It’s pumpkin spice latte season again, and Dunkin is kicking off their release of this fan-favorite drink earlier than any year previous. This sent longtime competitor, Starbucks, into a frenzy to get their classic pumpkin spice latte out and ready to serve to their customers. This fall classic can leave many fans of both Dunkin and Starbucks questioning. Which one is better?
The classic Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, released back in 2003, continues to captivate their customers every year. Leaving many customers anticipating and predicting the release date of this autumn drink. For a Grande latte at Starbucks, it will set you back anywhere between $5.25- $5.45, which is on the more expensive side compared to a $3 medium latte at Dunkin. The quality of these two drinks is represented by the price. Their customers are most definitely getting the $3 worth of the drink from Dunkin and nothing more (which is to be expected from a 3-dollar drink). If you do want a higher quality and overall better tasting drink, then Starbucks is the place to go.
Also, comparatively for the weight watchers and calorie counters, the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte has 390 calories while Dunkin’s is slightly lower coming in at about 340 calories. Not to mention the lack of spices in the Dunkin which they described as a “smooth blend of pumpkin flavor swirl and vanilla flavor” compared to the array of spices in the Starbucks latte including “pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.” Starbucks’s use of these few spices elevates the drink a notch higher giving Starbucks a more natural and authentic Flavor. This in turn has a not so surprising effect on the enjoyability and overall taste of each drink.
When comparing the flavors and enjoyability of each drink the Dunkin pumpkin spice latte is mediocre. The whipped cream and the “pumpkin swirl” add nothing interesting or new to the drink whatsoever. This is the definition of average; at first taste the latte taste as like a normal cup of coffee. After a while, the taste of those classic fall flavors and pumpkin pie spice appear, but only after the taste of the syrupy coffee has it become rather undesirable. This drink is also incredibly sweet and syrupy. Although it does taste like pumpkin and coffee, and that is definitely what people would want from a pumpkin spice latte. In comparison, to Starbucks’s pumpkin spice, Dunkin’s tastes like a disappointment. Starbucks has done little to change the recipe for this classic drink and in reality, it doesn’t need any. On the first sip, the difference between the two is clear, Starbucks has higher quality coffee and more authentic pumpkin spice flavor that is prominent and flavorful right off the bat. Its texture was also different smoother, creamery, and thicker.
It is clear which latte is better, Starbucks gets admitted into the fall of fame for their timeless fall drink. It has an overall better quality and better-tasting latte. This does come at a more expensive price, if willing to put in the extra bucks to get the Starbucks latte. If not, even though Dunkin’s latte wasn’t nearly as good, it is still a decently cheaper option. Starbucks was a 7/10 and Dunkin was a 3/10.
Katie Lind // Staff Writer
