A new report from market research firm Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group, reveals an increased consumer appetite for specialty coffee, teas, and donuts as many employees return to the office post-pandemic. 

The data highlights a 4% upswing in traffic for gourmet coffee and tea quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and a 3% rise for donut quick-service restaurants in September 2023, compared to the same month in 2022. Additionally, case sales by leading broadline distributors for quick-service gourmet coffee and tea operators rose by 15% in September versus the year prior, pointing to elevated consumer demand. 

The rise in popularity of these specialty items is not only reflected in traffic and servings, but also in the expansion of quick-service restaurants selling these gourmet offerings. Unsurprisingly, driving the trend are gourmet coffee and tea shops, which, per Circana, witnessed a surge of 3,500 new locations in March 2023 compared to March 2022 as retailers catered to growing consumer demand. 

“We’re seeing a notable increase in interest in these specialty items as consumers opt for on-the-go beverages and snacks while rediscovering their morning routines,” said David Portalatin, senior vice president and industry advisor, food and foodservice, Circana, in a statement. “With a rising number of employees returning to the office post-pandemic and the fall season, gourmet coffee, tea, and donuts offer a small sense of indulgence and convenience for busy consumers.” 

The analysis from Circana found that specialty coffee segment (which included various flavours and lattes) experienced a 4% rise in popularity in September compared to the same month last year, emphasising consumers’ desire for new and unique taste experiences. Nearly half of all gourmet coffee, tea, and donut consumers (47%) purchased a pumpkin-flavoured coffee in September, highlighting the pivotal role of seasonal, limited-time offers in capturing consumer attention and loyalty. 

The pumpkin spice latte has become a staple on coffee shop menus around the world and spurred many other pumpkin spice beverages. Fans crave the limited-edition autumnal flavour so much that rather than debut in the fall, pumpkin spice beverages hit coffee shops, cafés and QSRs in August, and the release date seems to move up each year. (See Pumpkin spice and everything nice…). 

The report noted that energy drink purchases are also on the rise, with many consumers looking for a pick-me-up as they readjust to their daily routines. Servings of energy drinks at quick-service coffee and tea restaurants were up 55% for the three months ending in September, compared to the same time period last year. 

Circana’s quick-service restaurant insights unveil shifting consumer preferences, which is good news for foodservice operators in all segments (coffee shops, cafés, QSRs, etc), many of which are still struggling to rebound post-Covid. The transition from ‘fall flavour’ to ‘holiday flavour’ beverages began in early November with returning favourites like peppermint mochas, sugar cookie or eggnog lattes and gingerbread chais debuting on menus. In January, many foodservice outlets will switch to their ‘winter beverage offerings’, which tend to boast various turmeric and cardamom coffee and tea drinks. I am curious to learn if this ‘specialty beverage in the morning’ trend – all of which are higher ticket items – will continue through the holidays and into the new year. 

All this talk about specialty limited edition beverages has me jonesing for a festive coffee, but which one to try… 

• Vanessa L Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
  Keep in touch via email: vanessa@bellpublishing.com Twitter: @TCTradeJournal or LinkedIn: Tea & Coffee Trade Journal

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“Every year, we can practically feel the buzz around our pumpkin lineup,” said Jill McVicar Nelson, chief marketing officer at Dunkin’. “It’s truly amazing to see our fans light up for this cherished flavour. Catching their excitement both on social media and in our restaurants underscores how much Dunkin’ and the fall season go hand in hand. As the pumpkin spice season embodies Dunkin’s vibrant spirit, we’re all in – splashing our signature shade of orange everywhere we can.”

Dunkin’s Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte is back, available iced or hot, this latte features notes of pumpkin, vanilla and fall spices. It’s blended with espresso and milk, then topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

The Nutty Pumpkin Coffee, also make a return, combining Dunkin’s Original Blend Iced or Hot Coffee with pumpkin, cream and hazelnut.

The Pumpkin Swirl stands as Dunkin’s most sought-after flavour. As the secret ingredient underpinning the brand’s fall beverage line-up, guests can customise their favorite drinks by adding the swirl to hot or iced coffee, espresso drinks, cold brew or frozen coffee.

And for at home, Dunkin’s Pumpkin K-Cup Pods make their return, featuring a blend of pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon flavours. The K-Cup pods are available for a limited time at participating Dunkin’ locations.

Dunkin’ also marks the return of its bakery and food range to complement the autumnal beverages, such as donuts, muffins, and bacon sandwiches. Last year’s collaboration with Grahams crackers to produce Goldfish Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Grahams, will also see a return to grocery stores, with an SRP of USD $3.69.

