Starbucks and coffee retailers launch seasonal autumn menus

Major coffee chains and food retailers are launching seasonal autumn menus, centered around the return of pumpkin spice flavors and the emergence of apple-based alternatives.

Starbucks has announced the return of its Pumpkin Spice Latte, offering early access to Rewards members before a wider rollout. The company is also introducing new seasonal items, including a Maple Pecan Macchiato and an Iced Apple Crumble Matcha Latte. In Romania, the seasonal range will be available starting September 1.

Market trends indicate shifting consumer interests. While the Pumpkin Spice Latte remains a top trending search in the United States, search interest for matcha and banana bread flavors is rising. Some competitors are pivoting away from pumpkin; McDonald’s is replacing its Pumpkin Spice Latte with a new line of apple and caramel-flavored beverages. Other chains, such as Caribou Coffee and Paris Baguette, are heavily featuring Honeycrisp apple flavors in their autumn lineups.