I know I'm not alone in saying how excited I was for fall because it meant the return of pumpkin flavoring in our favorite coffee chains. A lot of people (myself included) go crazy for pumpkin spice! I wouldn't call myself a food critic, but I have opinions on both Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts because I've had products from both places. Maybe after reading this you'll have a new favorite coffee place that you didn't have before.
Starbucks has a decent selection of tasty treats for the fall season such as their scones and their famous cake pops. The cake pops are delicious, but I have yet to indulge with a scone. I'll keep it in mind the next time I go to Starbucks. Something I did particularly enjoy was the pumpkin muffin filled with cream cheese. The taste reminded me of my aunt's pumpkin roll (my favorite dessert on the planet), and I highly recommend trying it, it'll be worth your while!
When it comes to sweet treats, Dunkin' is known for its donuts. It's in the name, people! While all of the donuts served here are delicious, I definitely have to declare pumpkin as my favorite. The pumpkin donuts and munchkins are impossible for me to eat slowly. As much as I'd love to savor the sweet taste of the pumpkin spice, I find myself eating the treats quite quickly. I'm also a total sucker for Dunkin's pumpkin muffins. They're easily my favorite way to treat myself during the fall season. Even though the top of the muffin is the part glazed with icing and sugar, the bottom is just as delicious. And though I did enjoy the variation of this muffin from Starbucks, I still have to claim Dunkin' as my favorite. I do suggest that they try putting cream cheese filling in their muffins, though. They would taste incredible! Dunkin' also has apple cider flavored donuts and munchkins that are absolutely to die for!
As far as coffee goes, the pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks is extremely popular at this time of year. However, everyone has different tastes. For my pumpkin flavored drinks, I stick to Dunkin' Donuts. I think the pumpkin flavor is more prominent in their coffee compared to that of Starbucks. My order of choice is a pumpkin coffee, either hot or iced. It might just be my particular preference, but I think lattes sort of taste like cardboard. That goes for all lattes, no matter where they're from. I'm not slandering Starbucks in any way, I just don't really like lattes!
So which chain would I recommend? Considering everything, I think I have to stick with Dunkin' Donuts. I go there every morning before class to start my day, and it's kinder to my bank account than daily Starbucks would be. Dunkin's prices are cheaper overall, and that's ideal for college students (am I right?). I might be a little biased, but I think their fall flavors taste a little bit better too. I'm not saying that I hate Starbucks or telling you to stop going there, but I'm an advocate for Dunkin' Donuts!
Choose wisely, and happy fall!