The company will also be opening up exclusive offers for its reward members from 1 September, including Free Coffee Mondays, free hasbrowns, or a USD $3 hot or iced latte.

To stay updated on the latest happenings at Dunkin’, visit DunkinDonuts.com or subscribe to the Dunkin’ blog to receive notifications at news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.

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Starbucks Coffee launched the pumpkin spice latte – aka ‘PSL’ – in 2003. According to Starbucks, following the peppermint mocha, which was introduced the winter before and was its first ‘blockbuster seasonal beverage’, the company was looking for its first autumn limited-edition beverage. Starbucks noted that when Peter Dukes, (who was heading Starbucks espresso beverages at the time) and his team asked potential customers what flavours they were likely to purchase in a written survey, chocolate and caramel beverages consistently performed the best but pumpkin scored high on ‘uniqueness’.

The beverage creation process started by first sampling pumpkin pies and sipping espresso, and then the experiments began. From there the pumpkin spice latte was born.

In the fall of 2003, Starbucks tested the PSL in about 100 stores in Washington, DC and Vancouver, Canada. The next fall, the PSL rolled out to Starbucks stores across the US and Canada. Starbucks was apparently not completely convinced the PSL would be successful and considered changing over the next few years for something new. However, Dukes and him team realised they had a hit when Facebook and Twitter arrived in 2006, and “customers began sharing their love for PSL” on social media with their family and friends; and the coffee culture was inevitably changed.

These days, PSLs are ubiquitous on coffee shop menus around the world – e.g., Dunkin’s pumpkin spice signature latte and its nutty pumpkin coffee, Peet’s Coffee’s pumpkin latte, PJ’s Coffee’s pumpkin sweet cold foam – and the offerings have been continually upgraded and expanded. Since 2015, Starbucks’ PSL pumpkin sauce has included real pumpkin puree, made from kabocha pumpkins. Pumpkin spice K-Cups and teas (loose leaf and tea bags) from leading brands are now available in grocery stores, mass retailers and online.

Of course, given the popularity of cold brew coffee, Starbucks introduced Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew a couple of years ago and many others followed suit (such as Dunkin’s pumpkin cream cold brew and Peet’s pumpkin oat foam cold brew to name just a couple). And in response to a TikTok craze last year, new to Starbucks’ fall menu this year is the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. Peet’s also offers a pumpkin chai, served hot or cold. (Check out our Main News section to see which brands have already launched their pumpkin spice beverage items.)

While I enjoy pumpkin spice-flavoured foods, I have never liked any pumpkin spice latte — too sweet and too filling. But I did try a cold brew version, and I admit that I quite enjoyed it because I found it to be less sweet and not as heavy as a latte.

Other autumn flavours have started appearing on coffee shop’s limited-edition menus such as apple and maple (like Costa Coffee’s maple hazel latte) but they have not yet hit the iconic status of the pumpkin spice latte. Maybe soon there will be a new beverage to challenge it, but for now fans can savour PSL season while it lasts.

• Vanessa L Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
  Keep in touch via email: vanessa@bellpublishing.com Twitter: @TCTradeJournal or LinkedIn: Tea & Coffee Trade Journal

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The study finds that the pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has the equivalent of 12 teaspoons of sugar, the same amount as five Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnuts or two Mars bars.

Many coffee consumers eagerly await seasonal coffee beverages, especially pumpkin spice. However, they do not always look at the amount of sugar, fat and calories present in these seasonal drinks. The stats highlight that Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte has double the amount of sugar (50g) when compared with Pret a Manger’s pumpkin spice latte (23g).

The findings, collated by UK dental supplier Kent Express, found that Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte contains a third of a healthy adult’s daily sugar intake, almost double recommended intake recommended by the National Health Service, which is 30g of free sugar a day. By having a ‘PSL,’ a coffee drinker could nearly reach their sugar limit with just one coffee.

The survey finds that consumers might avoid a bottle of regular Coke for health reasons but think nothing of autumn coffee due to a lack of labelling. And many consumers often have a coffee with a snack, further escalating the sugar levels.

Pret a Manger’s pumpkin spice latte ranked the lowest for grams of sugar (23g) and for calories (167 calories compared with Starbucks 390 calories).

The survey revealed the amounts of sugar in other popular autumn coffee drinks such as Starbucks’ iced salted maple caramel latte (37g), Greggs’ pumpkin spice latte (28g) and McDonald’s salted caramel latte (25g). Coffee chains like Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero, Dunkin’ or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (all international chains) were not highlighted in this study.

