Food

McDonald's drops pumpkin spice for a brand-new fall drink

The new Caramel Apple Pie Latte will be the feature fall item on McDonald's menu beverage menu, replacing the traditional Pumpkin Spice Latte. ©Image Credit: McDonalds

Everyone knows that fall is pumpkin spice season, but it's not a flavor everyone enjoys. That's exactly why the new fall apple spice drink drop from McDonald's feels so unique and exciting.

The pumpkin spice latte won't be available

For the first time in 10 years, McDonald's is offering a non-pumpkin fall option and won't be offering its famous pumpkin spice latte at all. This year it's all about the Caramel Apple Pie Latte.

“Caramel Apple Pie is the only fall coffee flavor McDonald’s is releasing this year. While Pumpkin Spice will not be part of this year’s lineup, we’re always exploring new ways to give fans seasonal flavors to enjoy," a McDonald's spokesperson told CNN.

The Caramel Apple Pie Latte offering pairs rich espresso with autumnal pie flavors.

Key Ingredients: Rainforest Alliance Certified™ espresso, steamed milk, caramel apple pie-flavored syrup, salted caramel-flavored whipped topping, and an apple pie crumble finish.
Sizes Available: Small, medium, and large.
Calorie Count: A large size contains 490 calories, a medium contains 410 calories and a small size has total calorie count of 340.

Customers are asking for menu options that don't include pumpkin

As excited as you may be for pumpkin spice lattes, industry analysts show it's a downward trend. Customers seem to be tiring of traditional fall pumpkin flavors and want something different.

Datassential found that 99% more coffee shops are offering apple pie flavors and 49% more are offering caramel apple flavors compared to last year. By contrast, pumpkin spice offerings grew by only 37%.

For lots of people, pumpkin is an acquired taste and not one that the masses crave. Restaurants and coffee shops are taking notice and adjusting their menus.

Starbucks and Dunkin' will still feature pumpkin-flavored drinks

If you're the type who loves pumpkin-spice flavored drinks, and are feeling worried you may be out of luck this season, you can relax. Starbucks has brought back its Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Dunkin' has a line-up of pumpkin-flavored drinks.

According to Technomic consumer research shared with CNN, about 25% of people enjoy pumpkin-spice flavored coffee.

More options mean happier customers

The good news is that whether you're craving pumpkin spice or you're sick of pumpkin being the only option, this season is all about options and a more inclusive offering.

Sources: Fox SA, McDonald's

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