Starbucks has launched a new flavor as part of its 2024 fall menu. On Wednesday, the company introduced several pecan pie-inspired drinks. Though summer is still here, pumpkin spice fans began eagerly awaiting Starbucks’ fall offerings by late August. The coffee chain’s latest creation, the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, will be available starting September 19 and is described as a “cozy” drink embodying the essence of fall.
“We really focused on what people are experiencing during the holidays,” said Patrick Penny, Starbucks’ lead beverage developer. “We considered questions like, where are you headed? What brings joy? How can Starbucks brighten your day during this season?”
The new pecan-flavored drinks include:
- Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte: Featuring Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso and oat milk blended with pecan, brown butter, and holiday spices, this hot drink is topped with a pecan crunch.
- Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte: This iced version combines Blonde Espresso, oat milk, and pecan notes, finished with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and a pecan crunch.
- Salted Pecan Cream Cold Foam: Described as a “sweet and salty fall twist,” this drink uses pecan syrup and salt and can be made with dairy or non-dairy options.
Penny added, “The latte’s flavors remind us of freshly baked pecan pie and the warmth of family gatherings. It’s perfect for cooler days and bridges the gap between fall and holiday drinks. We’ve got pumpkin, apple, and now pecan – the ‘pie-fecta!’”
In addition to the new pecan-inspired beverages, Starbucks is also bringing back its classic fall favorites, such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte and the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, ensuring there’s something for every autumn enthusiast. With the introduction of these new pecan drinks, Starbucks aims to offer a broader range of flavors that evoke the cozy, comforting feeling of the season.
Patrick Penny further explained the inspiration behind the menu: “We wanted to create drinks that not only taste great but also bring a sense of nostalgia. Pecan pie is a dessert that’s close to many people’s hearts, so we took that familiar warmth and transformed it into a drinkable experience that feels like home.”
The fall menu rollout is part of Starbucks’ ongoing strategy to capture the excitement around seasonal offerings, which has become a key aspect of its customer engagement. As consumers eagerly await these limited-time releases, the company continues to innovate by blending new flavors with traditional favorites. Starbucks also emphasizes sustainability with its menu offerings by using oat milk, a more eco-friendly alternative to dairy.
With the new pecan drinks set to make a splash this fall, Starbucks hopes to offer customers a taste of home and nostalgia in every sip. Whether you’re a fan of classic pumpkin flavors or looking for something new, this fall season promises a blend of warmth, comfort, and exciting flavors from Starbucks.
