Happy 20th birthday, Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte
The wildly popular beverage has become a fall tradition since it was put on the menu in on Oct. 10 2003, launching a wide range of imitations.
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte turns 20 today, Oct. 10, and the Seattle based coffee chain is marking the occasion just the way you’d expect it to, with an Ashanti video on TikTok and free temporary tattoos with purchase while supplies last.
Starbucks is also pushing a commemorative Team PSL varsity jacket from KidSuper Studios. The wool garment costs $295 and will ship in December.
Although Starbucks says that Oct. 10, 2003 was the date Pumpkin Spice Latte debuted in stores, several publications noted the anniversary around Aug. 24, the date Starbucks rolled out its 2023 fall menu.
The occasion rated a Smithsonian Magazine article.
The wildly popular flavor taps into a vein of nostalgia and is particularly popular with millennials, according to a 2021 Business Insider article.
Pumpkin spice is now found in all manner of retail items, from other brands’ coffees and pastries to Krispy Kreme’s new Pup’kin Spice Doggie Doughnuts and Hefty trash bags. The Takeout has a rundown of 2023 products.