People Are Complaining Starbucks' PSL Doesn't Taste Right, So Our Editors Investigated

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• Starbucks released its PSL on August 24, along with other fall favorites.

• Some people are taking to social media to complain that the PSL just doesn't taste the same this year.

• To get to the bottom of it, editors reached out to Starbucks to find out whether the recipe has changed.

Starbucks released its PSL on August 24, along with other fall favorites. But now some people are taking to social media to complain that the PSL just doesn't taste the same this year.

TikTok user @krisbella14 posted a video asking, "Is is just me or does the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte taste different this year?"

A video from user @hhheathermichelle talks about how the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew tastes different.

"It's just not hitting. It's falling flat—literally, the foam is falling flat. And I look in the window and they have a whole ass pitcher of this cold foam," said the TikToker.

In a comment under the TikTok, someone saying they're a Starbucks employee claimed that the method has changed. "We use 1/2 pumps this year instead of our typical full pumps. Get 2x pumps and go to a store that doesn't premake their PCCF," they wrote, referring to Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam.

Limited Release Fall Kit Kat Pumpkin Pie Miniatures

There is nothing more deliciously indulgent than a Kit Kat bar that tastes just like a good ol' slice pf pumpkin pie. These crispy wafers will definitely become your fall favorite. Since they're seasonal, grab'em while you can.

Per serving: 170 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated), 30 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrates, 16 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 2 g protein

Dandies All Natural Pumpkin Flavored Marshmallows

Yep, you can extend pumpkin spice flavoring into your s'mores. Mind blown yet? Experience just how next-level this idea is by roasting these vegan pumpkin-flavored marshmallows the next time you're sitting around a bonfire with your friends.

Per serving: 100 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 20 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrates, 17 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

EVER BETTER Pumpkin Spice Cookies by Denise Austin

Looking for pumpkin spice snacks that won't throw you off track of your health goals? These keto-friendly cookies are low-carb, low-sugar, and made with gut-friendly probiotics.

Per 7 cookies: 200 calories, 16 g fat (6 g saturated), 125 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrates, 5 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 6 g protein

Laird Superfood Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

Think PSL, but make it non-dairy. That's where Laird Superfood Creamer comes in. Add a scoop of this plant-based powdered creamer into your cup of joe and be amazed by the flow of flavor and fall warmth you'll feel flood your belly. With this, you can have PSL's everyday!

Per 1 tsp serving: 10 calories, 1 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 0 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrates, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice Coffee Keurig K Cups

Why not get a double dose of pumpkin spice as soon as you wake up by adding your special new creamer to your Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice Coffee? You'll have a newfound love for your Keurig after having these.

Per serving: 2 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 4 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrates, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

Kernel Season's Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Seasoning

Buckle your seat belts, and get ready to go on a trip through the ultimate fall festive experience right at home. Dress up your microwave popcorn with this pumpkin spice popcorn seasoning. Hello, fall movie nights watching Hocus Pocus!

Per 1/4 tsp serving: 106 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 1 mg sodium, 1 g carbohydrates, 1 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

Maple Craft Foods Organic Pumpkin Spice Vermont Maple Syrup

If there was a list of words that had the most fall energy possible, it would be "pumpkin spice maple syrup." Wow! It's like a brain freeze, but instead, my head is full of falling leaves! This maple syrup will complete your pancake breakfast on a Sunday morning.

Per 1 tablespoon serving: 50 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg sodium, 13 g carbohydrates, 13 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

Gluten-Free Muffin Mix, Pumpkin Spice

Sometimes you just feel like baking. (Read: you just feel like licking the spatula). So to satisfy those cravings, try out Williams Sonoma's Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Muffin Mix. Make them on a weekend, and you'll be able to enjoy pumpkin spice goodness every day of the work week.