Registered nutritionist Dr Kawther Hashem, Campaign Lead at Action on Sugar, said, “Sugar not only lacks nutritional benefits, but eating (or drinking) too much of it leads to weight gain and raising the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Sugar is also a huge factor in tooth decay. It is therefore shocking that so many coffee chains are still willfully putting their customers’ health at risk despite the [UK] government’s sugar reduction targets for sugary milk drinks in 2018.”

In September, the UK was chosen to lead the new World Health Organisation (WHO) Sugar and Calorie Reduction Network after progress with its domestic sugar-reduction program. Chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, announced the formation of the network, which will work with countries across Europe to reduce sugar and calorie intake.

Recent national dietary surveys show the average Brit (aged 19-64 years) is consuming just over a third more sugar than recommended, at 50 grams per day.

“We’re all getting more aware of our diets, and how they affect our physical and mental health. It’s shocking to discover just how much sugar there is in some seasonal drinks. Around 1 in 3 adults in the UK have signs of tooth decay, which can lead to more serious health problems,” said Chris Moffatt, dental expert at Kent Express. “Everyone enjoys a treat now and again, but we need to keep our wellbeing in mind and consider healthier options. If you do indulge in a sugary drink, try to have it with a meal, use a straw if you can, and drink some water straight afterwards. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and keeping up to date with your dental check-ups is also essential.”

Ravneet Panesar, Nutrition Coach at Neet Nutrition said that there are recommended consumption levels for sugar is because the human body is not designed to ingest large volumes of sugar. “When you consume a high volume of sugar, an insulin response is triggered in your body, higher volumes of sugar cause elevated blood sugar levels. Frequently elevating your blood sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance, which may lead to type 2 diabetes, weight increase, heart disease, tooth decay and some cancers.”

While the authors of the study want coffee chains to reduce sugar and calories, especially in their seasonal promotions, they neglect to mention – or are unaware – that most coffee chains allow consumers to customise their coffee beverages, with both year-round and seasonal offerings. Thus, instead of two pumps of a flavoured syrup, a consumer may request one pump, or even a half.

No sugar does not mean avoiding autumnal flavours altogether — the authors did offer suggestions on how to reduce the amounts of sugar in seasonal beverages:

• Sprinkle regular coffee with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg instead,
• Try spiced pumpkin tea at home,
• Try aromatic chai tea at home (watch out for coffee shop versions with high levels of sugar),
• Check out online recipes for homemade pumpkin spice lattes with no sugar or refined sweeteners, no syrups and real pumpkin.

So, if you are a fan of the PSL, or any ‘sugary seasonal’ coffee beverage, perhaps enjoy in moderation, or at least try customising them!

• Vanessa L Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
  Keep in touch via email: vanessa@bellpublishing.com
  Twitter: @TCTradeJournal or LinkedIn: Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

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Autumn is one of my favourite seasons, but I am not a fan of pumpkin spice coffee or tea. Apparently, I’m in the minority. A new survey from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) found that 54% of Americans are looking forward to pumpkin spice coffee more than ever this year. In fact, recognising this, many brands launched their seasonal pumpkin spice coffees earlier this year than ever before. For example, Dunkin’s pumpkin spice line hit stores 19 August.

GMCR’s Pumpkin Spice Obsession Survey of 2,000 American workers was conducted to gain insight into America’s “obsession” with autumn and pumpkin spice flavour (I’m curious to know if pumpkin spice-flavoured coffees and teas are popular, or even available in other countries or is it just an “American thing”). According to the survey, 1 in 4 respondents are consuming more pumpkin spice coffee than last year. This year, the GMCR explored just how much the pumpkin spice obsession has grown during the pandemic, and the results revealed that:

• 1 in 3 respondents will stock up on pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin spice donuts, fall scented candles and more;
• 41% say they are brewing more coffee at-home than pre-pandemic, with one-third relying more on their morning coffee routine to get them through the day;
• Men are looking forward to the seasonal flavour trend more than women this year — nearly double the amount of men shared their intention to indulge in the flavour craze, whether it be stocking up on pumpkin spice coffee or donuts (apparently men even ranked “all things pumpkin spice” among the top three things they are looking forward to this fall, alongside football season and the change in weather).

