It’s still August. Temperatures are in the 90s for much of the country. Labor Day, America’s unofficial end of summer, is nearly two weeks away. In many regions of the country school has yet to start.
But Starbucks wants you to think fall.
On Tuesday, the chain rolled out its seasonal fall favorite, the Pumpkin Spice Latte (or PSL as it’s known by its fans), along with the rest of its fall menu.
The drink returns a day earlier than last year, but it’s not the earliest date its shown up in stores. That came in 2024 when it debuted on August 22.
Stores like Starbucks often use high-profile, limited-time releases to boost not just sales but also brand awareness generally. For Starbucks, which only recently turned around sluggish sales, the PSL is a chance to focus attention on a signature product.
