Image Source: Starbucks
Starbucks is welcoming fall early with the return of its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte and a wide-ranging seasonal menu that includes new cold beverages, expanded fall flavors and fresh food options. The autumn lineup officially arrived Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026.
The release marks the 23rd season for the Pumpkin Spice Latte, one of the coffee chain’s most recognizable and anticipated products. Alongside the returning favorite, Starbucks is introducing a new drink designed to offer a crisp, refreshing twist on classic fall flavors.
Starbucks Unveils a Bold New Iced Chaider
The most surprising addition to the fall menu is the iced chaider. Starbucks describes the beverage as chai mixed with strawberry acai flavors in a “crisp, refreshing cider-like beverage.” The drink combines the familiar spice profile of chai with a fruity, chilled base, creating an option aimed at customers who may not be ready for a hot fall drink.
The iced chaider joins several other cold beverages in the pumpkin lineup. New options include the iced pumpkin cream shaken espresso, iced pumpkin cream matcha and pumpkin spice chai. Returning favorites include the pumpkin cream cold brew and iced pumpkin cream chai.
The expanded selection gives customers more ways to enjoy fall flavors, whether they prefer espresso, matcha, chai or cold foam-inspired drinks. It also reflects the continuing popularity of iced coffee and chilled seasonal beverages, even as the calendar moves toward autumn.
Powerful Pumpkin Favorites Return for a 23rd Season
The Pumpkin Spice Latte remains the centerpiece of the seasonal launch. Its return adds espresso, pumpkin-inspired flavor and familiar warming spices to the menu once again, continuing a tradition that has made the drink a major sign of the changing season for many coffee fans.
Customers looking for a different flavor profile can also choose from returning pecan beverages. Starbucks is bringing back the pecan cortado, pecan crunch latte and iced pecan crunch latte.
The chain is also expanding its banana bread-inspired offerings. New additions include the iced banana bread latte and iced banana bread chai, giving customers more sweet and nutty flavor combinations to try alongside the pumpkin lineup.
New Seasonal Food Brings Extra Fall Flavor
The fall menu is not limited to drinks. Starbucks is bringing back its pumpkin cream cheese muffin, a familiar seasonal bakery item that pairs naturally with the returning Pumpkin Spice Latte and other autumn beverages.
Two new food offerings are also making their debut. The chicken bacon protein pocket provides a savory option for customers seeking a more substantial breakfast or snack. For those with a sweet tooth, the new hedgehog cake pop features vanilla cake, buttercream, chocolaty icing and chocolate sprinkles.
The playful cake pop adds a dessert-style item to the seasonal lineup, while the protein pocket gives the menu a more filling alternative to pastries and sweets.
Starbucks Adds a Tiramisu-Inspired Beverage Line
In addition to its pumpkin, pecan and banana bread selections, Starbucks’ fall offerings include a line of tiramisu-inspired drinks. The choices include a tiramisu cloud latte, tiramisu shaken espresso, tiramisu protein latte and tiramisu marshmallow matcha.
The variety suggests that the company is targeting a broad range of tastes rather than relying on pumpkin alone. Customers can choose from traditional spice flavors, nutty pecan drinks, fruit-forward iced beverages, dessert-inspired coffee and matcha-based options.
How the Fall Launch Compares With Last Year
Starbucks’ 2026 fall release arrives around the same time as its 2025 launch. However, the chain is entering the season after Dunkin introduced its fall menu earlier, on Aug. 19.
The early competition highlights how important seasonal drinks have become for major coffee chains. The return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, combined with new iced beverages and food items, gives Starbucks a strong lineup as customers begin searching for autumn flavors.
What is new on the Starbucks fall menu?
New offerings include the iced chaider, iced pumpkin cream shaken espresso, iced pumpkin cream matcha, iced banana bread latte, iced banana bread chai, chicken bacon protein pocket and hedgehog cake pop.
Is the Pumpkin Spice Latte returning?
Yes. Starbucks is bringing back the Pumpkin Spice Latte for its 23rd season as part of the fall menu released on Aug. 25, 2026.
What is an iced chaider?
According to Starbucks, the iced chaider combines chai with strawberry acai flavors in a crisp, refreshing beverage designed to resemble cider.
Which Starbucks fall drinks are returning?
Returning options include the Pumpkin Spice Latte, pumpkin cream cold brew, iced pumpkin cream chai, pecan cortado, pecan crunch latte and iced pecan crunch latte.
