It is officially time to put away the beach towels and dust off your favorite flannel. Starbucks has formally declared when sweater season begins—and it is coming before August comes to a close. This week, the coffee giant announced that its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) will make its official nationwide return on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Marking its 23rd season on the menu, the classic espresso beverage leads a stacked fall lineup packed with new pumpkin variations, banana bread-inspired espresso treats, and a brand-new cider-chai crossover drink.
Meet the "Chaider" & The New Fall Drinks
While the return of the PSL is always a headliner, Starbucks' internal beverage innovation team is leaning into unexpected spice pairings and bakery trends for 2026. The standout newcomer of the season is the Chaider—a cozy fusion beverage blending sweet, aromatic chai tea with comforting apple cider flavors and warming baking spices. Available both hot and iced, it offers a caffeine-light alternative to traditional espresso drinks. Here is what else is landing on menus August 25:
- Iced Banana Bread Latte & Chai: Capitalizing on the viral banana flavor trend, these new offerings combine banana, cinnamon, and brown sugar notes to mimic the taste of freshly baked banana bread. Unlike seasonal items, these additions will stay on menus beyond fall.
- Expanded Pumpkin Family: Joining classic PSL, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino are three new pumpkin creations: the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Spice Chai, and Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha.
- The Pecan Return: Returning from last year's debut, the brown-buttery pecan flavor portfolio returns with the Pecan Cortado, Iced Pecan Crunch Latte, and Pecan Crunch Latte.
Fresh Bakery Bites & Savory Pocket
Starbucks is also refreshing its glass bakery cases with a blend of savory protein and sweet seasonal treats:
- Chicken Bacon Protein Pocket: A savory option featuring toasted whole wheat lavash flatbread stuffed with chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy garlic herb cheese spread (packing 20 grams of protein).
- Hedgehog Cake Pop: A playful bakery addition featuring vanilla cake and buttercream dipped in chocolate icing with dark chocolate sprinkles.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin: The fan-favorite spiced pumpkin muffin topped with pepitas and filled with sweet cream cheese returns nationwide.
Grocery Aisle Sneak Peek
If you cannot wait until August 25 for your first taste of autumn, Starbucks noted that its seasonal grocery products—including bottled Iced Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew concentrates, and liquid coffee creamers—are already rolling out to major supermarket shelves nationwide. Get your app updated and your favorite tumbler ready: fall officially lands in three weeks!
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