Per serving: 160 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 230 mg sodium, 38 g carbohydrates, 21 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein

Green Jay Gourmet Pumpkin Butter

So it's not exactly pumpkin spice, but it is pumpkin and it is delicious. Make your very own pumpkin spice toast with the help of this pumpkin butter. Top your fave slice of bread with a generous spread of pumpkin butter, sprinkle it with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and you've got yourself something that finally may be able to compete with your treasured avo toast!

Per serving: 25 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 20 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 6 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

Good & Gather Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix

Target saves the day again by combining everyone's favorite comfort drinks together. When you can't decide between a PSL and hot chocolate, just go for a pumpkin spice hot chocolate. Easy peasy.

Per serving: 100 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 90 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrates, 23 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein

Wild Friends Peanut Butter Chocolate Pumpkin Spice

What happens when you combine all of my favorite things together? Chocolate pumpkin spice peanut butter is what happens and I couldn't be happier about it. Upgrade your PB&J or just enjoy it on a spoon to add spice and comfort to any day of the year.

Per serving: 170 calories, 13 g fat (2.5 g saturated), 85 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 7 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 6 g protein

Birch Benders Pumpkin Spice Pancake Mix

What feels like fall more than warm pumpkin spice pancakes covered with maple syrup? Absolutely nothing. Add some fall spice into your weekend routine with this pancake and waffle mix.

Per serving: 120 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 360 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrates, 6 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Truffles

When you're craving fall any time of year, these pumpkin spice truffles from Williams Sonoma will hit the spot. With rich pumpkin ganache enveloping a combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, it'll be hard to make these truffles last until Halloween.

*Nutritional information not available

Wanna Date? Pumpkin Spice Date Spread

Move over peanut butter, there's another spread here to take the spotlight. Date spread is about to become your new bff and your toast's new bff. Paired with the iconic spices of pumpkin pie seasoning, this date spread will rock your world.

Per serving: 25 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrates, 6 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 0 g protein

Thinsters Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Snack-able, one-bite, crunchy pumpkin spice cookies anyone? Holy moly yes! These cookie thins will be your go-to snack all season long. They may be store-bought, but they get pretty darn close to the homemade taste. You'll feel all warm and cozy snacking on these on a crisp September afternoon.

Per serving: 130 calories, 6 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 130 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrates, 10 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein

Tico's Whoopies Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

If you're craving homemade fall treats but don't feel like making them, no problem. Try ordering these delicious homemade whoopie pies made with ingredients you recognize like fresh pumpkin, local eggs, and fragrant vanilla.

*Nutritional information not available

Terra Vegetable Chips Pumpkin Spice Sweets

These fan favorite chips aren't too sweet, and pack a hefty dose of authentic cinnamon and nutmeg flavor, plus just enough salt to satisfy both your sweet and savory cravings at once.

Per serving: 140 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated), 10 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 1 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein

Pumpkin Spice Hummus

PSL hummus? Yes please. Made with pumpkin, white beans, and tahini, this hummus is bursting with spices, including nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and sumac. It's guaranteed to be your new favorite seasonal dip.

Per serving: 50 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated), 70 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 2 g sugar, 0 g fiber, 2 g protein

Chai Pumpkin Spice Tea

You can make an equally comforting and healthy version of the classic PSL at home using this tea. “Tazo Chai pumpkin spice tea can bring a steamy mug of flavor to warm you up on chilly days,” says nutritionist Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD.

Per serving: 0 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g of sugar, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein

Pumpkin Seed Scandinavian Thins

These hearty crackers have a bit of a cult following thanks to their satiating fiber and simple ingredients (just eight). Pumpkin seeds give them a fall vibe and a bit of protein and healthy fat.

Per serving: 40 calories, 3 g fat (0 g saturated), 50 mg sodium, 4 g carbohydrates, 0 g of sugar, 3 g fiber, 2 g protein

Caramel Almond Pumpkin Spice

Made with real pumpkin and whole nuts, these bars prove that you can satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth and still feel healthy at the same time.

