"I came, I saw, I conquered."
Though these words are often attributed to Julius Caesar in a letter to the Roman Senate, similar words from pumpkin spice to the global citizens of 2023 may be just as applicable.
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In fact, it's hard to overstate the chokehold that pumpkin spice flavoring has had on us all.
From the dimly lit cafes of Starbucks (SBUX) -) around the country to the meandering and frenzied aisles of Trader Joe's, hundreds of new products – from air fresheners to breakfast cereals – appear every fall touting that familiar nutmeg orange twinge. And we go wild for it.
NielsenIQ estimates that just U.S.-based sales of retail pumpkin-flavored products hit $803 million for the year ending July 2023 –up 15% from just one year ago. America has a fever – and the only cure is more pumpkin.
Unless, of course, you're more of a peppermint person yourself.
If that's the case, fear not. Pumpkin spice season typically begins to wane around Thanksgiving, and by the time Black Friday rolls around, cafes and grocery carts start to wheel out familiar holiday flavors like peppermint, eggnog, graham cracker, and gingerbread.
Which means that we've got roughly one to two months left of a pumpkin frenzy. Since we already know how and where to get as much pumpkin as our hearts could (presumably) desire, let's turn our ever-dwindling attention to the not-so-distant future, where the creative brains and noses at Starbucks are reportedly already working hard on a winter menu.
Starbucks is reportedly working on new seasonal items
According to food insider Markie Devo, Starbucks will be ushering in a new array of seasonal offerings for the winter.
"Don’t you 'can’t even' me!! I love fall just as much as you..BUT!! GINGERBREAD!!" Markie Devo wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. "Here’s a glimpse at the rumored Starbucks Winter 2023 menu," he added, which reportedly launches November 2.
Some items will be familiar favorites, including the Chestnut Praline Latte (if you haven't tried it, just do it). While others will be new to us this year.
They are, according to Devo:
Drinks:
- NEW Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai (available hot or iced)
- Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte
- Caramel Brûlée Latte
- Chestnut Praline Latte
Food:
- NEW Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop
- Snowman Cookie
- Sugar Plum Cheese Danish
- Cranberry Bliss Bar
Devo also added that the seasonal red holiday cups will launch a little later, on Nov. 16. Those designs will reportedly include four graphic and geometric red and green designs with ornaments, trees, stars, and other festive shapes.
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Notably, Starbucks' Peppermint Mocha Latte is missing from the seasonal list. That's probably because it's available all year round, despite it seeming like more of a winter drink. To order it at your local cafe, simply request a pump (or three, if you're into that) of peppermint syrup in your next Mocha latte. Starbucks confirmed its year-round availability on Twitter.
"Did you know peppermint syrup is available year-round? If you're missing it, ask your barista to blend it into some cold foam to top your iced coffee," Starbucks tweeted.
Did you know peppermint syrup is available year-round? If you're missing it, ask your barista to blend it into some cold foam to top your iced coffee. 😍
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) August 28, 2019
