Sam Klein, Editor

It’s that time of year again! The leaves are turning and the weather’s getting colder, which can only mean pumpkin, apple and cinnamon flavors have taken over Starbucks! Below is a subjective guide as to which drinks are a trick, and which are treats this fall!

1. Pumpkin Spiced Latte

–   Description: “Espresso and steamed milk with pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, topped with whipped cream.”

–   Price: $5.95

–   Nutrition Facts: 390 calories, 50g sugar

–   Rating: 6.5/10

–   Rationale: This was my first ever pumpkin spiced latte, and I was slightly disappointed. I had expected much more from the drink, as I have heard raving reviews about it, but enjoyed it, nonetheless. It had less flavor than anticipated, but enough pumpkin to get me in the fall mood! Would definitely have again but it wouldn’t be my first choice.

2. Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato 

–   Description: “Layered flavors of apple, cinnamon, oats and brown sugar harmonize with Starbucks® Blonde Espresso Roast, creamy oat milk and spiced-apple drizzle to create a delicious apple crisp you can sip.”

–   Price: $5.95

–   Nutrition Facts: 320 calories, 29g sugar

–   Rating: 8.5/10

–   Rationale: Absolutely loved! Smelled like apple pie baking in the oven and tasted just as good. I’m usually not a warm coffee fan, but the apple flavor mixed with the creamy oat milk made it perfect! I’ve ordered this one multiple times and plan to order again!

3. Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte

–   Description: “A blend of black tea infused with warming spices and milk, topped with pumpkin cream cold foam.”

–   Price: $5.95

–   Nutrition Facts: 460 calories, 66g sugar

–   Rating: 4.5/10

–   Rationale: Very unimpressed. I only got this drink in a small sample cup, but even then it was WAY too sugary. The flavor was delicious, but only for a sip or two until the sugar became nauseating. If you like super sweet, I recommend perhaps a tall, but wouldn’t go much larger than that. Would never order beyond a sample, which is unfortunate because I generally love chai.

4. Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

–   Description: “Layers of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso, spiced apple flavors and creamy oat milk.”

–   Price: $6.25

–   Nutrition Facts: 180 calories, 21g sugar

–   Rating: 3/10

–   Rationale: Strong taste of the espresso didn’t mix well with the sugary taste of the apple-cinnamon flavoring. The apple resulted in a bitter flavor that wasn’t as appetizing as expected. As a fan of oat milk shaken espressos, this was quite surprising, but I would definitely choose the apple crisp macchiato instead.

5. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

–   Description: “Cold brew sweetened with vanilla-flavored syrup, finished with pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin-spice topping”

–   Price: $5.25

–   Nutrition Facts: 250 calories, 31g sugar

–   Rating: 7/10

–   Rationale: I don’t like my coffee too bitter, so I rarely get cold brew. However, I was willing to try something new with the pumpkin cold foam and vanilla flavoring and it did NOT disappoint. It was much less sweet than the pumpkin spice latte but still maintained a festive flare that would absolutely get me to order this drink over and over again.

Final rating: If you’re going to Starbucks to buy a festive fall drink, I believe an apple crisp macchiato is the way to go! Although if you’re looking for a more “health-conscious” option, the pumpkin cream cold brew is a close second!

*Note all pricing is for grande sizes only and doesn’t include tax. All descriptions were taken directly from https://www.starbucks.com/menu/featured/. This list is not exhaustive and there are other seasonal drinks not included, as well as food options that are worth a try!