Starbucks' 2025 fall menu, including the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte and new items like Pecan Oatmilk Cortado and Italian Sausage Egg Bites, launches on August 26, with seasonal coffees and creamers available in stores since early August.
Dunkin' is celebrating World Teachers Day by offering all educators a free medium coffee at their locations nationwide. No purchase or identification is required, and teachers can choose from Dunkin's fall menu, including the popular pumpkin flavor. The initiative aims to recognize and thank teachers for their dedication and impact on students' lives.
Wendy's is introducing two new fall-inspired items to its menu: the Pumpkin Spice Frosty and Pumpkin Spice Frosty Cream Cold Brew. The Pumpkin Spice Frosty combines the creamy texture of the original Frosty with hints of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, while the Frosty Cream Cold Brew combines the pumpkin spice syrup with cold-brewed coffee and Frosty creamer. Wendy's is offering a delivery deal for Uber One members, and the Vanilla and Strawberry Frosty flavors will be unavailable for the time being. Wendy's has been adding new menu items to compete with other chains like Starbucks, Dunkin', McDonald's, and Taco Bell.
Restaurants and retailers are releasing their autumnal food and beverages earlier than ever, with the number of limited-time pumpkin launches more than doubling in August 2022 compared to 2019. November remains the most popular month for pumpkin-themed items, but August is gaining ground. Starbucks, credited with popularizing pumpkin-themed drinks, has been re-releasing its pumpkin spice latte in August since 2018. Other companies, such as Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme, have also entered the pumpkin market early. Despite the early releases, companies are not pulling items faster, and some are still adhering to normal seasonal boundaries.
Restaurants and retailers, including Starbucks, Dunkin', and Krispy Kreme, are releasing their autumnal food and beverages earlier each year, with the number of limited-time pumpkin launches more than doubling in August 2022 compared to 2019. The extended fall season is driven by the popularity and profitability of pumpkin-themed items, as well as consumer research indicating permission to push the boundaries of timing. While some consumers enjoy the early release, others prefer to wait until the weather feels more like fall. Despite the early kickoffs, companies have not pulled items faster, and some are still adhering to normal seasonal boundaries.
Dairy Queen is celebrating the fall season by offering 85-cent Blizzards at participating locations from September 11 to September 24. The promotion is available exclusively on the DQ App and features fan-favorite flavors like Pumpkin Pie and Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough, as well as a new addition called the Royal Reese's Fluffernutter Blizzard. The fall menu is already available in stores, but the discounted offer starts on September 11.