You know you want to: It's pumpkin spice coffee time
Complete with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, pumpkin spice and pumpkin flavoring are being added to nearly every type of food imaginable. For this, we can probably blame Starbucks, which introduced its now iconic Pumpkin Spice coffee in 2003, which eventually led to a wave of similar products being released. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice remains the best, but you'll find other alternatives worth considering.
Best Overall: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice offers notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it one of the company's most popular beverages each year. Available in ground and K-Cup varieties, the flavor offers a warm and balanced taste. At Starbucks locations, you can experience the flavor as a latte when it's added to steamed milk, two full-bodied espresso shots, and vanilla-flavored original whipped cream.
Like many Starbucks products, the Pumpkin Spice ground and K-Cups tend to be more expensive options versus the competition. Still, this is a must-have treat! And aren't you worth it?
Pros:
- The first
- Also available in Starbucks locations
- Balanced taste
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands
- Like others, only available for a limited time
Best Overall
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice
What you remember
The introduction of pumpkin spice coffee started a pumkin obsession. Stock up before it goes bye-bye.
Runner-Up: Dunkin' Donuts Pumpkin Spice
Like its chief competitor, Dunkin' has also gotten into the pumpkin spirit. It's offered both as a ground coffee and a drink to serve in its stores. Unlike Starbucks, you can complement your brew in-store with apple cider donuts and Munchkins.
Dunkin's version features 100 percent premium Arabia coffee, giving it a full body taste, hot and cold.
Pros:
- Available across locations
- Less expensive than Starbucks
Cons:
- Tends to sell out quickly
Runner-Up
Dunkin' Donuts Pumpkin Spice
What's your favorite?
If you prefer Dunkin' to Starbucks, this is the brew for you.
Best K-Cup: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Caffe Latte
If you can't get to your nearby Starbucks and still want a Pumpkin Spice Caffe Latte, this is the next best thing. Featuring the creaminess of dairy and real pumpkin and the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, this balanced Caffè Blend provides a special home treat.
Though not nearly as expensive as the Starbucks store version, this is one of the more costly K-Cups around. Plus, it requires a two-step prep process, which might not be ideal for everyone.
Regardless, this offers a great cup of coffee!
Pros:
- Real pumpkin flavor
- Real milk for an authentic latte taste
Cons:
- More expensive
- Two-step process
Best K-Cup
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Caffe Latte
Real pumpkin flavor straight from your Keurig
Sip this pumpkiny, caffeinated goodness every morning. You know you want to!
Best Flavor Add-In: Torani Pumpkin Pie Flavored Sauce
Not everyone who loves pumpkin wants to drink coffee. To make everyone happy, consider Torani Pumpkin Pie Sauce. It's great for desserts, mixed drinks, teas, milkshakes, and yes, coffees.
Featuring a perfect mix of cinnamon and nutmeg spices, the sauce is packed 24 grams of sugar per serving, which is something to keep in mind whether you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or need to avoid.
Pros:
- Great for lattes and blended cremes
- Versatile uses
Cons:
- Lots of sugar
Best Flavor Add-In
Torani Pumpkin Pie Sauce
Anything goes
For pumpkin lovers who might want to expand beyond coffee.
Best Creamer: Omega PowerCreamer
Keto-friendly, this pumpkin spice creamer helps promote instant energy throughout the day. Omega PowerCreamer features three powerful ingredients, organic coconut old, MCT oil, Stevia, and grass-fed Ghee. On the downside, it's around a buck per serving. Sugar Free. Lactose Free. Casein Free. Healthy Fats. Zero Carb. Gluten-Free.
Pros:
- Keto
- Includes MCT oil
- No sugar and lactose-free
Cons:
- Cost per serving
Best Creamer
Omega PowerCreamer
Feel better
Here's an excellent solution for anyone on a Keto diet. Look for Omega's other flavors on the market too.
Bottom line
The No. 1 pumpkin spice coffee flavor in the universe, the one from Starbucks, is still our favorite. There's nothing like waking up and smelling the aroma of pumpkin coffee in the air! Pick up the ground version or stock up on K-Cups. Whatever you do, savor each sip.
Do you need more persuasion? Starbucks Pumpkin Spice isn't going to be around forever. So, get up, get out there and drink yours before it's gone.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Bryan M. Wolfe loves coffee products. When he's not getting a caffeine buzz, he enjoys being a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading. @bryanmwolfe
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