Starbucks’ Full Fall Menu — and the Secret Drinks You Can Still Order

As the leaves change color and the temperatures start to drop, Starbucks’ fall menu becomes the talk of the town. This year, the coffee giant is making a big splash with new additions as well as the return of some beloved classics. The allure of these limited-time offerings, combined with the intrigue of secret menu items, makes Starbucks a must-visit spot this season.

This list is based on real-world trends, data, and expert interviews, giving you the most accurate and up-to-date information about what’s hot at Starbucks this fall. We’ll delve into each item on the menu, exploring the reasons behind their popularity or obscurity. So, whether you’re a Pumpkin Spice Latte fanatic or looking for something new to try, this list is your guide to Starbucks’ fall offerings.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Pumpkin Spice Latte, affectionately known as the PSL, is the quintessential Starbucks fall drink. It’s a blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a mix of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. The PSL has amassed a cult-like following since its introduction in 2003, with many customers eagerly awaiting its return each fall.

According to CNBC, the PSL’s popularity has spurred other brands to introduce their own pumpkin spice products, making it a major trendsetter in the beverage industry. Its return signals the commencement of the fall season for many, proving its cultural significance and enduring appeal.

Salted Caramel Mocha

Another fall favorite, the Salted Caramel Mocha combines toasty mocha with sweet caramel and a hint of salt, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a blend of turbinado sugar and sea salt, it’s a decadent treat that appeals to both coffee and dessert lovers. Yet, it often gets overshadowed by the PSL, despite its unique flavor profile.

However, as per Eater, the Salted Caramel Mocha is gaining traction as an alternative to the PSL, demonstrating a shift in consumer preference towards more complex and layered flavors. Its growing popularity also reflects the larger trend of salted caramel as a favorite flavor in the food and beverage industry.

Apple Crisp Macchiato

New to the fall lineup this year is the Apple Crisp Macchiato, a delightful blend of espresso, apple and brown sugar flavors, and steamed milk. It’s an attempt by Starbucks to capture the essence of apple pie in a drink, a bold move that differentiates it from other fall offerings. However, as a newcomer, it hasn’t yet garnered the same level of attention as other menu items.

Yet, according to Delish, the Apple Crisp Macchiato is a standout for its innovation and potential to challenge the dominance of pumpkin spice. Its introduction echoes the growing trend of apple flavors in fall beverages, making it a must-try for adventurous coffee enthusiasts.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is Starbucks’ successful attempt to cater to the cold coffee lovers during the fall season. Introduced in 2019, it combines Starbucks’ cold brew with a pump of vanilla, topped with a pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice. Despite being a relatively new addition, it has quickly gained popularity for its refreshing take on the classic fall flavors.

As reported by Business Insider, the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has surpassed the PSL in popularity in some regions, indicating a growing preference for cold brews even in colder months. Its success also points to the importance of innovation in staying relevant in the fast-paced food and beverage industry.

Caramel Apple Spice

The Caramel Apple Spice is a non-coffee option that’s often overlooked on Starbucks’ fall menu. It’s a blend of steamed apple juice, cinnamon syrup, and whipped cream, drizzled with caramel sauce. Its warm, comforting flavors make it an excellent choice for those who prefer a caffeine-free treat. However, its lack of coffee and the dominance of coffee-based drinks on the menu often lead it to be overlooked.

However, a HuffPost article highlights the growing demand for non-coffee options at Starbucks, indicating that the Caramel Apple Spice could see a surge in popularity. Its unique flavor profile also sets it apart, making it an interesting alternative for those seeking variety.

Maple Pecan Latte

The Maple Pecan Latte is a lesser-known gem on Starbucks’ fall menu. It features a harmonious blend of espresso, steamed milk, and flavors of maple syrup and pecan, all topped with a colorful autumn sugar topping. Despite its delicious flavor and pleasing aesthetic, it doesn’t receive as much attention as the PSL or the Salted Caramel Mocha.

However, as Eat This, Not That explains, the Maple Pecan Latte is a healthier alternative to some of the other Starbucks fall drinks, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious customers. Its unique flavor also taps into the trend of maple-flavored drinks that’s gaining traction in the market.

Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

The Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is essentially the PSL’s cooler cousin. It’s a blend of milk, ice, pumpkin spice sauce, coffee, and whipped cream, offering the beloved flavors of the PSL in a chilled format. Despite its refreshing taste and the worldwide popularity of Frappuccinos, it often gets overshadowed by the hot PSL.

Yet, as Insider reports, the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is gaining popularity among customers who prefer iced drinks, even in cooler weather. This reflects a growing trend of people choosing iced versions of their favorite drinks, regardless of the season.

Chai Latte

The Chai Latte is a year-round offering, but its warm spices make it a fitting choice for the fall season. It’s a blend of black tea, milk, and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. While it’s a consistent performer, it often gets overlooked during the fall in favor of the more festive, seasonal drinks.

However, as discussed in this Taste of Home article, the Chai Latte is a trusted favorite for many, and its comforting, spicy flavors make it an excellent fall drink. Its sustained popularity also speaks to the enduring appeal of classic offerings amidst seasonal trends.

Secret Menu: Cinderella Latte

Finally, we have the Cinderella Latte, a secret menu item that’s perfect for the fall season. It’s a PSL with half of the pumpkin sauce replaced by white chocolate mocha sauce, offering a creamy, subtly sweet twist on the classic. As a secret menu item, it’s not officially acknowledged by Starbucks, which adds to its allure and exclusivity.

As noted by Delish, the Cinderella Latte has gained a following on social media, demonstrating the power of online trends in shaping consumer behavior. This secret menu item also reflects the desire for customization and novelty among Starbucks customers, making it a must-try for those in the know.