OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It may still be August, but pumpkin spice season is already making its way into North Central Florida.
Dunkin’ is getting an early start on the season with its fall menu arriving Aug. 19, while Starbucks will bring back its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte on Aug. 25. Along with the familiar pumpkin favorites, both chains are adding new drinks, food and seasonal treats to their menus.
For those already reaching for their sweaters–despite the Florida heat–here’s what’s coming to the 352.
Dunkin’ gets the first sip
Dunkin’ will launch its fall menu Aug. 19, bringing back its lineup of pumpkin-flavored drinks and seasonal favorites.
(Editor’s note: We have it on pretty good authority that some Dunkin’ locations are already serving up seasonal coffees, since members of the staff have been spotted/smelled drinking them.)
The menu includes the Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, available hot or iced, along with other ways for customers to add pumpkin flavor to their coffee and cold beverages. Seasonal bakery items and breakfast offerings will also return for a limited time.
What’s more, Dunkin’ is bringing some of its fall flavors to the grocery aisle with the return of Goldfish Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Grahams. The limited-edition grahams feature pumpkin, donut glaze and warm spices including cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. They are available online now, with an in-store release planned nationwide in September while supplies last.
Dunkin’ Rewards members will also have access to several limited-time offers throughout the season. Beginning Sept. 1, members can get a free medium hot or iced coffee with purchase on Mondays, a free order of hash browns with a breakfast sandwich purchase and a $3 medium hot or iced Signature Latte, including the Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte.
Starbucks brings back the pumpkin
Starbucks will follow Aug. 25 with the return of its Pumpkin Spice Latte, marking the beginning of its fall menu. The latte will be joined by several new pumpkin drinks, including the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Spice Chai and Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha.
Returning favorites include the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino blended beverage.
Pumpkin isn’t the only fall flavor on the menu. Starbucks is bringing back its pecan lineup with the Pecan Cortado, Iced Pecan Crunch Latte and Pecan Crunch Latte. Banana is also getting a seasonal spotlight with the new Iced Banana Bread Latte and Iced Banana Bread Chai, which combine banana, cinnamon and brown sugar flavors.
For something a little different, Starbucks is also introducing the new Chaider, a chai beverage with cider-inspired flavors and warm spices.
More than just seasonal drinks
Both chains are also adding food and other seasonal items to go with their fall beverages.
Starbucks’ lineup includes a new Chicken Bacon Protein Pocket, made with chicken, bacon and a garlic-herb cheese spread in toasted whole-wheat lavash. The pocket contains 20 grams of protein. A new Hedgehog Cake Pop is also joining the menu, along with the returning Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin.
For those who like to take their seasonal obsession beyond the coffee cup, Starbucks is also releasing a new Pumpkin Spice-themed merchandise collection featuring drinkware and other fall items.
The arrival of pumpkin spice may signal fall for coffee chains, but North Central Florida’s weather hasn’t quite gotten the memo. Still, the early return of seasonal flavors has become an annual tradition for customers eager to get their first taste of fall.
Whether pumpkin spice is your official signal that autumn has arrived or you’re simply curious to try what’s new, the seasonal menus offer plenty of options.
Seasonal offerings are available for a limited time at participating locations, while supplies last.
For now, the pumpkin spice is back–even if Floridians are still sweating through summer.