Review: Starbucks - "Real" Pumpkin Spice Latte

Starbucks recently switched up their Pumpkin Spice Latte formula to include actual pumpkin this year so I decided to see if it was any better.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte features espresso and steamed milk mixed with pumpkin spice sauce, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice pie spices (i.e. nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, etc.)

I picked up a 12-oz Tall for $4.25.

So was it any better? Yes, the pumpkin flavor comes across more convincingly and clearly. With the previous version, I got hints of pumpkin but I couldn't be sure. Other than the pumpkin, there's the same hint of pumpkin pie spices and light taste of coffee.

The sweetness level is about the same. Which is to say, it's pretty much a dessert drink. It's definitely a drink you want to stir as there's a tendency for all the sugar to sink to the bottom.

Overall, Starbuck's "real" Pumpkin Spice Latte marks a definitely improvement to the drink for me. In Starbucks' speak, it's a more pumpkin-forward drink.

If you want to save a buck or so and still want the pumpkin but don't care about the coffee portion, you can order a steamer with pumpkin spice sauce (don't order a Pumpkin Spice Latte but without the coffee as it'll cost $4.25 due to how their customizations are priced in the system). It should cost about $2.85.