Since the iconic beauty guru era of 2016, Starbucks has become as synonymous with fall as the changing colors of the leaves, the sudden drop in the temperature, and the careful selection of each year’s Halloween costume. People across the country begin anticipating the launch of the annual Starbucks fall menu as the calendar changes from August to September, flocking to the Seattle-based coffee chain to order beloved menu items or to create their own autumn bev. But this year, it’s not just the drink options that are taking over my For You Page – it’s the vessel.
What are people ordering?
Creators on TikTok have been trading Starbuck’s iconic siren-bearing cups for mini pumpkins. (Yes, like the kind you would find at your local pumpkin patch.) After detaching the stem of the pumpkin and removing the seeds plus the pulp, coffee and fall enthusiasts have proceeded to request that their caffeine selection be placed inside the nontraditional, albeit seasonal, cup.
The result? An aesthetic coffee innovation that would have probably dominated fall Tumblr a decade ago and will likely dominate your Instagram feed in the upcoming weeks. Combining the vibrancy of the bright orange pumpkin with the richness of the white whipped cream, the beverage is certainly an eye-catching way to get your coffee fix.
What is Starbucks saying?
While Starbucks itself has shown support in the comment sections of various TikToks, not every location is getting behind the trend. This is not surprising when considering the coffee chain’s reusable cup policy. In a January 2024 press release, Starbucks said, “Customers at all company-operated and participating licensed Starbucks Stores across the U.S. and Canada can use their clean personal cup when ordering in café, in the drive-thru or when ordering ahead with the Starbucks app.”
Using a literal plant as a cup certainly matches the vibe of Starbuck’s eco-friendly principles, but the coffee chain emphasizes in its statement that sanitation is a key factor. If a barista does not feel like the pumpkin meets these sanitation standards, they may opt to make your beverage in a normal cup. However, this has not stopped some users from simply transferring their latte into their pumpkin.
What drinks are people ordering to put in their pumpkin cup?
It doesn’t take a fall-obsessed detective to see that many of the coffee enthusiasts participating in the trend are ordering the classic pumpkin spice latte to fill their gourd. However, perhaps the flavors of the pumpkin would complement the subtle autumnal notes of the Iced Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte and the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. That being said, the creative minds that inspired the trend and spurred its dissemination must determine their favorite pairings for themselves.
It’s worth noting that every individual who participates in the trend must research the risks of consuming any raw foods for themselves. If you aren’t keen on the crude nature of the cup but are onboard with the subtle theme of sustainability, consider bringing your own pumpkin mug next time you head to Starbies.