REVIEW: Fall flavors return to Starbucks

PHOTO: Seasonal menu items like pumpkin cream cheese muffins and pumpkin cream cold brew are now available at Starbucks.

By Sarah Griffiths,

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

It’s that time of the year again; leaves are turning orange, the air is getting brisk, Starbucks fall items are back in season, and I can’t fully espresso my excitement.

The pumpkin cream cold brew features the classic cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup, topped with pumpkin cream cold foam, and dusted with pumpkin spice. Every sip has a perfect balance of pumpkin sweetness and bitter coffee. This drink is perfect for coffee lovers trying to add a bit of the fall spirit into their order but not go over the top. Unfortunately, there is no dairy-free option for this drink so if you are lactose intolerant or vegan stick with the pumpkin spice latte with an alternative milk. A grande size is just $4.75.

As an avid iced coffee drinker, I’m turning over a new leaf this fall and branching out to blended frappuccinos. For just $4.95, the salted caramel mocha frappuccino is a great option for those who aren’t big pumpkin lovers. It combines espresso, milk, mocha sauce and toffee syrup and is topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Although heavy on the chocolate and caramel, it paired great with the hint of salt for a delightful balance of sweet and salty.

Everyone knows pumpkin bread is an autumn staple. Starbucks gives a generously thick slice of bread although I must say this was mighty depresso. The bread lacked pumpkin flavor and was bland compared to the sweet drinks on the menu. The texture was spongy and dry so I would recommend saving your three dollars and making this at home.

The pumpkin cream cheese muffin is amazing. The pastry features a moist autumn spiced muffin, not overly sweet, with a pumpkin seed topping for added texture and a decent amount of cream cheese filling to finish. It tastes like a combination of pumpkin pie and carrot cake, making it the perfect breakfast indulgence. 

Take it one step forward by putting it in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm and melty dessert, totally worth the $3.25.

The ultimate fall drink from Starbucks is a chai latte topped with pumpkin cream cold foam. It feels like you are drinking a cozy hug, enjoyable either iced or hot. Head over to Starbucks and trick or treat yourself with these delicious new fall items.