Pumpkin spice lattes have been a fall phenomenon since 2003 when they first came out at Starbucks. Many coffee drinkers around the world consider it a fall must-have. The hype around these autumn drinks is such that some locations run out of the drinks from time to time. But are these caffeinated creations overrated?
These coffee drinks with added traditional fall flavors pop up in stores around late August and early September. The coffee add-ons may include pumpkin flavoring (sometimes, even a real pumpkin puree), spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and maybe a decadent whipped topping. You can get these beverages hot, iced, and even frozen at places like Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and McDonald’s.Starbucks sells around 20 million pumpkin spice lattes every year, and makes a whopping $100 million in the process.
Despite all of this pumpkin spice latte love, some people feel they are disgustingly overhyped. “I think they’re overrated. They just don’t taste right, and they make me feel sick,” said FCHS sophomore Cloe Woodson.
Many Fluco coffee drinkers, whose hearts apparently don’t go pitter patter at the thought of this calorie-laden delight, agree. “Pumpkin spice lattes are overrated because there are so many other drinks that are better, like milk,” said junior Zachary Rhea. “I have had maybe one in my life, so I don’t drink them every fall,” he added.
Some even think that the drinks are a waste of time and money. “They’re overrated because everyone wants one just because it’s a stupid trend. It’s just dumb,” Woodson said.
For others, however, pumpkin spice lattes are one of the highlights of fall. “I don’t think pumpkin spice lattes are overrated. I actually think they get too much hate,” said sophomore Grace Harris. Sophomore River McMillian agrees. “Drinking pumpkin spice flavored things always gets me into the fall spirit,” she said, noting, “Everytime September hits, I look forward to Starbucks dropping their fall menu.”
So are pumpkin spice lattes just a silly fad? We’ll place bets that these drinks will continue to be be enjoyed by millions of coffee drinkers and fall lovers for years to come.
If you want to try these delectable drinks, just remember that they are seasonal items, and will disappear until sometime in November when the winter drink launches will kick in. Peppermint mocha, anyone?
Tip: If you want to try one of these autumn drinks, but you rebel at spending $6-$11 for a single drink, check out how to make your own at home for less with this recipe.
