As we enter the final days of August and summer winds to a close, the start of a new season is on the horizon. Pumpkin Spice Season. While fall may not officially start until September 22 with the autumn equinox, the return of the sweet, spicy, toasty beverage is just around the corner, and this is where (and when) you can get your fix this year.
Why It Matters
Every year, the release of pumpkin spice treats has become a major event for food and beverage chains in the United States, helping to usher in the new season and reflecting consumer demands, along with seasonal marketing strategies.
The sweet cinnamon beverage was created by Starbucks in 2003, and while it was at first only available in select stores, the drink quickly became a best-seller and is now a beloved beverage. Pumpkin spice has become cemented in popular culture, but beyond that, it's a big business. Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte generates $500 million each season, according to MarketWatch.
And while Pumpkin Spice has been a staple of Fall menus for years, the popularity of the flavor is showing no signs of slowing down, with data from Yelp showing a 49 percent increase in searches for pumpkin spice for July 2025 compared to last year.
Starbucks
Pumpkin Spice season will hit Starbucks on August 26.
The fall menu will include returning favorites: the Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, as well as new additions, the Pecan Oat Milk Cortado and Italian Sausage Egg Bites.
Dunkin'
Dunkin's fall menu will be rolled out in two stages.
The first stage launches on August 20 and will include the following products: Pumpkin Spice Latte, Almond Spice Coffee, Cereal N' Milk Latte, Mixed Berry Daydream Refresher, Apple Cider Donut, Pumpkin Munchkins®, and Loaded Hash Browns.
The second stage, which is Halloween themed, will drop on October 15, 2025. This stage will include the following products: Kreme Delight Donut, Spider Donut, Halloween Munchkins®, Pumpkin Loaf, new Candy Bar Latte, and maple‑themed breakfast items.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme has already kicked off its pumpkin spice offerings. It will be selling three pumpkin spice-themed products throughout the fall, including: Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Pumpkin Spice Coffee.
IHOP
IHOP is also jumping on the pumpkin spice hype and began selling pumpkin spice pancakes in early August. They are offering full stack, short stack, and the pumpkin spice combo, which is pancakes served with eggs, hash browns, and bacon or sausage.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen will launch its Fall Treat Menu on August 29. It will include the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard, the Caramel Toffee Cookie Blizzard, and the Maple Cookie Shake.
What's Next
After pumpkin spice season ends, attention will turn to festive Christmas menus.