With pumpkins decorating campus, leaves crunching below students’ footsteps, and new Starbucks fall drinks in students’ hands, it is apparent that fall is alive at Archmere. To celebrate, we decided to taste-test the most popular drinks and treats from Starbucks’ fall menu — all in the name of journalism.
Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte (8/10)
We began by trying the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte. This cozy coffee drink features a nutty pecan flavor, cold foam, and a sprinkle of crunchy toppings. We really enjoyed the drink; it tasted very festive, almost candle-like. Overall, we believe that this drink was delicious and more evocative of the winter holiday season than fall.
Pumpkin Spice Latte (6/10)
The classic Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, bringing its signature pumpkin-and-spice flavor. We loved the strong pumpkin taste and generous whipped cream, but we also felt it didn’t live up to previous expectations. “I remember it being better,” said Kayla Iroha ‘26. Overall, still a nostalgic fall staple, just maybe not as magical as we remembered.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (3/10)
This drink divided the group. While the pumpkin cold foam was delectable, we felt that the cold brew itself was bitter and overpowering. If you’re a serious coffee lover, you might appreciate it. However, for most of us, it lacked the cozy fall sweetness we were hoping for.
Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai (10/10)
The unanimous favorite. “If a drink were fall, this would be it,” said Kayla Iroha ‘26. The blend of spicy chai and pumpkin cream is rich, balanced, and bursting with fall flavor. It’s sweet but not overwhelming, and the scent alone could make you want to wear a flannel. From taste to texture, this drink captures autumn better than any other on the menu.
Iced Matcha with Banana Protein Cold Foam (2/10)
The Protein Cold Foam at Starbucks is relatively recent, officially released in all United States and Canadian stores in September. We concluded that it’s pretty to look at, but that’s about it. The matcha and banana combo clashed in every way possible, creating a thick, milky taste that had our testers grimacing. We agreed that it just tasted like milk. We admire Starbucks for experimenting, but this one was a missfor us.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin (6.5/10)
Recognized as a fan favorite, the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin has delighted customers for over a decade, making its return within this menu. It features a pumpkin spice muffin base, cream cheese filling, and is sprinkled with toasted pepitas. While we had high hopes for this beloved treat, it fell flat in our review. While the flavor was delicious, the texture weakened its appeal, with the cream cheese filling being a bit too gooey.
The Starbucks Fall Menu offered comfort and controversy. From the crowd-favorite Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai to the polarizing Iced Matcha with Banana Protein Cold Foam experiment, we found something for every kind of fall enthusiast.
As the temperature drops and pumpkins are swapped with pine trees, Starbucks fans can anticipate another menu of seasonal flavors; peppermint mochas and sugar cookie lattes are just around the corner. So while the last leaves fall on campus, keep in mind that there’s always another drink to look forward to, and another reason to stop by for a comforting pick-me-up.
Photos from Angela Zhang ‘26.
