It’s that time of year again. For many it’s not the crisp air, colorful foliage or even the autumnal equinox itself that signals the change of seasons. Instead, it’s the warm, spiced comfort that comes with that first sip of a pumpkin spice latte.
Starbucks created its iconic version of the drink in 2003, sparking a global cultural phenomenon. And now Starbucks and coffee chains like Dunkin’ and Peet’s are rolling out their full fall menus, some with pumpkin spice lattes at the top of the list. Others are offering new flavors expected to generate buzz.
But with that excitement brewing, this year feels different. Festive drinks are arriving as the cost of coffee climbs higher, with climate change and President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs expected to take a real toll.
Americans are watching prices closely after the U.S. slapped a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods this month. Brazil, the largest U.S. supplier of green coffee beans, accounts for about a third of the country’s total supply, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Coffee prices surged 14.5% in July year over year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average retail price for a pound of ground coffee hit $8.41. The most active contract for Arabica coffee on the Intercontinental Exchange reached $3.84 per pound, the highest it’s been since May when it hit $3.90 per pound.
Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte hit menus on Tuesday. The price of the company’s fall beverages have not gone up since last year, according to a spokesperson. However, it’s no secret that fans can easily rack up a hefty bill by leaning into this autumn trend. A grande pumpkin spice latte could cost $5.75 to $7.25, depending on the Starbucks location.
Other Starbucks offerings this season include the pumpkin cream cold brew, iced pumpkin cream chai, pecan crunch oatmilk latte, the new pecan oatmilk cortado and pecan cold foam. Cold foam has become one of the coffee giant’s most popular modifiers, which grew 23% year over year, according to Starbucks.
Dunkin’ is also tapping into nostalgia this time of year, introducing a cereal n’ milk latte along with the return of its popular pumpkin spice signature latte. Grammy award-winning singer Sabrina Carpenter’s Daydream Refresher lineup also expands with more flavors this fall.
In addition to Peet’s Coffee’s pumpkin latte, the coffee chain has an extensive fall menu including an iced vanilla latte with popping pearls, cardamom citrus cold brew oat latte and a pumpkin chai latte. Prices for these drinks for a small range from roughly $5.75 to $6.75. (Peet’s parent company on Monday said it agreed to be purchased by Keurig Dr Pepper.)
With uncertainty in the economy, “treatonomics,” or “little treat culture” trend, has taken off with consumers buying themselves a small treat that’s easier to afford, rather than a large purchase such as a home or couch. Studies show these pick-me-ups can cause our brains to release “happy hormones” such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.
While these purchases can have positive effects, such indulgences could start to dig a much deeper hole in your savings account with coffee costs rising once-a-week or even daily.
Sixty-two percent of millennials, 59% of Gen Z, 53% of Gen X and 47% of Baby Boomers who treat themselves reported overspending at least some of the time, according to a Bank of America survey.
The good news — there are certainly tips and tricks to get your fall pumpkin spice fix without breaking the bank. Here’s how:
Budget. How much do you want to spend on your seasonal obsession? Make a decision and stick to it. Limit yourself to a couple of splurges a month.
Buy premade. Go to your grocery store and buy your fall favorite ready-to-go. The suggested retail price for a 40-ounce bottle of Starbucks’ iced espresso pumpkin spice latte is $6.99. That’s roughly three grande lattes. A 32-ounce bottle of the pumpkin spice cold brew concentrate is suggested at $11.99 to $13.99, and $4.19 for a 13.7-ounce pumpkin spice Frappuccino.
Make it at home. Starbucks’ pumpkin spice ground coffee’s suggested retail price is $11.99 to $13.99 for 10 ounces. A box of 10 K-Cup pods is $10.49 to $12.49, and an eight-count of coffee capsules for Nespresso Vertuo machines costs $11.98. Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte-inspired creamer and the maple pecan latte-inspired creamer are all suggested to cost $5.99. At Dunkin’ the suggested retail price for 11 ounces of pumpkin spice ground coffee is $7.90 and for K-Cups $9.14. Pumpkin Munchkin creamer is $5.69, pumpkin spice cold brew coffee concentrate is $8.69, and a four pack of the spiked pumpkin spice latte, which contains alcohol, is $4.99.
Create your own version. Still a little high for your budget? Buy the ingredients behind the pumpkin spice latte to whip up your own version. Each has its own flavor but some suggestions include espresso, milk or creamer, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, a sweetener (sugar or maple syrup) and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. If you’re really feeling fancy, top it off with whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice.
Rewards. When you are treating yourself and heading into coffee shops, make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Sign up for loyalty programs to get discounts, offers and other rewards such as birthday gifts. It also might be a good idea to sign up for notifications for sales and discounts so you don’t let a good deal pass you by.
Gift cards. Look for discounts and opportunities to get cash back by paying with gift cards. Websites like Gift Card Granny, Raise and CardCash can help you to get the most out of your coffee purchases.
