Apple Flavor is The Hottest 2024 Fall Beverage Trend

It's that time of year again - when the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, signaling the arrival of fall. And with the change in seasons comes a shift in the flavors, as pumpkin spice may face new competition this with coffee chains and restaurants across America introducing new seasonal offerings - apple-flavored drinks and dulce de leche treats.

While pumpkin spice has reigned supreme since Starbucks launched their iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003, this fall it's apple's turn to shine. Chains from Cracker Barrel to Caribou Coffee are adding apple flavors to their seasonal lineups, often paired with caramel for a classic autumnal combination.

"Fall is synonymous with comforting flavors, with breakfast items, desserts, and drinks incorporating flavors like apple becoming more appealing to customers in an effort to connect to the season's experiences and cooling temperatures," said Matt Banton, Cracker Barrel's VP of marketing for menu strategy and innovation. In fact, their internal data shows nearly 75% of customers are highly interested in apple-based foods and drinks this fall.

Starbucks, always ahead of the curve, introduced their Apple Crisp Macchiato back in 2021. This year they've expanded their apple offerings with the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Iced Honey Apple Almondmilk Flat White, Iced Caramel Apple Cream Latte, and even an Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai tea option.

Photo Credit: Starbucks

Other chains are getting creative too. Dutch Bros Coffee has a Caramel Apple Rebel energy drink, while HTeaO, a Texas-based tea specialist, is serving up a Dirty Chai Apple Crisp made with their signature Texas Chai, apple syrup, cinnamon, and espresso. "The nose on it is quite remarkable," said HTeaO president Heath Nielsen. "We've been pairing it with a really good carrot cake cupcake, and you definitely get the coziness of the fall feeling."

Photo Credit: Dutch Bros Coffee

McDonald’s took a bit different approach this fall, bringing a taste of Latin America to its McCafé menu with the introduction of the Dulce de Leche Frappé. This rich blended drink features the chain's signature Caramel Frappé base, a hint of coffee, and a dulce de leche-flavored syrup, all topped with whipped cream and crunchy caramel pieces. Though the chain offered a Dulce de Leche Caramel Shake back in 2013, this marks the first time they've featured the flavor in a Frappé in the U.S.

Dulce de leche, a creamy caramelized milk candy, is extremely popular in Latin America. Its rich, comforting flavor profile makes it a natural fit for fall menus. One TikTok reviewer, @lifeasvivian, has already given McDonald's new Frappé a rave review, declaring it a "10 out of 10."

Photo Credit: threads.net/@mnmtwinz

These trends suggest that while pumpkin spice isn't going anywhere, there's plenty of room for innovation for new fall beverages. Whether you want familiar fruits in new formats or experimental offerings, be sure to get your hands on these limited-time drinks before they disappear like the last of the autumn leaves.