Pumpkin Spice Season 2026
Starbucks and Dunkin' Announce 2026 Pumpkin Spice Menu Dates and New Fall Drinks
Pumpkin spice season is officially back, and it starts earlier than ever in 2026. Krispy Kreme kicks things off on Aug. 11, followed by Dunkin' and Panera Bread on Aug. 19, and Starbucks on Aug. 25, according to Charlotte Observer.
The fall flavor rush hits weeks before actual fall arrives. Sacramento Bee reports that coffee and food chains across the country are racing to claim the season — bringing back fan favorites and debuting new drinks along the way.
Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Lead the August Charge
Krispy Kreme opens the 2026 pumpkin spice season first, on Aug. 11. That gives doughnut fans two weeks of fall flavor before Starbucks even flips the switch. Dunkin' and Panera Bread both follow on Aug. 19, according to Fresno Bee.
Dunkin' is not just bringing back its classics. The chain is also rolling out a new tiramisu-flavored syrup and an expanded pecan lineup this fall, Kansas City Star reported. The new Tiramisu Cloud Latte is already drawing attention as one of the season's standout drinks.
Starbucks Returns Aug. 25 With Classic and New Favorites
Starbucks brings its Pumpkin Spice Latte back on Aug. 25. The PSL has been a fall staple since 2003. Returning alongside it are the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, according to News Observer.
New to the Starbucks fall menu this year is the Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha. Modesto Bee calls it one of the best new pumpkin spice products of 2026 to try. It blends the earthy taste of matcha with sweet pumpkin cream — a first for the chain.
Best New Fall Drinks Worth Ordering This Season
Two drinks stand out above the rest for 2026. Kansas highlights the Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha from Starbucks and the Tiramisu Cloud Latte from Dunkin' as the top picks to try this fall. Both are brand new and not available in prior years.
The Tiramisu Cloud Latte from Dunkin' uses the new tiramisu syrup paired with a light, frothy texture. It is a sharp departure from the chain's usual pumpkin-heavy lineup. For fans wanting something different, it may be the drink of the season.
Pumpkin Spice Season Now Starts in Summer, Not Fall
Aug. 11 is still deep summer. The fact that Krispy Kreme launches pumpkin spice that early shows how much the season has crept forward. Just a decade ago, most chains waited until September. Now chains compete to be first, not to be timely.
Sacramento Bee notes that 2026 marks another year where the unofficial start of fall is driven by coffee and food chains — not the calendar. The autumn equinox falls on Sept. 22, more than six weeks after Krispy Kreme's first pumpkin doughnut hits shelves.
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