By Lauren Ofman, EIC
Real talk — it isn’t fall until Starbucks tells us it is (even if it’s August). The Pumpkin Spice Latte, best referred to as the PSL, is a fall staple, a vision in orange and an iconic symbol of changing seasons.
According to CNBC, Starbucks sold 424 million PSL’s in 2019, so it’s safe to say that the spiced classic is truly the Belle of the ball when it comes to seasonal beverages. I decided to cozy up, disregard the consistent 85 degree weather, and grab myself a PSL, but instead of enjoying it on its own, I decided to compare it to another campus classic, Peet’s Coffee (RIP Shenkman Dunkin’).
In addition to the original Starbucks PSL, the cult classic released its Pumpkin Latte in late August. A press release by Peet’s stated that the latte was included in a menu of reimagined seasonal classics first sold in 2020. So, the Pumpkin Latte is new, improved and ready to evoke cozy fall feelings across the world.
Clearly, both lattes have tremendous hype surrounding them, so I developed strict criteria to judge each one (scored out of 5):
Taste
Aesthetic
Coziness
TASTE
Starbucks – Upon first sip, I was struck by a sweet, almost vanilla flavor, which was concerning because when I hear pumpkin spice, I want to taste the spice. Luckily the PSL strongly delivers the spice factor with its subtle but effective spicy aftertaste. However, I am docking a point for sweetness. Though I have always favored sweet coffee, it was truly difficult to finish a grande PSL in one sitting.
Score: 4/5
Peet’s – I am sorry to say this Peet’s, but how dare you. While I can say that the latte doesn’t include the word “spice,” my first impression of the Pumpkin Latte was an overwhelming taste of toffee. If they marketed the beverage as a toffee latte, I would absolutely purchase and enjoy it, but as a testament to fall, I would say this flavor was disgraceful.
Score: 1.5/5 (maybe I got the wrong drink?)
AESTHETIC:
Starbucks – Every year, I am shocked by how undeniably orange the PSL is. Though I sometimes find myself wondering what exactly makes the drink so vivid, it truly is a pumpkin in liquid form and I am not mad at it.
Score: 5/5
Peet’s – I’m sorry, but this looks like every other latte. Overwhelmingly milky, the Pumpkin Latte could be mistaken as a basic Vanilla Latte, which, to be fair, looks amazing, but lacks fall spirit.
Score: 3/5
COZINESS
Starbucks – Even though I ordered an iced PSL, this drink made me want to walk to TJ Maxx, buy every fall candle, grab a blanket, and watch Halloweentown. The cozy vibes are unstoppable when you’re sipping a PSL.
Score: 5/5
Peet’s – Though it should be rebranded as a toffee latte, I still think the cozy vibes are immaculate. It would be excellent paired with a pastry and an oversized sweatshirt, so good job Peet’s.
Score: 4/5
Total Scores:
Starbucks – 14/15
Peet’s – 8.5/15
Do yourself a favor, go to Starbucks and order a PSL.
