Fall Drinks Return
Pumpkin Spice Season Officially Arrives with New Fall Drink Menus at Dunkin' and Starbucks
Pumpkin spice season is back, and it started earlier than ever. Dunkin' has already launched its full 2026 fall menu across the United States, bringing new pumpkin drinks and bakery items to stores now, according to Channel 3000.
Starbucks is expected to join in later this month with the return of its own pumpkin lineup. For millions of coffee drinkers, the arrival of pumpkin spice marks the unofficial start of fall — even if summer heat is still very much around.
Dunkin' Drops Its Full Fall Menu First
Dunkin' moved fast this year, rolling out its 2026 fall menu nationwide before most leaves have turned. The menu includes new pumpkin-flavored drinks and fresh bakery items built around the season's signature spice blend, according to Channel 3000. Dunkin' has been pushing hard to win the early fall crowd.
The chain has made a habit of launching seasonal menus ahead of competitors. By getting pumpkin products on shelves first, Dunkin' hopes to capture customers before Starbucks enters the picture. Early launches have become a key part of the fall coffee battle between the two giants.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Return Expected Soon
Starbucks has not yet dropped its fall menu, but that is expected to change later this month, according to Channel 3000. The Pumpkin Spice Latte — often called the PSL — is one of the best-selling seasonal drinks in coffee history. It has returned every fall since Starbucks first launched it in 2003.
Starbucks typically pairs the PSL with other fall drinks and food items. Fans watch closely each year for the exact launch date. The company has not confirmed a specific day, but past patterns suggest the release could come within weeks, Journal Now reported.
Why Pumpkin Spice Keeps Getting Bigger Every Year
Pumpkin spice is no longer just a coffee flavor — it is a full seasonal industry. Grocery stores, fast food chains, and even candle makers now release pumpkin spice products each August and September. The trend has grown steadily since Starbucks helped push it into mainstream culture two decades ago.
Dunkin' and Starbucks together serve tens of millions of customers each week across the U.S. When both chains push pumpkin at the same time, it shapes how the whole country thinks about the start of fall. The rivalry between the two brands makes each launch feel like an event, according to Rapid City Journal.
What to Expect When You Walk In This Fall
Dunkin' customers can already order from the new fall menu at locations nationwide. The lineup includes pumpkin drinks alongside new bakery offerings designed for the season, according to NP Telegraph. Prices have not been widely published yet, but seasonal drinks typically run between $4 and $7 depending on size and location.
Starbucks fans will need to wait a little longer. Once the PSL arrives, expect it to be joined by other returning favorites like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Both chains will likely keep their fall menus running through October and into early November, as they have in past years.
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