolling out in grocery stores this week, including a PSL-inspired creamer and autumn-themed coffees. There’s even a canned Pumpkin Spice Latte landing in stores in early August. So yes, the pumpkin madness is already creeping into fridges.
Ever since its debut back in 2003, the PSL has turned into way more than just a coffee, it’s become a full-blown cultural moment. From scented trash bags to pumpkin spice whiskey (no, seriously), the flavor has seeped into nearly every product category imaginable. It’s been celebrated, mocked, meme’d, and meme’d again, but love it or hate it, the PSL is here to stay.
And while the return date might be later than usual, Starbucks giving us this info early shows how much they’re betting on the PSL to give them a much-needed caffeine boost in 2025. So whether you’re a diehard pumpkin spice fanatic or just someone who appreciates the seasonal hype, the countdown is officially on. August 26 can’t come fast enough.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
