As the colder winds gust, many Americans look forward to the the arrival of delicious seasonal treats at fast food operations all over the nation. From pumpkin spice lattes to apple cider donuts, these cold-weather delights offer a comforting taste of the season. To feel festive in a pinch, our list of the top five best pumpkin fast food items is a great place to start for all the cozy vibes.
When the weather turns colder, seasonal foods are beloved by many! Forty-four percent of people say they enjoy drinking hot chocolate in the fall, while four in 10 can’t wait to make homemade soup. Plus, thirty percent of people say their favorite thing about fall is eating and drinking pumpkin spice food and drinks. If you fall among these flavor fans, this list is right up your alley!
Many Americans believe their favorite seasonal dishes taste just as good outside the actual season. A survey of 2,000 Americans asked whether seasonal foods, beverages, or activities should only be a treat people enjoy during their matching seasons or year-round. Forty-eight percent of respondents believe you can enjoy seasonal favorites year-round.
Regardless of when you indulge in pumpkin flavors, our list below can you help you all year long! As always, we turned to our sources to gather the data needed to rank our list of the top five best pumpkin fast food items that were most recommended across the board. From delicious drinks to sweet snacks, the most popular favorites are a big hit every year. Let us know your go-to drive-thru order in the comments below!
The List: Best Pumpkin Fast Food Items, According to Foodies
1. Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
Starbucks is the reigning king of pumpkin flavors for many consumers. Sweety High says, “Of course, we couldn’t forget the OG, the one that started it all—Starbucks. As usual, the brand is offering up their Pumpkin Spice Latte, aka, a PSL. They’re also serving up Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew—perfect for those in need of a caffeine boost.”
Their returning seasonal favorite, the pumpkin cream cold brew is as popular as ever. Taste of Home adds, “Now cold brew fanatics get to enjoy a pumpkin coffee during the holidays, too. The Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is one of the best fast-food items we’ve seen, and it has returned for the second year in a row, much to the approval of Starbucks lovers everywhere. Each beverage is sweetened with vanilla syrup and then topped with a pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice.”
“This year, Starbucks has quite the selection of pumpkin-flavored treats and drinks to get you in the mood for fall. As is tradition, Starbucks brought back their Pumpkin Spice Latte alongside lots of other fall favorites including Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Scone, Pumpkin Loaf, and their Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin,” elaborates All Recipes.
2. Dunkin’ Seasonal Pumpkin Menu
Dunkin’ has tremendous market reach and serves more than five million guests every day. Franchise Wire praises, “Dunkin’ rolled out its pumpkin spice menu before the colors of the leaves began to change. Since August 16, fans have been enjoying the doughnut and coffee brand’s pumpkin spice signature latte, nutty pumpkin coffee, pumpkin swirl, pumpkin munchkins, pumpkin doughnut, and pumpkin muffin.”
QSR Magazine relays the details of the seasonal menu: “In early September, Dunkin’ introduced a new Pumpkin Pie Doughnut—a buttercream-filled, pumpkin-flavored, yeast doughnut topped with icing and graham cracker crumbs—as well as its frozen Pumpkin Coffee Coolattas. The doughnut chain also brought back its Pumpkin doughnut , Pumpkin Muffin, and pumpkin-flavored coffees and lattes.”
In the fall, they offer some of the nation’s favorite autumn treats. “If Dunkin’ is your preferred coffee spot, fear not, because they have plenty of pumpkin spice options to keep you coming back all season long. Enjoy the flavors of pumpkin spice in doughnut form with a Pumpkin doughnut or their Pumpkin Munchkin doughnut Holes, or try sipping on a Nutty Pumpkin Coffee, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, or their Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte. And the fun doesn’t stop there, because they also sell Pumpkin Muffins topped with a sweet streusel and white icing,” exclaims All Recipes.
3. Dairy Queen Pumpkin Pie Blizzard
Dairy Queen might not be the first place that comes to mind when it’s time for a fall treat, but the flavor of the pumpkin pie blizzard has earned many positive reviews from our sources. This creamy delight is packed with flavor and add-ins. Delish comments, “Dairy Queen’s Pumpkin Pie Blizzard is kind of a big deal. So much so that it holds the title of Blizzard of the Month for two consecutive months (September and October)—and you can even enjoy the treat as a Blizzard Cake.”
You can only get this delicious treat at select times of year. “Back only for a limited time, the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard embodies everything that is autumn. And folks, we’re not talking pumpkin pie flavor here. We’re talking actual pumpkin pie, which they add in chunks to their thick ‘n’ rich, classic DQ soft serve. It’s all hand-blended together and capped with a dollop of delicious, whipped topping. Then they sprinkle it with nutmeg and serve it upside down to show you just how thick it is. Some say the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard is even better than your mom’s pumpkin pie, but we’ll let you be the judge of that,” adds Fast Food Menu Prices.
According to Spoon University, “Dairy Queen’s Blizzard of the Month for September [and October] is the fan-favorite Pumpkin Pie Blizzard! Just in time for the first day of fall, DQ is serving up Blizzard treats made with their world-famous soft serve with real pumpkin pie pieces, garnished with whipped topping and nutmeg.”
4. Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Swirl Doughnut
When the hot doughnut sign lights up, folks line up for these fantastic fall treats. Few things are better than a fresh Krispy Kreme doughnut with a hot coffee on a cold autumn morning. People claims, “The doughnut chain brought back its old-fashioned, glazed pumpkin spice cake doughnut , as well as the pumpkin spice original glazed doughnut. For new offerings, a pumpkin spice cheesecake swirl doughnut and pumpkin spice maple pecan doughnut can satisfy a customer’s sweet tooth.”
There are a few items on their menu that are similar. Franchise Wire relates, “In addition to its pumpkin spice original glazed doughnut and pumpkin spice cake doughnut, Krispy Kreme is releasing the new pumpkin spice maple pecan doughnut and pumpkin spice cheesecake swirl doughnut. To top it off, Krispy Kreme’s pumpkin spice coffee and pumpkin spice latte are also on the menu.”
When can you grab this? “In early September, Krispy Kreme rolled out its traditional Pumpkin Spice Doughnut and Pumpkin Spice Latte, and also unveiled a new [Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Swirl Doughnut]. In fact, Krispy Kreme teased the two seasonal doughnuts on its Pinterest page two weeks before the items were available in stores,” reviews QSR Magazine.
5. IHOP Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
IHOP serves up a more substantial meal for eager eaters. People explains, “Nothing satisfies a brisk fall morning like a pumpkin-packed breakfast. The pancake spot offers a pumpkin spice pancake combo—which comes with eggs, hash browns and breakfast meat—that customers can wash down with a pumpkin spice cold foam cold brew.”
Stacks and stacks of fluffy pancakes are served up with copious amounts of gloriously sticky syrup. Pure Wow adds, “Some companies use ‘pumpkin spice’ as an excuse to add some cinnamon and nutmeg to their standard recipes and call it a day. Not so at IHOP; this alarmingly fluffy shortstack contains real pumpkin, in addition to that fall-famous spice blend.”
Franchise Wire also mentions, “IHOP is launching its pumpkin spice menu starting August 28 at participating locations. In addition to the brand’s signature pumpkin spice pancakes, its seasonal menu includes a pumpkin spice cold foam cold brew.”
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Sources:
- Delish
- Franchise Wire
- Spoon University
- Pure Wow
- Taste of Home
- Fast Food Menu Prices
- People
- All Recipies
- Sweety High
- QSR Magazine
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.