Pumpkin spice fanatics rejoice! PSL season is finally approaching. And, in gearing up for the momentous occasion, Starbucks has launched a vegan pumpkin spice creamer.
The new Pumpkin Spice Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer includes a blend of oat and almond milk. And, in addition to pumpkin, it features cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
The coffee chain also expanded its at-home range to include the new Starbucks® Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate. The concentrate features cold-steeped coffee with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavoring.
The seasonal products are available for a limited time at most major retailers. Starbucks has also been working to expand its vegan in-store offerings.
After launching Oatly oat milk at select locations across the country, Starbucks made the plant milk available nationwide this spring.
“We’re pleased to bring Oatly oatmilk to Starbucks stores nationwide in the U.S., something our customers have asked for as they increasingly seek a variety of plant-based choices,” Luigi Bonini, senior vice president, Global Product Innovation at Starbucks, said.
Is Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte vegan?
Starbucks’ new vegan pumpkin spice creamer was inspired by the chain’s fan-favorite pumpkin spice latte.
The iconic drink features the chain’s signature espresso, steamed milk, and a blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors. The PSL is topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices.
Unfortunately, the creamy fall beverage can’t be customized to be made vegan. While customers can swap out the dairy milk for a plant-based alternative, the base of the drink—the pumpkin spice syrup—contains condensed milk.
Although the US hasn’t released a non-dairy pumpkin spice syrup (fingers crossed they will soon!), the UK has. In 2018, Starbucks UK debuted vegan pumpkin spice lattes, which can be made with either soy, oat, or almond milk.
In September 2020, Starbucks UK took its vegan fall menu to the next level, launching vegan whipped cream for a limited time. “So pumped for this. Last year I sat with a pumpkin coffee somewhere plotting to bring my own plant-based whippy cream (the one from Asda),” an eager Instagram user wrote.
Worry not, PSL lovers stateside can still order a vegan pumpkin spice latte of sorts. Simply opt for a vanilla latte, order it with your plant milk of choice, and add pumpkin spice topping.
