As the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn, pumpkin spice lattes (PSLs) return to menus, signaling the start of fall even before it feels like it. From cozy, small-town shops to national chains, each café has its own take on the seasonal favorite — and in Starkville, competition is brewing. I sampled pumpkin spice lattes from local coffee spots and Starbucks to see how they stacked up.
Dolce
Dolce earned the top spot with a latte that struck the ideal balance of pumpkin, spice and espresso. The flavor was smooth, warming and not overly sweet. The syrups used blended perfectly together as well.
Lillian Smith, shift manager and social media manager at Dolce, spoke about what makes their coffee stand out from others.
“Our pumpkin spice lattes stand out because we get our beans from Counter Culture Coffee, which not only prioritizes high quality but also uses ethical and sustainable practices,” Smith said. “Not only do our coffee beans taste good, but our syrup is especially good. It is smoother, richer and more flavorful than larger corporations’ syrups.”
Smith, a senior in the International Business program at Mississippi State University, also shared her opinions on the concept of seasonal drinks.
“They [pumpkin spice lattes] are a seasonal drink just like any other,” Smith said. “People love apple cider, eggnog, peppermint mochas and lemonade whenever those drinks are in season, and each of those is a symbol of the season they are most enjoyed in.”
Umble Coffee
According to Addie Peeples, a barista at Umble Coffee and sophomore business administration student at MSU, the PSL is not just a drink — it is a seasonal tradition.
“I’ve been drinking the pumpkin spice latte every day. Definitely for the taste, but it adds to the aesthetic of fall, too,” Peeples said.
When asked why she feels like the pumpkin spice latte is a fall tradition, she added that the latte helps welcome the season. After tasting Umble’s latte, I can agree with her perspective. Their coffee will definitely put you in the fall mood. They do an excellent job at balancing pumpkin, spice and everything nice.
While Peeples loves the pumpkin spice latte, she admits she is partial to her own creation called the frosted pumpkin, which has pumpkin spice and white chocolate.
Umble also offers unique fall flavors like the “Gilmore Girls Latte”, made with sweet potato, maple and hazelnut syrups. Peeples added that their PSL stands out among the rest because it is made with love.
Strange Brew
For those who like their drinks on the sweeter side, Strange Brew delivers as well. Their pumpkin spice latte leans more toward dessert than coffee, with caramel adding an extra layer of richness. I personally like more of a coffee flavor to come through, which is why it is ranked in third place. However, if you like your coffee on the sweeter side, this one is perfect for you.
Coffee Depot
On the other hand, at Coffee Depot, the espresso is the most noticeable flavor. The pumpkin spice is subtle, making this latte ideal for coffee lovers who want just a hint of seasonal flair. However, since the flavor was muted, it left some flavor to be desired. Between that and the strong espresso flavor, this latte is ranked in fourth place.
Starbucks
Starbucks may have introduced the pumpkin spice latte to the world, but to me, the flavor does not stand out. The coffee overpowered the pumpkin, but not in a good way. The coffee flavor that comes through tastes burnt and bitter, earning their latte the fifth place ranking.
High Ground
Last, High Ground’s version also leaned heavily into espresso, tasting more like a mocha than a pumpkin spice latte. The coffee flavor overpowered the seasonal notes, leaving pumpkin fans wanting more. That is why I unfortunately have to place this drink in last place.
Though Arepas does not serve a pumpkin spice latte, their seasonal chai deserves recognition. It is definitely a standout option for non-PSL drinkers who still want to celebrate fall.
While Starbucks may have made the pumpkin spice latte a national trend, it is the small-town coffee shops that bring the most flavor — and heart — to the seasonal tradition. Whether you are chasing bold coffee or cozy sweetness, local cafés prove there is more than one way to taste fall in a cup.
