Is it pumpkin season yet? These are the fall drinks, products already in stores
While the official start of fall is still a month away, the back-to-school season and the approach of September have some consumers eagerly anticipating the return of fall favorites on menus.
Some are already trading pool time for pumpkin carving as Halloween merchandise floods store shelves earlier each year.
Pumpkin drink lovers are also awaiting popular fall menu items from Starbucks and other businesses to return.
But some people think the return of the PSL and other products is way too early in the season.
Pumpkin decor already hits store shelves
"I h8 the halloween decor already being brought out in August like can we just enjoy summer while we can [?]" one woman posted on X.
A pumpkin spice latte, purchased at a Starbucks in Baltimore. (Credit: Christina Tkacik/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Another user posted, "I don’t recall ever seeing leaves falling in August or Halloween decor being pushed in July. What exactly is going on?"
"Personally I think it's too early for Halloween. BUT not too early for general autumn décor," one woman said.
The first day of autumn is on Sept. 22 this year.
When will Starbucks PSL be released?
The popular Pumpkin Spice Latte or PSL is made with espresso, steamed milk and pumpkin spice syrup, which includes flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Typically, the drink becomes available during the final week of August, but according to popular food blogger Markie Devo, this year’s fall products, including the PSL, could be available as early as August 22 – the earliest the chain has ever offered the product.
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"The first half of the menu is speculated to launch August 22nd," Devo wrote on Instagram. This includes the PSL, Pumpkin Creme Cold Brew and Iced Pumpkin Creme Chai.
Starbucks did not immediately respond to FOX TV Stations’ request for comment.
When will Dunkin' Donuts release pumpkin drinks?
Dunkin' usually rolls out its offerings a week before Starbucks, so it could literally be any day before you start smelling freshly brewed autumnal drinks.
Earlier this month, Dunkin' announced an expansion of its ready-to-drink line of spiked iced coffees with a first-ever limited seasonal offering – a canned Pumpkin Spice Iced Latte. This beverage is already available in grocery and package stores across 27 states.
As for when the pumpkin beverages will be released on Dunkin' Donuts' store shelves, remains to be seen.
Krispy Kreme did not respond to FOX Television Stations’ request for comment.
Krispy Kreme releases pumpkin drinks
While it may still be unknown when Starbucks and Dunkin will release its fall staples, Krispy Kreme has already released its fall offerings.
On August 12, the doughnut company revealed the return of its fan-favorite Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and Pumpkin Spice Latte.
"It’s August and we’re all ready for pumpkin spice, somehow. So, we’re bringing back the classics you’re craving," Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme’s global chief brand officer, said in a statement. "Our fans want their Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and Latte right now, and we’re here for it. Stay tuned though, we’re not done spicing up the season."
7-Eleven releases pumpkin drinks
On August 1, 7-Eleven debuted its first Pumpkin Spice Slurpee at five select stores in Texas, Ohio, California and New York.
But 7-Eleven also has several classic pumpkin-inspired coffee options for coffee lovers to enjoy this season, in all stores now: its Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Coffee and Pumpkin Spice Latte.
"7-Eleven customers are huge pumpkin spice fans, so we’re always looking for reasons to bring out the pumpkins a bit early and delight customers with new creations," said Dennis Phelps, the senior vice president of merchandising at 7-Eleven. "In addition to our exciting pumpkin spice coffee offerings at stores nationwide, the introduction of the Pumpkin Spice Slurpee drink is a fun experiment for fans in some of our top Slurpee drink markets. This year, you don’t have to just be a coffee lover to get your pumpkin spice fix!"
Dairy Queen Pumpkin Pie Blizzard to return
For those who would like to opt for something sweeter, Dairy Queen's fall Blizzard menu will roll out on Monday, Aug. 26.
This will feature the return of the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat, a beloved seasonal fall fan favorite. The blizzard incorporates real pumpkin pie pieces blended with DQ world-famous soft serve and is garnished with a whipped topping and nutmeg.
"Although temperatures may not call for flannels just yet, the new Fall Blizzard Menu gives fans the chance to enjoy seasonal flavors with the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat and the return of the highly-requested French Silk Pie Blizzard Treat – straight out of the DQ Freezer," DQ said in a statement to USA Today.