Fall is finally here in Gainesville (yay!), and with it comes the highly anticipated seasonal menus from both Dunkin’ and Starbucks. Both brands have built a cult following for their pumpkin-flavored drinks, but which coffee shop deserves your extra five dollars? I taste-tested drinks and bakery items off the fall menu from both spots to compare flavor, price, and overall fall vibe.
Bakery Items
Both Dunkin’ and Starbucks offer their take on the classic pumpkin muffin. Unfortunetly for Dunkin, the difference in presentation is evident. Dunkin’s muffin, complete with generic white icing, looks more like a mass-produced product than a homemade treat. In contrast, Starbucks’ muffin has a richer, more natural appearance, giving it that freshly baked, homey vibe.
Pumpkin Muffin
Starbucks Pumpkin Muffin ($3.95):
Starbucks’ version is a decadent, bakery-style muffin with cream cheese filling. It’s perfectly moist, with strong pumpkin and spice flavors. The cream cheese center adds a rich creaminess, and the portion size is solid. It’s definitely a more indulgent option.
Dunkin’ Pumpkin Muffin ($2.49):
Dunkin’s muffin is surprisingly just as satisfying. There’s no cream cheese center, but it’s less sweet and has a fluffier, cakey texture. The pumpkin flavor is slightly more subtle, making it a great option if you’re not in the mood for something super rich. It also gives off a fall vibe without being overwhelming with spices.
Winner: Starbucks
Though it’s pricier, Starbucks’ muffin feels like a fall treat that’s worth splurging on, especially with the added cream cheese. Be sure to ask for it warmed up—it’s so much better that way. If you’re looking for a more affordable snack, Dunkin’ still gets the job done.
Beverages
While bakery items are a nice side, it’s the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte that has people flocking to coffee shops as soon as the leaves change color.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew vs. Nutty Pumpkin Iced Coffee
Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew ($5.45):
This drink combines the bold taste of cold brew with a sweet and creamy pumpkin cold foam. The pumpkin flavor is subtle, and the cold foam adds a frothy sweetness without overpowering the coffee. It’s refreshing and not too heavy, making it perfect for warm fall days in Florida. The only downside is that it doesn’t scream “fall.” Honestly, if I were blindfolded, I wouldn’t guess this drink was pumpkin-flavored.
Dunkin’ Nutty Pumpkin Iced Coffee ($3.79):
Dunkin’ takes a different approach by adding hazelnut syrup to its pumpkin iced coffee. The hazelnut adds an interesting twist, though it can be a bit much for pumpkin purists. The coffee is lighter and sweeter, and comes at a more budget-friendly price point. My biggest issue with this drink is the lack of a strong coffee flavor—it tastes slightly watered down. It’s not quite “creek water,” as some people call bad Dunkin’ coffee, but it’s close.
Winner: Starbucks
The Nutty Pumpkin Iced Coffee has potential, as hazelnut and pumpkin is a great combo, but the execution wasn’t there. Starbucks’ cold brew is smoother, tastier, and of higher quality overall.
Pumpkin Chai Latte vs. Iced Chai Latte with Pumpkin
Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Latte ($5.45):
Starbucks combines their popular chai with pumpkin syrup, creating a warm, spicy-sweet blend that hits all the right notes! The chai spice is bold, though the drink does lean sweet. It’s lovely brown shade is topped with cinnamon cold foam, adding extra warmth. This drink is definitely a treat and had me wanting to binge-watch Gilmore Girls and feel all the fall vibes!
Dunkin’ Iced Chai Latte with Pumpkin ($3.99):
Dunkin’s version is equally sweet but in a more in-your-face way. Despite the drink’s white appearance, the chai flavor comes through strong, pleasantly surprising me. It’s less creamy than expected and feels like a fall dessert in beverage form. I was shocked by how much I thoroughly enjoyed this drink.
Winner: Dunkin’
Dunkin’ edges out Starbucks in this chai showdown for one reason: value. While both drinks deliver a solid fall-flavor punch, Dunkin’s iced chai manages to pack in strong chai and pumpkin flavors without being too heavy—and at a much more affordable price. At just $3.99, it feels like a true seasonal treat without breaking the bank. You honestly can’t go wrong with either chai, but Dunkin takes the win.
Pecan Oatmilk Latte
Both Dunkin’ and Starbucks added pecan oatmilk lattes to their fall menus, but the execution varies wildly between the two.
Starbucks Pecan Oatmilk Latte ($6.25):
Starbucks’ latte features a nutty, roasted pecan flavor with a hint of maple. The oatmilk adds a creamy texture, and the drink has a lovely balance of nutty sweetness and coffee depth. However, at $6.25, it’s definitely on the pricey side.
Dunkin’ Pecan Oatmilk Latte ($4.29):
Dunkin’s version is much more affordable, but while the pecan flavor is there, it’s not as rich or well-developed as Starbucks’. The sweetness feels more artificial, and the overall drink is a bit thinner. It’s still good, but it doesn’t quite compare in terms of flavor complexity.
Winner: Starbucks
While Dunkin’s Pecan Oatmilk Latte is much cheaper, Starbucks’ version delivers a more luxurious, balanced flavor. If you’re willing to splurge, it’s the better choice. Honestly, this flavor felt more Christmas-y than fall and fell flat in my opinion. I wouldn’t get either drink again.
Ultimate Fall Menu Champion
When it comes to fall favorites, both Dunkin’ and Starbucks have great things to offer. Dunkin’ is the budget-friendly choice, with more creative twists on pumpkin drinks at lower prices. Starbucks, on the other hand, delivers richer, more indulgent flavors but at a higher cost. The presentation of Starbucks drinks is also better. Ultimately, it comes down to your mood and budget!
