I compared Starbucks' and Dunkin's fall drink menus. While Starbucks came out on top, I think it's too expensive for every day.

Gabbi ShawSep 15, 2023, 23:53 IST

Dunkin's Nutty Pumpkin and Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

I decided to compare fall coffee drinks from Starbucks and Dunkin' to see which has the best lineup.
Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew was my favorite: It wasn't too sweet but still tasted like fall.

Fall is upon us, which means it's time to break out the flannels, cue up "Gilmore Girls," blast "Red (Taylor's Version)," and, most importantly, drink pumpkin-flavored coffee.

As a fall aficionado, I decided it was time to compare the fall coffee menus at Dunkin' and Starbucks to see which chain had the best seasonal lineup.

I learned that, while Starbucks and Dunkin' both offer pumpkin-spice lattes, the drink is far from the best offering at either. Keep scrolling to see which chain reigned supreme, and which drink was my favorite overall.

Fall is my favorite season. I was born in October, and I love pumpkins, apple-picking, sweaters, Halloween, and scary movies — the list goes on.

Apple-picking is a must.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

My two least favorite drinks were the same from both chains: the iced pumpkin chai.

Iced pumpkin chai from Dunkin' and Starbucks.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

My second-least favorite drink was Starbucks' Grande Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.

Starbucks' Grande Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Dunkin's Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte ranked next on my list. Starbucks' version narrowly beat the drink from Dunkin'.

Dunkin's Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Next up is Starbucks' iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

A classic Iced Pumpkin Swirl from Dunkin' edged out both pumpkin-spice lattes for its simplicity (and paired perfectly with "Gilmore Girls").

Dunkin's Iced Pumpkin Swirl.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

The most pleasant surprise was the Apple Crisp Macchiato, which debuted in 2021. I could almost feel leaves crunching under my feet while I drank this.

Starbucks' Apple Crisp Macchiato.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

After checking my Starbucks balance, I breathed a sigh of relief when it was time to try another Dunkin' drink. My second-favorite drink was the delicious Nutty Pumpkin Coffee, even if the syrup congealed at the bottom.

Dunkin's Nutty Pumpkin Coffee.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

After checking my Starbucks balance, I breathed a sigh of relief when it was time to try another Dunkin' drink. My second-favorite drink was the delicious Nutty Pumpkin Coffee, even if the syrup congealed at the bottom.

But my favorite overall, which I had anticipated, was Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

Starbucks, in my opinion, has the better-tasting offerings, but it's just too expensive for me.

Starbucks' Grande Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato.Melissa Wells/Insider

But if you're looking to get a shot of fall in your coffee without spending big, the Nutty Pumpkin Coffee from Dunkin' is perfect.

A Nutty Pumpkin from Dunkin'.Gabbi Shaw/Insider

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I compared Starbucks' and Dunkin's fall drink menus. While Starbucks came out on top, I think it's too expensive for every day.

Fall is my favorite season. I was born in October, and I love pumpkins, apple-picking, sweaters, Halloween, and scary movies — the list goes on.

My two least favorite drinks were the same from both chains: the iced pumpkin chai.

My second-least favorite drink was Starbucks' Grande Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.

Dunkin's Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte ranked next on my list. Starbucks' version narrowly beat the drink from Dunkin'.

Next up is Starbucks' iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

A classic Iced Pumpkin Swirl from Dunkin' edged out both pumpkin-spice lattes for its simplicity (and paired perfectly with "Gilmore Girls").

The most pleasant surprise was the Apple Crisp Macchiato, which debuted in 2021. I could almost feel leaves crunching under my feet while I drank this.

After checking my Starbucks balance, I breathed a sigh of relief when it was time to try another Dunkin' drink. My second-favorite drink was the delicious Nutty Pumpkin Coffee, even if the syrup congealed at the bottom.

But my favorite overall, which I had anticipated, was Starbucks' Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

Starbucks, in my opinion, has the better-tasting offerings, but it's just too expensive for me.

But if you're looking to get a shot of fall in your coffee without spending big, the Nutty Pumpkin Coffee from Dunkin' is perfect.