A Very Brief History Of The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Very Brief History Of The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)

Yeah it's more than a month till Halloween, but embrace it.

83
A Very Brief History Of The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)
Flickr

It's here, it's finally here...fall 2016! Time for cozy sweaters, dark beautiful lip colors, and everyone's favorite drink of choice, the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. Being an autumn lover myself, I have at least five of these gorgeous drinks weekly. The orange of the pumpkin syrup, brown espresso shots, and white milk make for the perfect fall ombre accessory to any outfit. But do you know where your favorite fall drink came from? How this million dollar idea became a reality? How much of this beverage the US alone consumes per year? Read on fellow pumpkin-philes, because this article is for you!

1. January 2003: Development Begins

Peter Dukes, the Starbucks' director of espressos in America, noticed that the chain's seasonal drinks at the time (Peppermint Mocha and Eggnog Latte) were the most popular during the year. Wanting to add to the menu, Dukes and developers presented consumers with 10 new drink options, with testers voting on their favorite. Surprisingly, Pumpkin Spice came in last, although it was commended for straying away from the typical chocolate and caramel options.

2. Fall 2003: The Big Premiere

After some more tests and spice added to the recipe, the PSL debuted in Vancouver and Washington D.C. Starbucks locations were met with overwhelming positivity. Initially, Starbucks could not keep up with the demand of the drink and by the next year it became a staple for the oncoming fall season.

3. 2008-2012: Sales Increase

Because of rising popularity and notice, sales of the Pumpkin Spice Latte increased 234 percent resulting in the sale of over 200 million individual drinks.

4. 2015: Time For a Change

Starbucks reformulated their pumpkin sauce to remove any artificial coloring and add actual pumpkin puree. In case you were wondering, here are all the ingredients: Milk, Pumpkin Spice Sauce [Sugar, Condensed Skim Milk, Pumpkin Puree, Contains 2% Or Less Of Fruit And Vegetable Juice For Color, Natural Flavors, Annatto, Salt, Potassium Sorbate], Brewed Espresso, Whipped Cream , Vanilla Syrup (Sugar, Water, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid)], Pumpkin Spice Topping [Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Clove, Sulfiting Agents].

5. 2016: #PSL

Pumpkin Spice isn't just a drink, it's a movement. Nearly every food product has a pumpkin variety come fall, from Oreos to Cheerios to clothing to whatever you can find. This drink started a consumer revolution, but there is nothing like an original Pumpkin Spice Latte.

What are you waiting for? Go out and get your PSL!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

67852
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

43549
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

968495
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments