We Tried the New Starbucks Fall Drinks. Here's What We Thought.

An in-depth guide to the new and seasonal items on Starbucks' Fall menu by the Dealspotr Team.
Rachel Auerbach
Updated October 23, 2018

The beginning of fall marks a very important time of year: the revival of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The sweet, pumpkin flavor is a cherished reminder that it's getting cold outside again and it's time to bring out the sweaters. Since the PSL's success, Starbucks has continued to bring out more autumn beverages to bring some warmth into our days. 

The Dealspotr Team decided to undergo the ultimate challenge: a fall menu showdown. We evaluated the food and drink items that are either new this year or seasonal. We taste-tested each item and ranked them out of 5, so you can see what item is best for you.

Here's a closer look at what we thought of each new or seasonal item on the Starbucks menu.

P.S. Keep a lookout for any Starbucks discounts or promo codes.

Cold Drinks

Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

We take pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors and blend them with coffee, milk and ice, then top it all off with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. It's your favorite fall latte in a cool, Frappuccino form.

Here's what we thought:

Pumpkin Spice Crème Frappuccino

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

We take pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors and blend them with milk and ice, then top it all off with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. It's the best sip of the season.

Here's what we thought:


Maple Pecan Frappuccino

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

We blend our rich Frappuccino roast coffee, cold milk and ice then add notes of maple, pecan and brown butter. We finish this creamy goodness with a swirl of whipping cream and a beautiful sugar topping...A great choice when you're ready for fall flavors but aren't ready to say goodbye to summer.

Here's what we thought:

Maple Pecan Crème Frappuccino

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

We blend cold milk and ice, add notes of maple, pecan and brown butter, then finish it with a generous swirl of whipping cream and a beautiful sugar topping…A great choice when you're ready for fall flavors but aren't ready to say goodby to summer.

Here's what we thought:


Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

We blend mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup with coffee, milk and ice, then finish it off with sweetened whipped cream, caramel sauce and a blend of turbinado sugar and sea salt for an explosion of flavor in every sip.

Here's what we thought:

Salted Caramel Mocha Crème Frappuccino

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

We blend mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup with milk and ice, then finish it off with sweetened whipped cream, caramel sauce and a blend of turbinado sugar and sea salt for a sweet and salty celebration.

Here's what we thought:

Hot Drinks


Caramel Apple Spice

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

Steamed, freshly pressed apple juice and cinnamon syrup. Topped with sweetened whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Here's what we thought:


Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

Our beloved Chai joins our other fall fan favorite: Pumpkin Spice. Two flavors in one winning combination that delights and comforts as the cooler weather sets in.

Here's what we thought:

Maple Pecan Latte

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

We build on our rich espresso and steamed milk with notes of maple syrup, pecan and brown butter, then finish it with a beautiful sugar topping for a can't-miss autumn latte.

Here's what we thought:

Salted Caramel Mocha

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

Mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup are combined with coffee and milk, then topped with sweetened whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a blend of turbinado sugar and sea salt. Enjoy the flavors of fall in every sip.

Here's what we thought:   

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Starbucks describes the drink as the following:

Our signature espresso and milk are highlighted by flavor notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove to create this incredible beverage that's a fall favorite. Enjoy it topped with whipped cream and real pumpkin pie spices.

Here's what we thought: 

Hot Food


Smoked Pork Cubano

Starbucks describes the food item as the following:

An elevated cuban sandwich, thanks to the festive flavors of our expertly smoked pork loin and pulled pork, melted Swiss cheese, pickled jalapeño and our dijonnaise on hearth-baked, flatbread.

Here's what we thought: 

Honey BBQ Sriracha Chicken Sandwich

Starbucks describes the food item as the following:

Our chicken is skillfully slow-cooked then drizzled with Honey BBQ Sriracha sauce. We add pickled grilled red onion for a little extra flavor kick, then stack it on a California olive oil ciabatta roll. Made with chicken that is raised without antibiotics.

Here's what we thought: 

Baked Goods


Classic Coffee Cake

Starbucks describes the food item as the following:

Our popular coffee cake, with its cinnamon-sugar blend swirled throughout, is finished with crunchy streusel topping. This pastry pairs well with your favorite beverage and a few quiet moments.

* Note: It doesn't look like this was a seasonal or new item. However, it was recommended by our barista.

Here's what we thought: 

Pumpkin Bread

Starbucks describes the food item as the following:

A gently spiced bread with pumpkin flavors and pepitas.

Here's what we thought: 

Maple Pecan Muffin

Starbucks describes the food item as the following:

Pecans and maple syrup are perfectly blended in this muffin to create this treat that is perfect for the cool days in Fall.

Here's what we thought: 

Old-Fashioned Glazed Doughnut

Starbucks describes the food item as the following:

A doughnut glazed with delicious sweet icing.

Here's what we thought: 

 

Morning Muffin

Starbucks describes the food item as the following:

Fruit, grains, seeds and nuts... we've packed it all into this hearty muffin that includes rolled oats, carrots, zucchini, coconut, raisins and walnuts. And for a little crunchy sweetness, it's topped with pumpkin seeds, oats and a dash of raw cane sugar.

Here's what we thought: 

Pumpkin Scone

Starbucks describes the food item as the following:

Top a spiced pumpkin scone with sweet vanilla icing & a pumpkin spice drizzle, and you’ve got a fall favorite that’s good as pie.

Here's what we thought: 

Pumpkin Spice Madeleine

Starbucks doesn't feature this item on their website, but the packaging describes them as the following:

Buttery, spiced cakes.

Here's what we thought: 

Our Final Thoughts

We clearly had some opinions about the new and seasonal drinks. In case you're on your way to Starbucks now and need a clear winner to order, here are our top choices in each category:

Best Cold Drink: Maple Pecan Frappuccino

  • Maple Pecan Frappuccino: 3.4/5
  • Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino: 3.25/5
  • Pumpkin Spice Crème Frappuccino: 3.1/5
  • Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino: 2.3/5
  • Maple Pecan Crème Frappuccino: 1.8/5
  • Salted Caramel Mocha Crème Frappuccino: 1.7/5

Best Hot Drink: Caramel Apple Spice

  • Caramel Apple Spice: 3.8/5
  • (tie) Salted Caramel Mocha: 3.25/5
  • (tie) Pumpkin Spice Latte: 3.25/5
  • Maple Pecan Latte: 2.9/5
  • Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte: 2.4/5

Best Hot Food: Smoked Pork Cubano

  • Smoked Pork Cubano: 4.5/5
  • Honey BBQ Sriracha Chicken Sandwich: 4.4/5

Best Bakery Food: (Tied) Classic Coffee Cake & pumpkin bread

  • (tie) Classic Coffee Cake: 4.5/5
  • (tie) Pumpkin Spice Latte: 4.5/5
  • Maple Pecan Muffin: 3.8/5
  • Old-Fashioned Doughnut: 3.8/5
  • Pumpkin Scone: 3/5
  • Pumpkin Spice Madeleine: 3/5
  • Morning Muffin: 1.3/5

Happy fall, everyone. We hope you're celebrating with pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters.