Pumpkin Spice Season Is Back Aug. 22

In 2003, Starbucks launched its first-ever pumpkin spice beverages, and the world truly hasn't been the same since. Pumpkin spice mania hit its peak in fall 2017, according to Google Trends, and though the craze has died down a bit in the years since, pumpkin spice flavors have cemented themselves in US culture as a permanent (and fragrant) part of fall festivities.

At the end of summer — or, really, smack-dab in the middle of summer — autumn obsessives start getting excited about pumpkin spice again. Whether you're team #ItsStillSummer or you're ready to don a sweater and toss your iced coffee order to the curb, the truth is, it's coming.

Ready or not, it's almost time for Starbucks to release its fall menu — officially coming Aug. 22, according to a press release. Here's what else we know about the coming drop.

Starbucks typically announces the return of its fall menu — including the coveted pumpkin spice latte — in the last week or so of August, nearly a month before fall officially starts on Sept. 23.

This year, Starbucks confirmed that its fall menu will be available starting Aug. 22. Last year, pumpkin spice hit the barista stations on Aug. 24. In 2022, Starbucks released its pumpkin spice drinks nationwide on Aug. 30, announcing it on its website only one day ahead of time. In 2021, the chain brought out its seasonal drinks about a week earlier, on Aug. 24. In 2020, Starbucks released drinks around the same time, on Aug. 25.

Even before last year's pumpkin spice release date was confirmed, rumors were already flying around the internet. Instagram user @markie_devo alleged the fall menu would drop on Aug. 24, claiming to have gotten the news from a Starbucks employee.

In addition to the brand's classic pumpkin drinks, Starbucks is also debuting an Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai drink for anyone who's a little PSL-ed out. The drinks Starbucks debuted last year, including the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, inspired by a popular customization), will continue to be available this year, too.

Entering the pastry rotation will be a Raccoon Cake Pop, joining other customer favorites including the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and Owl Cake Pop. Other fall-specific drinks will include the tried and true Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato.

Starbucks usually adds a caveat that the fall menu is available "for a limited time, while supplies last," like the brand did last year in a press release. Typically, the menu is only around until Nov. 1 — so get your fix while you can (or learn how to make your own pumpkin spice latte at home).

Lauren Mazzo was the senior fitness editor at PS. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Prior to joining PS, she worked for six years as a writer and editor for Shape Magazine covering health, fitness, nutrition, mental health, sex and relationships, beauty, and astrology.

Emma Glassman-Hughes is the associate editor at PS Balance. Before joining PS, her freelance and staff reporting roles spanned the lifestyle spectrum; she covered arts and culture for The Boston Globe, sex and relationships for Cosmopolitan, travel for Here Magazine, and food, climate, and agriculture for Ambrook Research.