As autumn arrives, coffee chains are eager to roll out their seasonal menus, with the pumpkin spice latte (PSL) often stealing the spotlight. This year marks the PSL's 21st anniversary, sparking both love and disdain among coffee drinkers. To explore alternatives, a taste test of various fall-inspired drinks from Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Blank Street Coffee was conducted. The goal was to evaluate these beverages based on cost, taste, and sugar content, offering a fresh take on seasonal flavors beyond the PSL.
• Starbucks Iced Pecan Crunch received an 8/10 for its nutty flavor and creamy texture, though it was pricey.
• Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Cereal N’ Milk Latte was rated 7/10, praised for its creaminess but criticized for being overly sweet.
• Blank Street's Iced Banana Bread Matcha scored 7/10, offering a pleasant bakery-like taste, while the Iced Carrot Cake Matcha fell short at 5.5/10 due to weak flavor.
• The Iced Gingersnap Latte from Blank Street was disappointing, earning a 4/10 for its artificial taste and soggy topping.
Exploring these drinks highlights the variety in seasonal offerings, showcasing that there are enjoyable options beyond the popular PSL. As consumers seek new flavors, coffee shops can innovate and cater to diverse tastes, making fall a fun time for coffee lovers.
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