The survey also revealed that “Pumpkin Spice Coffee Superfans” would rather give up alcohol, chocolate and their cell phone before giving up pumpkin spice coffee during the fall season. Furthermore, among these “superfans”:

• 80% say they feel extremely sad when pumpkin spice season ends;
• Nearly 4 out of 5 people wish pumpkin spice coffee was available year round;
• 1 in 4 people expect more than half of their beverage and food consumption to be in seasonal flavours including pumpkin spice, caramel, maple and cinnamon;
• 77% of people who plan to have something pumpkin spice-flavoured this season, expect it to be coffee;
• 7 out of 10 people are planning to have pumpkin spice coffee more than twice a week.

The GMCR survey also found that coffee topped the list of the Top 10 Pumpkin Spice-Flavoured Treats and ranked eighth in creamers, while tea ranked ninth. The full list features:

1. Coffee
2. Cookies
3. Cereal
4. Marshmallows
5. Donuts
6. Yogurt
7. Cream Cheese
8. Coffee Creamer
9. Tea
10. Liquor

Many brands, in addition to rolling out their “PS” line early, also expanded their fall offerings. Peet’s Coffee, for example, unveiled a new Pumpkin Latte at its coffee bars and added a Maple Spice Cold Brew Oat Latte and a Maple Latte. Dunkin’s autumn array includes the new Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte (available hot or iced) and the new Chai Latte, along with returning pumpkin-flavoured coffees. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans fall flavours include a Pumpkin Latte, Golden Latte (which has spiced brown sugar and golden turmeric syrups), Cinnamon Spice Velvet Ice and Numi Tea Shots (featuring organic teas, herbs, fruits, roots, and spices). Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has K-Cups in Pumpkin Spice and Maple Pecan flavours. And these a just a few of the companies offering pumpkin spice and other autumn flavours, either in their coffee shops or grocery/online channels.

So, it seems that for companies wanting to “spice up” sales this season, pumpkin or other fall-themed flavoured coffees and teas are the way to go.

• Vanessa L Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
  Keep in touch via email: vanessa@bellpublishing.com
  Twitter: @TCTradeJournal or LinkedIn: Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.

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“This is one of the most anticipated times of the year for Dunkin’ guests, and we’re excited to make pumpkin favourites available at Dunkin’ restaurants earlier than ever,” said Jill Nelson, vice president, Marketing Strategy at Dunkin’. “This year, we have an especially robust menu of new products with something for everyone – from craveable bakery items to snacks and sandwiches that pair perfectly with our seasonal lattes and coffees. No one does fall flavour better than Dunkin’.”

Dunkin’s autumn array includes a mix of both new and returning menu items, including:

• New Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte: Available hot or iced – combines rich, smooth espresso with pumpkin and vanilla flavours, topped with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar topping.
• New Chai Latte: A sweetened chai tea blend with spices including cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg combined with milk.
• Pumpkin Flavoured Coffees: Dunkin’s pumpkin flavour swirl is available in its hot or iced coffee, Chai Latte, Cold Brew, espresso drinks, frozen coffee and frozen chocolate.

Guests can also take the taste of pumpkin home with Dunkin’s Pumpkin K-Cup pods, available at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a limited time. Additionally, Pumpkin Spice K-Cup pods and packaged coffee will be available in grocery stores and other retailers nationwide for a limited time this season.

For more information, visit: www.DunkinDonuts.com.

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The new Gold Brew poured over ice features an edible lustre dust that produces a gold shimmer “worthy of royalty”.

For home brewing, fall flavours include Pumpkin Spice and Toasted Almond Crème Whole Beans, as well as this season’s Gloria’s Vault selection, Caramel Pecan Roll Whole Beans, available in stores and online.

“For 40 years, we’ve been delivering unique coffee creations made with our flavoured whole beans; there is no limit to our creativity and it’s our job to dream up new flavour combinations that our guests can really get excited about,” said Sam Ferreira, president of Gloria Jean’s Coffees US.

“Along with keeping things fresh and fun, like with our new Toasted Almond Crème Gold Brew, we’re always listening to our fans, ensuring that their favourite Gloria Jean’s flavours throughout the past four decades get the attention they deserve.”

