Dunkin’ has beaten Starbucks to pumpkin spice again this year, confirming its comeback before Starbucks made a move. The doughnut chain teased its return through a slow Instagram countdown, building anticipation with every new post before Starbucks answered days later. Fans barely paused on the pumpkin news, though, more curious about a completely different fall favorite that has nothing to do with lattes.
Dunkin’s Spider Donut, the Halloween treat that first showed up in 2017, is what actually has fans talking this year. It got its own online persona, Spidey D, in October 2024.
When Dunkin’ posted its pumpkin teaser, commenters skipped past the pumpkin talk entirely to ask when Spidey D would show up too. Regular customers track every seasonal reveal closely, sometimes caring more about what’s missing than what’s already confirmed.
Starbucks Needed Six Days to Catch Up
Starbucks confirmed its own return a day after Dunkin’ did, setting the Pumpkin Spice Latte’s comeback for Aug. 25. Dunkin’ has usually launched first in recent years, though the exact gap between the two chains changes from year to year.
Dunkin’ Keeps Launching Early Each Fall
Dunkin’ has offered its pumpkin flavor swirl since 2007, and its Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, introduced in 2020, is still the centerpiece of a lineup the chain has not fully detailed yet this year. What is confirmed is the date, set for Aug. 19.
Dunkin’ has launched in mid-to-late August for several years running, with dates spanning much of the month. Last year’s return included a new lineup featuring the Cereal N’ Milk Latte, so a similarly full menu for 2026 would fit the chain’s recent habit, even though only the date has been confirmed so far.
Here’s What Starbucks Is Adding This Year
Starbucks is not just bringing back the Pumpkin Spice Latte on Aug. 25. The chain is adding the Chaider, a chai and cider hybrid available hot or iced, plus a handful of new pumpkin drinks:
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso
- Pumpkin Spice Chai
- Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha
- Returning favorites like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
Starbucks is also launching a PSL Society merchandise collection built around drinkware and a hat for its most devoted customers. The Pumpkin Spice Latte first showed up in 2003, and Starbucks still has no plans to sell it year-round, calling it the drink that defines the fall season instead.
Mark your calendar for Aug. 19 if you’re loyal to Dunkin’, or Aug. 25 if the PSL is non-negotiable. Either way, pumpkin season is almost here, and Spider Donut fans will just have to keep refreshing Instagram for their answer.