MomSkoop
Fall means one thing for coffee lovers – pumpkin spice latte season! These sweet, spicy drinks have become a seasonal obsession, with coffee shops everywhere competing for PSL supremacy. I decided to put my taste buds to work sampling seven different pumpkin spice lattes to find out which one truly deserves all the attention. After lots of caffeine and countless spice notes, I discovered a clear winner.
1. Starbucks
Starbucks created the pumpkin spice phenomenon back in 2003, forever changing fall beverage culture. Their signature latte arrives in that iconic white and green cup, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
The flavor profile leans heavily on sweetness with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg fighting through the sugar. The espresso barely makes an appearance, lost beneath the syrupy pumpkin sauce.
While nostalgic and certainly Instagram-worthy, Starbucks’ version lacks the coffee-forward balance I crave. It’s like drinking liquid pumpkin candy – enjoyable for about three sips before becoming overwhelming.
2. Dunkin’
Walking into Dunkin’ with low expectations, I ordered their take on the seasonal favorite. The friendly barista handed me a surprisingly light-colored drink without much fanfare or decoration – just a simple cup with a splash of orange-brown liquid.
First sip revealed a mellower, less aggressive sweetness than expected. Dunkin’s version emphasizes actual coffee flavor with pumpkin as a pleasant accent rather than the star.
The spice blend feels natural and warming rather than artificial. Their restraint with sweetness makes this PSL something you could actually drink daily without a sugar crash!
3. Local Coffee Shop
My neighborhood coffee shop takes pride in making everything from scratch. Their pumpkin spice latte arrives in a wide ceramic mug, the latte art depicting a delicate leaf pattern floating atop a rich, amber-hued drink.
Made with real pumpkin puree and freshly ground spices, this version tastes genuinely homemade. The barista explained they roast and blend their spices weekly – cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and a hint of black pepper for depth. The espresso shines through beautifully, creating perfect harmony between coffee intensity and autumn spices.
Worth the extra two dollars for something that tastes like it came from grandma’s kitchen rather than a factory.
4. 7 Brew
Hidden gem alert! 7 Brew’s Pumpkin Spice Blondie knocked my seasonal socks off with its perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The drive-through barista handed me what looked like liquid autumn in a cup – deep orange with caramel swirls and a dusting of real spices.
Unlike competitors drowning in syrup, 7 Brew nails the ratio: 85% pumpkin goodness, 15% quality espresso. Each sip delivers warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove without tasting artificial or cloying.
The velvety milk creates a luxurious mouthfeel while allowing the coffee to shine through. This is the PSL that actually deserves the seasonal hype!
5. McDonald’s
McDonald’s McCafé pumpkin spice latte comes with the lowest price tag of the bunch at just under $3. The presentation is simple – a standard paper cup with minimal fuss, reflecting its fast-food origins.
Flavor-wise, it’s surprisingly decent for the price point! The pumpkin flavor reads more like caramel with a hint of spice rather than anything resembling actual pumpkin. The sweetness level rivals Halloween candy, overwhelming any coffee notes.
It delivers exactly what you’d expect – a hot, sweet, vaguely pumpkin-adjacent drink that satisfies a basic PSL craving without breaking the bank. Perfect for pumpkin spice emergencies!
6. Tim Hortons
Canada’s beloved coffee chain offers a uniquely northern take on the pumpkin spice trend. Their version arrives modestly presented – no excessive whipped cream mountains or caramel drizzles, just a straightforward latte with a subtle orange tint. The flavor profile leans heavily on maple notes, creating an interesting Canadian twist on the American classic.
Less aggressively sweet than most competitors, Tim’s version lets the warming spices take center stage. What makes this standout is the excellent milk steaming technique, creating a silky microfoam that carries the flavors beautifully.
7. Homemade Version
For my final test, I created my own pumpkin spice latte using online recipes. Armed with real pumpkin puree, freshly ground spices, espresso from my modest home machine, and oat milk, I crafted a personalized version.
The result surprised me! Without commercial syrups, the natural pumpkin flavor shined through with earthy sweetness. Controlling the sugar allowed the spices – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove – to express their complex aromatics. This homemade creation delivered authentic fall flavor for a fraction of the cost.
The secret ingredient? A tiny pinch of salt that magically amplified all the other flavors!