Guests may enjoy Gloria Jean’s Coffees following fall offerings through November 3, 2019:

• Coffee Beverages:
  • Toasted Almond Crème Gold Brew – a cold brew made using Gloria Jean’s Toasted Almond Crème whole beans, with edible gold lustre dust, and finished over ice
  • Madagascar Vanilla Hazelnut Latte – Gloria Jean’s espresso blend with silky milk, and finished with flavours of Madagascan vanilla and hazelnut
  • Madagascar Vanilla Hazelnut Chiller – a creamy, blended beverage of Gloria Jean’s cappuccino featuring flavours of Madagascan vanilla and hazelnut
  • Pumpkin Spice Chiller – an icy blended drink made with Gloria Jean’s pumpkin spice toddy, with white chocolate and vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream and ground cinnamon
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte – Gloria Jean’s pumpkin spice toddy and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and ground cinnamon
• Whole Beans:
  • Pumpkin Spice – a blend of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Toasted Almond Crème – a blend of toasted almonds, with real almond slivers
  • Caramel Pecan Roll (Gloria’s Vault) – a blend of caramel and pecans

Ferreira said: “The fall season is an exciting time for coffee; in most parts of the US, the temperatures are starting to cool down and coffee can be a real comfort. As the originator of flavoured whole beans, we are proud to offer creative brews that our guests cannot find anywhere else and we’re confident they are going to love our delicious fall beverages.”

Additionally, on September 7, 17 and 27, the brand will be hosting Guest Appreciation Days in celebration of Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ 40th anniversary. Guests should visit any Gloria Jean’s Coffees location to receive a Scratch ‘N Win card (no purchase necessary) and scratch the gold circle to reveal a prize to redeem on their next visit. With the chance to win free 12 oz. drip coffees and other prizes, every single card is a winner.

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Peet’s Coffee

Peet’s Coffee has announced its 2019 fall lineup inspired by the harvest season. The handcrafted offerings include the debut of Honey Harvest Latte, as well as the return of Pumpkin Latte, Pumpkin Chai Latte, and the limited-edition Vine & Walnut Blend.

Peet’s fall beverages are  available from 9/4/2019 to 11/5/2019:

• Honey Harvest Latte: Rich espresso and steamed milk sweetened with a touch of honey and a wisp of subtle smokiness from house-made Lapsang Souchong syrup.
• Pumpkin Latte: a mix of hand-pulled espresso, pumpkin pie flavor, and freshly steamed milk, topped with a dusting of pumpkin pie spices.
• Pumpkin Chai Latte: infused with Mighty Leaf Tea Masala Chai, pumpkin pie flavor, and light spices.
• Vine & Walnut blend: brings together coffees from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sumatra, and Java (available now until 31 October for $19 per pound).

For more information, please visit www.peets.com

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, has launched its fall seasonal menu with new and returning beverages including an all-new, limited-edition Maple Latte and Maple Rooibos Tea Latte. The company has also made the early return of holiday favorite, the Winter Dream Tea Latte, which previously was only available during the winter months.

The sweet and savory Maple Latte and Maple Rooibos Tea Latte are available until October 31.

• Maple Latte & Ice Blended drink: Espresso, lightly sweetened with maple sauce.

• Maple Rooibos Tea Latte: Rooibos herbal tea sweetened with a touch of maple sauce and sprinkled with maple-flavored topping.

Classic seasonal favorites like the Pumpkin Latte and the Winter Dream Tea Latte are available now until the end of the holiday season.

• Pumpkin Latte & Ice Blended drink:  A creamy blend of rich pumpkin flavor, nutmeg and cinnamon, topped with pumpkin spiced sugar crystals.
• Pumpkin Cold Brew Latte: Cold Brew mixed with pumpkin flavor and a hint of vanilla bean.
• Pumpkin Spiced Chai Tea Latte & Ice Blended drink: A blend of spicy chai tea and pumpkin flavors, topped with pumpkin spiced sugar crystals.

• Winter Dream Tea Latte: A blend of black tea, rooibos, sweet spices and vanilla.

For more information, please visit www.coffeebean.com.

Starbucks

Starbucks is bringing back its fall line at its earliest date yet – August 27. the chain has just one flavour – Pumpkin Spice, but its available across its in-store and retail products including Pumpkin Spice Latte, coffee creamer, ground coffee, K-Cup pods, VIA Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte and a Ready-to-Drink Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ is bringing back classic Pumpkin flavored coffees, introducing a new pumpkin espresso beverage and even rebranding eight Dunkin’ shops across the US as Pumpkin’. Dunkin’s range has been available since 21 August:

• New! Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Signature Latte: Available hot or iced, features pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, topped with whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar topping.
• Pumpkin Flavored Coffees: Dunkin’s pumpkin flavor swirl is available in its hot or iced coffee, Cold Brew, espresso drinks, frozen coffee and frozen chocolate.
• Pumpkin K-Cup Pods: Available at participating Dunkin’ restaurants for a limited time, Pumpkin flavored K-Cup Pods and packaged coffee will also be available in grocery and other retailers nationwide as well as online at http://shop.dunkindonuts.com.

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