Last year, Starbucks UK announced their most famous autumn-inspired beverage - the pumpkin spice latte - would be returning to cafes across the UK from 5 September - earlier than ever before. In 2020, it looks like the trend is continuing, with the hot drink already available in most UK Starbucks up and down the lands.
This autumn-flavoured favourite is not only back, it's bringing some ice-cold friends and a new vegan buddy with it this time... perhaps a nod to the fact that the drink has arrived so early you won’t even be out of your summer wardrobe just yet.
Along with the traditional PSL, customers are also able to purchase the iced pumpkin spice latte, a frappuccino pumpkin spice latte and a pumpkin spice macchiato.
Starbucks UK explains more about what you can expect when you order a traditional PSL: “With a combination of Starbucks Espresso Roast, pumpkin pie flavoured sauce and steamed milk, topped with heavenly whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices – cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves – the PSL is set to get you craving cosy afternoons and wooly jumpers.”
And this year vegans shan't be left out of treating themselves to the good stuff, as for the first time ever there's a vegan whip to top your PSL off with, most considerate. The coffee giants have offered non-dairy milks for a few years now, but those who hankered for a vegan-friendly whipped cream alterative were always left disappointed, until now. It is thought that the vegan whip Pumpkin Spiced Latte will be available from October in the UK, while it is already available in Ireland.
If you're of an inquisitive mind you might have more queries on this legendary drink. We've answered the most Googled topics below to help satisfy your questioning mind.
How much does a pumpkin spice latte cost?
Prices vary across the country but you can typically expect to pay about £3.25 for a tall pumpkin spice latte (that’s a small in case you were wondering).
What does a pumpkin spice latte taste like?
Funnily enough it doesn’t actually taste like pumpkin - it’s a mix of spices 'inspired by the pumpkin season’, including cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
Is a pumpkin spice latte bad for you?
Excessive consumption of any food or drink is bad for you, a PSL combines sugar, caffeine and whipped cream, so while it’s not exactly one of your five a day, as an occasional treat it’s just fine.
How many calories are in a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte?
It's hard to give an exact measure here as the calories will vary with the size, milk choice and amount of whipped cream you go for. As a rough guide, a grande pumpkin spice latte with whole milk is 410 calories.
How can I order a lower calorie pumpkin spice latte?
Forget the whipped cream and order the smallest size available (that’s short) for a quick win, then choose almond milk and your autumnal drink will come to 164 calories.
Why do people get so angry about pumpkin spice lattes?
Coffee connoisseurs are not big fans of the PSL - with Starbucks having coated their much-loved caffeine in a sugary syrup that doesn’t much resemble any kind of pumpkin. The timing has also sent the country into hysterics - September is very much still summer, not the start of autumn. But if you are looking for a sweet treat with a hint of autumn spice then we say go for it. (But at 410 calories a cup, perhaps don’t make this a daily habit!).
If you are looking for a more grown up coffee-fix then browse our selection of the best coffee shops in London.