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Your Local Barista’s Thoughts On The PSL

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

While the leaves may not yet be falling and some days still reach over 80 degrees, these last days of summer mean one thing; the start of pumpkin spice season. Soon, all things pumpkin spice will be hitting the shelves, and your local baristas will be in the thick of PSL season. Even though the warm autumnal flavors can often be delicious, any barista will tell you that it honestly isn’t worth all the hype it receives.

It’s Not Even Autumn

PSL season usually starts right around the last week of August, when it is still so hot and the warm fall flavors are not yet in the slightest bit appealing.

Stores Run Out Fast

Hitting the menu a month before the start of Autumn means that many stores are all out of Pumpkin Spice before the temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to fall. Such a high demand for seasonal beverages is already enough stress for a barista, but when they are out of said beverage, it causes irritation for both the customer and the barista.

The Time Frame 

While PSL season seems to be starting earlier and earlier, it is also ending later. Pumpkin Spice is available even after all the leaves drop and the snow begins to fall, as it is on the menu well into the holiday season.

There Are Other Fall Beverages 

Yes, the PSL is a classic and is undoubtedly the most popular seasonal fall drink at Starbucks, but there are so many other drinks that deserve just as much attention! Next time, maybe try a Salted Caramel Mocha or a Chai Tea Latte!

Your Baristas are Tired

 This time of year marks that start of the holiday season for Starbucks baristas. Pumpkin Spice is the shining star until mid November when the winter drinks, holiday cups, and red aprons make their appearance. Naturally, during this time of year stores get busier, lines get longer, and your barista get incredibly tired.

Happy Pumpkin Spice Season, collegiettes!

Maggie is a Sophomore at Penn State University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Digital Media Trends and Analytics. She is from a small town in South Central Pennsylvania, aka the middle of nowhere. When she is not acting as an Assistant Editor for Her Campus PSU you can find her watching sitcoms, perfecting her skills as a barista, and spreading the word about the importance of gender equality! You can find her on Instagram @maggie.mattson and Twitter @maggiemattson13.
Allie Bausinger is a Penn State University graduate who majored in Print/Digital Journalism with a minor in English. She is from "outside Philadelphia," which in her case is Yardley, Pennsylvania. Allie is looking for full-time employment in writing, editing, fact-checking, podcasting, and other areas of the journalism and writing fields.