As a frequent customer of both Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, I have an unbiased opinion when it comes to which is better than the other. However, I have always been curious which one had the perfect drink for fall, so this article will be my first comparison of each company’s version of the same drink. My main focus will be on the newest 2021 creations and the greatly coveted Pumpkin Spice Latte. As a PSL virgin, I am most excited to see which drops the (fall) ball on this seasonal essential, and whether or not the other drinks hit the mark.
1. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte
Made with espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin, cinnamon and spices. Rating: 7/10.
After having a terrible experience with Starbucks’ popular Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino, my expectations were low for this season’s fan favorite. However, this drink tastes just like hot chocolate with muted pumpkin flavoring.
2. Dunkin’s Pumpkin Spice Latte
Made with pumpkin, cinnamon, caramel and vanilla. Rating: 1/10.
Unfortunately, it tasted like rubbing alcohol with vanilla flavoring and I could not taste the “pumpkin spice” in the latte whatsoever.
3. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Made with pumpkin cream cold foam and vanilla. Rating: 9/10.
This drink is not new at Starbucks, but I wanted to try it to compare it to Dunkin’s version that came out this fall. I’m glad I added it to the list because it’s delicious! A good comparison to this cold brew would be Starbucks’ pumpkin bread; both menu items are rich in pumpkin flavor.
4. Dunkin’s Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Made with pumpkin cream cold foam, cinnamon and spices. Rating: 3/10.
I had high expectations for this cold brew, but unfortunately, it didn’t meet the mark. The pumpkin cream cold foam was good, but the drink tasted extremely processed otherwise. I usually order Dunkin’ Donuts’ cold brews, so I was surprised that this drink tasted so boring.
5. Starbucks’ Apple Crisp Macchiato
Made with espresso, steamed milk and caramel apple drizzle. Rating: 2/10.
The apple drizzle is good, but it sank to the bottom of my cup, so I was stuck with only espresso and steamed milk. Ordering a dupe such as the Espresso Macchiato would provide exactly what this drink offers instead of paying extra for the “apple crisp” flavor.
6. Dunkin’s Apple Cranberry Dunkin’ Refresher
What’s in it? Green tea, B vitamins and apple cranberry flavored concentrate. Rating: 7/10.
I was excited to try this drink particularly because it wasn’t coffee. Although I’ve never liked cranberry flavoring, this drink was made well and tasted very refreshing!
Hopefully you’ll find the perfect fall drink for yourself through my personal trial and error. Although there were a few options I’ll never order again, Starbucks’ Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew will now be part of my daily coffee runs until wintertime. What’s fall without a flavored seasonal drink to match?