Per serving: 200 calories, 15 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 15 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrates, 5 g of sugar, 7 g fiber, 4 g protein

Decaf Medium Roast Pumpkin Spice Coffee Pods

Okay, coffee lovers. You can sip on fall-flavored java without diving into a mug of sugar with these pumpkin spice-flavored coffee pods. Just pop 'em in your Keurig and you'll be sniffing and sipping PSL vibes in no time.

*Nutrition information not available

Pumpkin Chips

These chips are slightly sweet and spiced, with a gritty corn texture and just enough pumpkin flavor. They pair well with whatever dip you usually go for.

Per serving: 150 calories, 9 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 15 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 4 g of sugar, 2 g fiber, 1 g protein

Pumpkin Spice The Complete Cookie

These soft cookies are soft and enjoyable when you want something sweet and delicious, but low in sugar and high in protein. Just keep in mind that one cookie counts as two servings. (Split it with a friend.)

Per serving: 200 calories, 6 g fat (0 g saturated), 280 mg sodium, 31 g carbs, 12 g sugar, 5 g fiber, 8 g protein

Ancient Grain Pumpkin Cinnamon Granola

This yummy, crunchy gluten-free granola is made with oats, millet, amaranth, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and just the right amount of cinnamon, says nutritionist Dana Angelo White, RD, author of Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook. Eat it plain or sprinkle it onto cereal, yogurt, or cottage cheese.

Per serving: 140 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated), 105 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrates, 6 g of sugar, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein

Pumpkin Spice Cookie Dough Bites

These cookie dough bites are decadent, but healthy (Whole30-friendly and low-carb). Pop 'em in the fridge and enjoy whenever you want a sweet snack you can feel oh-so good about.

Per serving: 60 calories, 5 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 50 mg sodium, 3 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein

Pumpkin Pie Grain-Free Granola

This granola is loaded with hearty nuts, unsweetened coconut, and pumpkin seeds, so it’s packed with good fats and protein. You can put it on top of yogurt for a dose of healthy fats from the walnuts, pecans, and almonds,” suggests nutritionist Maggie Michalczyk, RD.

Per serving: 170 calories, 14 g fat (3.5 g saturated) 10 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrate, 4 g sugar, 4 g protein

Pumpkin PaleoKrunch Bar

Paleo and gluten-free pumpkin lovers. rejoice! “It tastes absolutely delicious. Great to stash in your bag to keep you full for any fall adventure,” says Michalczyk.

Per serving: 178 calories, 10 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 45 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrate, 6 g sugar, 7 g protein

Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Snacking Chocolate

Chocolate bark just got way healthier thanks to protein-packed pumpkin seeds. And considering it's pure chocolate, this treat is pretty low in sugar, too.

Per serving: 230 calories, 14 g fat (7 g saturated), 50 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrates, 15 g of sugar, 1 g fiber, 7 g protein

Simple Mills Almond Flour Mix, Pumpkin Muffin & Bread

This mix is made with almond flour, so it's great for people who have a gluten allergy or intolerance,” says Alissa Rumsey, RD. She also loves the short ingredient list that’ll make you feel like you're baking from scratch.

Per serving: 90 calories, 3 g fat (0 g sat fat), 135 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrates, 6 g of sugar, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein

Someone claiming to be a former Starbucks barista posted a video in August 2022 alleging that the pump had changed and that it releases a smaller amount of syrup. And also that Starbucks replaced artificial pumpkin with real pumpkin.

However, we know that it was way back in 2015 when Starbucks started using real pumpkin and removed artificial flavors. So what gives?

Discussions about the Pumpkin Spice Latte tasting different have been going on for a while. In 2022, Newsweek covered the TikTok barista who claimed that the Starbucks PSL tasted different because the recipe changed.

So in an effort for answers, we reached out to Starbucks to find out whether the recipe has in fact changed.

A Starbucks spokesperson said that "the recipes for Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew have not changed." As for the amount of pumps changing, a Starbucks spokesperson reiterated that “the recipe has not changed and the amount of sauce is the same." So there you have it.

Have you tried the Pumpkin Spice Latte yet this year and did you notice anything different about it?

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