For many Canadians, the arrival of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) signals the unofficial start of fall. The beverage returned to the Starbucks lineup on Tuesday, August 26 — but the PSL isn’t the only highlight this year. The new Pecan Oat Cortado and Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai joins returning favourites like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Pecan Crunch Oat Latte.
Starbucks Canada has also launched new Mini Everything Bagels, which will be available year-round. For a limited time, you can once again enjoy the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Fox Sugar Cookie, and Raccoon Cake Pop. I had the chance to try several new and returning menu items. Here’s everything you need to know about the new menu items and the classics you have been waiting for.
The Return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and More
Since its debut in 2003, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has been Starbucks’ number one limited-time offering and a cultural phenomenon. Crafted with real pumpkin, Starbucks Signature Espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices, the PSL is available hot, iced, or blended. Best of all, you can customize it.
Here’s a confession: I’ve only ever had one Pumpkin Spice Latte in my life, and I wasn’t sure I wanted another. But in the spirit of a proper tasting, I tried it again and it was better than I remembered. Maybe it was the barista’s magic touch, but I finally understood why people count down the days until its return.
Other fall favourites are also back, including the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, made with cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice, and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, inspired by barista and customer customizations.
My personal favourite of the tasting was the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai. Pumpkin spice and chai is a flavour marriage made in heaven — the perfect balance of warming spice and creamy sweetness. While I usually lean toward a Cortado, this “treat” drink won me over.
Discovering the Pecan Oat Cortado
Another of the new fall menu items- this year is the Pecan Oat Cortado. Served hot in an 8-ounce cup, it combines three shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso with pecan, brown butter, holiday baking spices, and steamed oat beverage, finished with a pecan crunch topping.
According to Patrick Penny, Starbucks’ lead beverage developer, “The saltiness and browned butter notes of caramel combined with the toasted pecan flavours are the perfect complement to the Cortado’s bold espresso base. When paired with creamy oat beverage, the pecan balances the strong, rich flavour notes of Starbucks Blonde Espresso.”
I tried it last, and while it was delicious with all the flavour notes described above, for me it’s more of a treat than a daily staple. I might stick to my usual Cortado, but I could see myself swapping oat milk into my order for a subtle fall-inspired twist.
New Mini Everything Bagels
Beyond beverages, Starbucks Canada is adding a savoury staple to the year-round menu: Mini Everything Bagels. These bite-sized rounds are filled with plain cream cheese and topped with white sesame seeds, minced onion, pretzel salt, poppy seeds, black sesame seeds, and garlic.
I tried them and they were a standout. Normally I avoid ordering cream cheese because I prefer a “shmear,” not a slab, but these were perfectly portioned with just enough to taste without being overwhelming. It’s a Goldilocks dish: not too much, not too little, just right.
Seasonal sweets are also back, including the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, Fox Sugar Cookie, and Raccoon Cake Pop. For coffee purists, Starbucks is also bringing back the Guatemala Casi Cielo Coffee, a smooth seasonal favourite with notes of lemon and cocoa.
Final Thoughts
With coffee, savoury snacks, and fall-themed treats, Starbucks’ fall menu truly has something for everyone, especially those who live for the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Cheers to fall!
