Summer’s heat still lingers, yet pumpkin spice season has officially kicked off at coffee giant Starbucks. This year marks a full two decades of the company’s signature Pumpkin Spice Latte gracing menus. Alongside the returning autumnal favorite, Starbucks aims to spark early fall vibes by unveiling its first new pumpkin drink offering in 16 years – the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.
This introduction of an additional pumpkin drink option builds on Starbucks’ reputation as the premiere destination for pumpkin-flavored seasonal beverages. Let’s explore everything that Starbucks’ freshly chilled pumpkin creation brings to the table. We’ll compare the new chai tea latte’s ingredients, sizing options, and pricing strategy to the classic coffee-based Pumpkin Spice Latte that still rules pumpkin drink menus after 20 years.
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So cozy up…with Starbucks’ latest pumpkin-packed menu, sweater weather awaits!
Introducing Starbucks’ First New Pumpkin Drink in 16 Years
The Pumpkin Spice Latte has signaled the kickoff of the fall at Starbucks since 2003. But for 2022, Starbucks chose to welcome sweater weather early by unveiling its Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. This creation elevates autumn’s signature spices through spiced chai concentrate instead of traditional coffee.
Velvety pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of warming pumpkin spice topping garnish each chilled cup. Rather than additional espresso bitterness, black tea blended with ginger, cinnamon, and clove concentrate carries this newcomer’s comforting flavors. Customers can order Starbucks’ latest concoction exclusively iced to help beat late summer’s heat in tall, grande, or venti sizes.
So how does the rookie iced chai latte stack up against the returning Pumpkin Spice Latte star? Let’s compare the iconic coffee fall favorite to its chilled tea-based spinoff.
Starbucks Pumpkin Drink Prices & Ingredients: Latte vs. Chai
Loyal legions of PSL devotees may recoil at shifting from their beloved brew. But how do the Pumpkin Spice Latte and fledgling Iced Pumpkin Chai’s prices and makeup compare?
Drink Prices
Exact beverage pricing fluctuates slightly across over 15,000 U.S. locations based on city taxes, ingredient expenses, and local competition. However, on average a 16 oz grande-sized pour costs:
Pumpkin Spice Latte: $5.45-$5.95
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte: $5.95-$6.45
The newest chilled tea latte runs about $0.50 more per cup. Note that modifying recipes like opting for non-dairy milk instead of 2% dairy tacks on an upcharge too. But you can expect to budget about $6 for a festive 16 oz latte.
Latte Ingredient Breakdowns
While both seasonal sippers aim to deliver the quintessential fall essence, each creation builds flavors differently based on its coffee or tea base:
So expect the chai concentrate to pack more sweetness and pumpkin pie-style spices compared to coffee bitterness. Both the heritage Pumpkin Spice Latte and contemporary Iced Pumpkin Chai satisfy autumn cravings – just from different flavor direction starting points.
With so many tempting treats landing from pumpkin bread to yogurt parfaits as Halloween nears, let’s explore deals to help fund those fall Starbucks runs.
Saving on Pumpkin Fare: Tips, Promotions & Starbucks Rewards
While pumpkin specialty offerings arrive coated in extra seasonal significance, elaborate ingredients also drive up drink costs. But bargain hunters can partially offset splurges through loyalty programs, mobile ordering, and periodic pumpkin promotions.
Starbucks Rewards
The free Starbucks Rewards scheme offers perks tailored towards frequent visitors via collecting Stars on purchases. Benefits like birthday freebies, happy hour drink discounts, free customization add-ons, and challenge bonuses add up across daily visits.
Mobile Ordering Platform
Starbucks’ app allows pre-paying and pre-customizing orders to easily apply rewards and offers in advance. Customers can save favorite drink specs like sweetness levels for speedy reordering while finding the best available coupons.
Seasonal Deals
Time trips strategically around Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew happy hours, aggressive sitewide sales, BOGO pumpkin drink offers, and other autumn promotions advertised across Starbucks’ channels. In-app coupons also regularly feature percentage discounts or fall freebies.
While still pricier than quick service establishments, leveraging Starbucks Rewards and seasonal promotions helps regularly enjoy elaborate pumpkin drinks on a budget.
Beyond Pumpkin Lattes: Fall Pastries, Bowls & Creamers
Before abandoning that PSL loyalty, know that pumpkin permeates well beyond Starbucks’ drink menu. The company unleashes pumpkin everything from pastries to grocery items.
Baked Goods
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
Pumpkin Scone
Pumpkin Donut
Pumpkin Cake Pop
Breakfast & Snacks
Pumpkin Yogurt Bowl
Pumpkin Bistro Box
At-Home Line
Pumpkin Spice Flavored Creamer
Pumpkin Spice Ground Coffee
Pumpkin Cookie Straws
And those only scratch the surface! Pumpkin Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches, pumpkin coffee cakes, pumpkin cream cold foam to add to custom drinks…the fall flavor infusions continue all season long across both drink and food categories.
Which Pumpkin Sipper Should You Choose This Year?
With the Pumpkin Spice Latte marking two decades of pumpkin prominence and a frosted Iced Pumpkin Chai angling for attention, deciding between Starbucks’ autumn sippers comes down to personal preference.
Do you crave the Pumpkin Spice Latte’s nostalgic espresso bitterness warmingly underscored by vanilla and spices? Can you kickoff sweater weather without that dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of nutmeg and cinnamon adorning your cup?
Or are you primed to welcome fall with extra chill this time around by sipping softly spiced black chai swirled with velvety pumpkin cream foam?
There’s no right or wrong route. The Pumpkin Spice Latte satisfies those seeking tradition in comforting coffee form. Meanwhile, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte entices tea and chai drinkers plus anyone thirsting for a more frosted spin on familiar flavors.
With months until November’s chill arrives, why not give both seasonal sensations a chance? Try the iconic espresso-based PSL and then sample the chilled tea Splash of Pumpkin innovation across repeat visits. THEN intersperse with pumpkin bread, yogurt bowls, and breakfast sandwiches too!
Hopefully, this overview dispels some uncertainty around navigating Starbucks’ autumn menu and newest drink addition. Sip your selected seasonal beverage proudly by maximizing Starbucks Rewards savings and mobile order convenience. That first festive cup always tastes sweeter when you’ve budgeted wisely!
