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31st Aug 2023

It’s officially autumn – Pumpkin spice lattes return to Starbucks next week

Jody Coffey

I’m ready to spend all my money on Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

Technically, autumn doesn’t start until tomorrow (September 1st)—if you follow the meteorological calendar. For others, the first sip of a warm Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) officially marks the beginning of the autumnal season.

With Starbucks bringing the popular fall drink back next week, we can say goodbye to whatever that summer was and embrace the cosy grip of autumn, and for Starbucks Rewards members, it’s even sooner.

Made of a blend of espresso roast, pumpkin spice-flavoured sauce, and steamed milk (and, if you’re like me, a sprinkle of cinnamon powder), topped with whipped cream (if desired) and pumpkin pie spices, the pumpkin spice latte will be available to order starting Thursday, September 7th.

Fans who are signed up for Starbucks Rewards can get early access to the drink starting today (August 31st).

Members also get early access to a range of pumpkin spice reusable merchandise, if that’s your thing. This includes a pumpkin-lid cold cup and a pumpkin mug.

The autumnal coffee also comes in an iced version for those who are not quite ready to part with summer and want to ease themselves slowly into the autumn/winter season.

Pumpkin spice lattes have become increasingly popular at this time of year, and apparently, it’s not just the flavour that keeps people coming back for them.

Turns out, we absolutely love to be reminded of autumn and the warm, cosy feelings of family, home, and nostalgia that this season brings.

According to Matt Johnson, a Boston-based psychologist who specialises in the application of psychology to marketing, our brains will associate those lovely feelings with this particular flavour.

“The flavour is just so closely tied to the arrival of fall and the nostalgic, wholesome vibes of both family and the leaves changing,” he told Fox News Digital.

Whatever the reason, come September 7th, I’ll be grabbing my first PSL of the season.

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