It’s pumpkin spice season — the beloved PSL is back. Chains like Starbucks, Panera and Krispy Kreme, along with many neighborhood cafés, are serving the autumn staple.
And fans are obsessive.
Just how much do we love all things pumpkin? Pumpkin-flavored items — from muffins and pancakes to lattes — generate about $500 million annually.
Although skipping specialty coffee treats is often suggested as an easy way to cut costs, you don’t have to forgo this seasonal ritual to stick to a budget. Here are practical tips for enjoying pumpkin spice lattes all season without overspending.
Ways to Cut Costs on Pumpkin Spice Lattes
1. Enroll in Starbucks Rewards
Sign up for Starbucks Rewards to start earning complimentary drinks — including pumpkin lattes. You earn one star for each dollar spent, and at 150 stars you can redeem them for a free PSL or any handcrafted beverage you prefer.
That might sound like a fair amount to spend to reach a reward, but it’s surprisingly easy to accumulate purchases at Starbucks without thinking. Extra espresso shots, added syrups and a morning pastry all add up. You can even cover friends’ orders and have them Venmo you or reimburse you in cash to help reach rewards faster.
The program also includes other benefits, like no-cost refills on brewed coffee and tea.
2. Purchase Discounted Starbucks Gift Cards
Markets such as Raise or Gift Card Granny often sell gift cards for below face value. Buying a reduced-price card stretches your coffee budget and effectively gives you more buying power wherever pumpkin lattes are sold.
3. Sign Up for My Panera
Panera also runs a loyalty program. Join My Panera for discounts and rewards, which can include a complimentary pumpkin spice drink.
4. Join Krispy Kreme Rewards
Krispy Kreme’s rewards scheme turns spending into treats. Visit Krispy Kreme Rewards to receive a free donut upon joining, and after roughly a dozen qualifying purchases you can earn a free pumpkin spice latte.
5. Use Your Fall Birthday
If you’re part of Starbucks Rewards, you qualify for a free beverage on your birthday. Consider treating yourself to a pumpkin spice latte then.
Many independent cafés and chains also provide complimentary birthday drinks. If your birthday falls during pumpkin season, be sure to ask about freebies.
6. Brew Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte
You can relish a pumpkin spice latte anytime by making your own. Try this DIY recipe from Farmgirl Gourmet. It yields two 10-ounce lattes, so you can share or save one for later.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons canned (or homemade) pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup strong coffee or espresso
- whipped cream
Method:
Combine milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Heat until it’s nearly boiling — don’t let it reach a full boil or it may thicken too much. Stir continuously; within about a minute it should begin to froth.
Divide the mixture between two mugs, then gently pour the strong coffee or espresso in along the rim so the milk remains frothy. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, then enjoy your homemade latte.
7. Whip Up Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
This easy Delish recipe uses five ingredients and makes about 1 3/4 cups of pumpkin spice creamer to flavor your coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
Method:
Whisk the heavy cream or half-and-half with pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add one or two cinnamon sticks and raise the heat until it reaches a gentle boil, whisking now and then.
After about a minute, remove from heat and allow it to cool for roughly five minutes before stirring into your coffee.
Delish notes the creamer will keep in the fridge for up to a week — shake well before each use.
Monica Hale is a former contributor to Savinly.
Contributor Olivia Reed is an experienced newspaper reporter and editor who writes about lifestyle topics, workplace trends and personal finance for Savinly Readers. She is the author of “Rules for the Southern Rulebreaker: Missteps and Lessons Learned.”
