Starbucks’ New Pumpkin and Banana Drinks Launch This Week — and We Tried Them

Starbucks Unveils Autumn Line-Up with Iconic and New Flavours

As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves change colour, Starbucks is prepared to embrace the autumn spirit with the launch of its seasonal menu. Beginning on 25 August, the coffee chain will reintroduce fan-favourite drinks while also unveiling several exciting new beverages designed to capture the essence of fall.

The highlight of the forthcoming menu is the much-anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte, which has become a staple for many coffee enthusiasts during the chilly months. Alongside this classic, customers can also look forward to the return of the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, ensuring that traditional flavours are at the forefront of this year’s offerings.

Starbucks is also debuting several innovative drinks, including the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha. These new creations are set to complement the favourite pumpkin-infused options, promising to entice even the most discerning of palates.

In a bold move, the coffee giant is also capitalising on current flavour trends by introducing banana-themed drinks. The Iced Banana Bread Latte and the Iced Banana Bread Chai are inspired by the warm, comforting taste of freshly baked banana bread, a flavour that is enjoying a surge in popularity. According to the company, these drinks embody the nostalgic essence of homely baking, aiming to evoke a sense of warmth during the autumn months.

Taste testers recently got the opportunity to sample three of these new beverages: the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha, and the Iced Banana Bread Chai. With the exciting reputation of Starbucks’ past Shaken Espresso drinks, expectations were high for the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso. Early reports indicate that it successfully delivers a rich and sweet experience, enhanced by a decadent pumpkin cold foam that adds a delightful spiced flavour along with a notable caffeine boost.

The Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha reportedly offers a creamy texture without overwhelming sweetness, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a milder flavour profile. Meanwhile, the Iced Banana Bread Chai has been described as dessert-like, providing a delightful blend of cinnamon and fruity notes that enhance the classic chai experience.

Starbucks is also incorporating a new creation named ‘Chaider’ into its menu, a warm and inviting combination of chai and cider. This drink is described as having comforting notes of cinnamon and sweet spice, appealing to customers who favour cosy flavours as the season changes. Both hot and iced versions will be available, allowing for greater flexibility in enjoying this seasonal treat.

The autumn menu will also see the return of the Pecan Cortado, Iced Pecan Crunch Latte, and Pecan Crunch Latte. These drinks will feature a unique mix of nutty flavours, rich buttery notes, and aromatic baking spices, presenting yet another layer of nostalgic flavours to explore. Along with these offerings, fans can expect the return of the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino.

In addition to these autumn staples, Starbucks revived the beloved Unicorn Frappuccino earlier this August for a limited time. Originally launched in 2017 and having gone viral, the colourful drink returned for a remarkable “one magical weekend,” captivating both loyal patrons and newcomers alike. The bright pink and blue concoction features a blend of creamy mango flavours complemented by a distinctive blue drizzle and whipped cream, aiming to replicate the whimsical charm that made it an instant favourite.

With this robust array of drinks set to brighten the Starbucks menu this autumn, the company seems dedicated to maintaining its reputation as a place for comfort and conviviality. The revamped offerings cater to a variety of tastes, celebrating traditional flavours while embracing new trends, making it an exciting time for both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike as they head into the coziest months of the year.