Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Drink That Launched a Thousand Hot Takes

Mark your calendars, folks. Starbucks has decided that summer is over, and the Pumpkin Spice Latte has descended upon us like a plague of sweet, sweet artificial flavoring. Starting Thursday, Aug. 22 (yes, August – climate change who?), you can get your hands on the drink that screams " basic white girl fall aesthetic," or try the new Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai if you're feeling adventurous.

"Since its debut in 2003 the Pumpkin Spice Latte continues to be Starbucks' most popular seasonal beverage and is enjoyed by customers around the world," Starbucks said in a news release Wednesday, presumably while twirling their capitalist mustache.

The internet, as expected, is a dumpster fire of opinions. Here are some of the wildest takes on the #PumpkinSpiceDebate:

The Great Pumpkin Spice War of 2024

A study found that 55% of pumpkin spice posts were positive, but the 8% of haters are loud. Like, this X post with over 23,000 likes lamenting the early release, or the user who called PSLs "nutmeg milkshakes." Savage.

And can we talk about the fact that it's still 90 degrees outside? Global warming is real, y'all, but Starbucks wants us to pretend it's sweater weather. 🙄

But, alas, the PSL stans are legion. Neilsen reported that Americans spend $500 million on pumpkin spice products annually. Half a billion. Let that sink in.

Social media is a PSL lovefest right now, and even Starbucks staffers are sharing their excitement/dread online. So buckle up, folks. It's going to be a long, pumpkin-spiced fall.

Contributing: Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY (probably crying into their cold brew)