Starbucks Brings Back Pumpkin Spice Latte Aug. 25 With New Fall Menu Items
The coffee giant is also launching new beverages, food, and merchandise collections as it raises its annual forecasts.
Starbucks will reintroduce its popular Pumpkin Spice Latte to menus nationwide on August 25, accompanied by a variety of new fall-themed beverages and food items. The seasonal menu expansion also includes new merchandise.
Joining the classic PSL are new pumpkin spice-flavored drinks such as the Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso and Pumpkin Spice Chai. The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino will also return.
Additionally, Starbucks is introducing new non-pumpkin fall beverages, including an iced banana bread-flavored latte and a chai drink. The Chaider, a beverage combining chai and cider-inspired flavors, will also be available.
For food, the company is adding a new Chicken Bacon Protein Pocket, described as the latest in its effort to expand protein offerings, and a Hedgehog Cake Pop.
The announcement follows Starbucks' recent third-quarter earnings report, during which the company increased its annual sales and profit projections for the second time this year. CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround strategy, which has focused on improving customer experience through a simplified menu and reduced wait times, has reportedly fueled four consecutive quarters of comparable sales growth.
Starbucks now forecasts global same-store sales growth of nearly 6%, an upward revision from its previous projection of approximately 5% or higher. Adjusted earnings per share are expected to be between $2.55 and $2.65, revised from the earlier forecast of $2.25 to $2.45.
Analysts note a stabilization in Starbucks' market share, particularly among younger consumers, suggesting that while consumers may be shifting some spending to at-home eating, they are still allocating budget for daily beverage purchases. The company's "Back to Starbucks" strategy has involved significant investments in staffing and operations, with ongoing efforts to manage costs through streamlining operations, layoffs, and office consolidation.