Pumpkin Spice Latte tier list

Riley Gunn and Christopher Bacon • September 16, 2025

For a few months every year the leaves turn orange, the night comes earlier and we start saying “hot please” when ordering our lattes. Fall, which begins on Sept. 22 this year, brings the coziest vibes with scarves and UGG’s making their way out of the closet. However, there is one component that defines the season, usually arriving just before the season starts: the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL).

The PSL is a staple for the fall season that leaves everyone raving. Pioneered by Starbucks in 2003, this classic latte with an addition of pumpkin spice flavoring has become an international success and fan favorite in coffee shops.

With people eagerly awaiting the release of fall menus, we took it upon ourselves to try our favorite local coffee shops, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, Better Buzz, Achilles Coffee and Sidecar Donuts and Coffee’s versions of the acclaimed PSL. In true Californian fashion, we focused on the iced PSL to cool us through San Diego’s unconventionally warm fall.

Starbucks

What better place to start off our journey than at the roots of the drink itself? Starting in the fall of 2003, the PSL was tested at various Starbucks around Washington D.C. and Vancouver before it quickly became a success. Setting high standards, Starbuck’s PSL was hard to top. Located in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Starbuck’s fan favorite “Pumpkin Spice Latte,” came in four different sizes: tall, grande, venti and trenta. The iced grande was priced at a reasonable $7.25. The perfect blend of a rich yet comforting pumpkin fit the drink like a missing puzzle piece as it coincided with the espresso and warm spices — cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. The pumpkin notes were sweet but not overpowering.

Rating: 5/5

Peet’s Coffee

Next, we went to sunny Solana Beach for Peet’s coffee. Peet’s offers a small (8oz), medium (12oz), large (18oz) iced or warm PSL. Peet’s calls their version of the PSL a “Pumpkin Latte” but uses the same seasonal branding as Starbucks. W. We ordered essentially the same thing, a large iced Pumpkin Latte priced at $6.85. The Pumpkin Latte had a strong taste of coffee and pumpkin awkwardly blended together. It wasIt was bitter, and slightly sweet; the combination of the coffee and pumpkin flavoring was not as cohesive. Additionally, it was a bit heavy on the stomach and had a thicker consistency which made for a slow drinking experience. However, the fall vibes were still there, and not too far off from Starbucks.

Rating: 4/5

Better Buzz

Down the coastline in Del Mar, Better Buzz offers a regular (12oz) and large (16oz) sized PSL, priced at $6.59 and $7.59 . Following our previous pattern, we ordered a large, and found that the coffee and pumpkin spice flavors were lacking. For a nearly eight dollar drink, the quality did not stand out, as it seemed to be an overly-milky latte with far too much sweetness. For one of the most expensive and smallest drinks on this list, it was quite disappointing. However you may quite enjoy this drink if you have a sweet tooth.

Rating: 3/5

Achilles Coffee

Next is a newer addition to Carmel Valley, Achilles Coffee. Achilles’ PSL is also offered at a regular (12oz) and large (16oz) size, at $6.25 and a whopping $8.00. Starting off, there was so much ice that the drink was watered down before the barista brought it out.. And with the lack of pumpkin flavor, it had an almost savory taste, which did not pair well with milk and coffee. The PSL at Achilles made sure we would not come back.

Rating: 2/5

Sidecar Donuts and Coffee

Finally, circling right back to the Del Mar Highlands Town Center, we ended our trip at Sidecar Donuts and Coffee. Going for $6.50, it was ultimately not worth it. Among their assortment of delicious and sweet donuts there, the PSL strayed far from the palatability of the rest of their menu. With a bitter taste, we wouldn’t be surprised if they admitted to forgetting the pumpkin flavoring entirely. Although it ended up being the worst PSL we tried, it was not a bad coffee. It was just nowhere near the fall vibe that we were waiting for all year. Also, the ratio of ice to actual drink was embarrassing — 5 sips and it was gone. If you are looking for that comforting autumn feel, you are better off just grabbing a donut at Sidecar.

Rating: 1/5

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About the Contributors

Riley Gunn, Staff Writer

Sophomore Riley Gunn eagerly enters her first year on the Falconer as a writer on staff after absolutely loving beginning Journalism her freshman year. Gunn has always shared a passion for writing and is very excited to express her skills in a journalistic manner. Outside her writing pursuits Gunn enjoys spending time with her Boston terrier Lily, whether it’s a leisurely walk around the neighborhood or just cuddling with her on the couch, Lily is always a source of joy. As for extracurriculars, Gunn participates in the global competition Future Problem Solving International, where she writes and competes at the international conference academically. Along with academics Gunn hones her skills on Torrey Pines tennis team. When she has free time she enjoys the beach and spending time with her friends. She also loves to read and is always looking for new books to add to her collection. In addition to all of this, Gunn is a dedicated student and always strives to do her best in school and is looking forward to the coming years on the Torrey Pines Falconer.

Christopher Bacon, Staff Writer

As Christopher Bacon enters his sophomore year, he is more than excited to dive into the abundance of learning and experiences that the Falconer entails. Beginning his first year on the newspaper as a staff writer, Bacon provides a creative and fresh perspective as he continues his passion for writing. This previous summer, Bacon attended The School of the New York Times, taking lessons and lectures from many journalists at the time, immersing himself in his New York Culture and journalism. He is the 2025 District Champion in Sparring for ATA, and when he is not in the studio training, he is out with friends, reading a good book, or enjoying a nice show. Ready to become a better writer and overcome the challenges that assist that, Bacon is thrilled to soar with the award-winning Falconer.