The Great Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte Taste Test (Starbucks vs. Dunkin’ vs. McDonald’s vs. Scooter’s)

I taste-tested four iced pumpkin spice lattes in the wild so you don’t have to. I went with iced for now because it’s still in the 80s and 90s where I live right now. I am SO looking forward to some cooler fall weather!

My ideal PSL tastes like a slice of spice cake/pumpkin pie: cinnamon-forward, cozy, and not cloying, with enough coffee bite to shine through. I ordered these straight off the menu for the most part. Normally I ask for no whip, but I left it on this time – you know, for science.

Orders: McDonald’s Large Iced PSL, Starbucks Tall Iced PSL with blonde espresso, Dunkin’ Small Iced Signature PSL, and Scooter’s Medium Iced PSL.

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How I Scored Them

• Flavor – overall taste & balance (1–10)
• Coffee Strength – can I taste the coffee? (1–10)
• Spice Balance – warm, pie-like spices vs. artificial aftertaste (1–10)
• Value – size vs. price & satisfaction (1–10)

Sweetness is shown as an info-only level (1=very low, 10=very sweet) and is not included in totals since sweetness is preference-based. I’ve also listed the price in my area before tax and tip.

Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte (Blonde Espresso)

I swapped the espresso for blonde roast with this one. I just really prefer it over the classic roast. I could taste the coffee the most in this one, but I really couldn’t pick up much spice. The color of this one was a little light for my preference as well. Overall, it was less sweet than a vanilla iced latte, but I didn’t pick up much spice. Side note: I also tried their Ice Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte and actually liked that one better.
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Scores: Flavor 7 | Coffee 7 | Spice 5 | Value 6 — Total: 25/40 | Sweetness level: 7/10 | Price: $5.95

Scooter’s Coffee Iced Pumpkin Latte

Espresso, warm pumpkin pie spices, and a pleasant sweetness that doesn’t linger. Doesn’t need hacking to be enjoyable. This was a balanced, ready-to-drink PSL without special instructions and I LOVED it. I’ve already been back for more. The hot version is just as good, if not better.

Scores: Flavor 9 | Coffee 8 | Spice 9 | Value 7 — Total: 33/40 | Sweetness level: 7/10 | Price: $6.20

McDonald’s McCafé Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

The McDonald’s Pumpkin Latte was creamy, with a VERY gentle spice. Can’t taste the coffee much. It is a lot better than their vanilla iced latte which tastes pretty artificial to me. Overall, it’s a budget-friendly pick that feels like a special treat.

Scores: Flavor 5 | Coffee 6 | Spice 4 | Value 9 — Total: 24/40 | Sweetness level: 7/10 | $3.69

Dunkin’ Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

This one was the most photogenic, but I made a face when I took my first sip. Caramel-y pumpkin swirl and creamy body; spice is soft and coffee gets lost, especially with whip. This could be a fun treat if you like caramel, just way too sweet for everyday. I don’t really like caramel in my coffee, so this was my least favorite of the four, but I think of several friends who would love this one the most. Just not for me!

Scores: Flavor 3 | Coffee 5 | Spice 4 | Value 8 — Total: 20/40 | Sweetness level: 10/10 | Price: $5.19

And the Winner Is…

Best Overall for Spice Lovers: Scooter’s Coffee, far and away, for its great spicy warmth and easy drinking. Fits the bill, tasting like a slice of pumpkin pie.

Runner-Up: Starbucks. I don’t know if this time was a fluke, but I just didn’t get as much flavor from this one as I have in the past. Not bad, but not as good as Scooters.

Best Budget Pick: McDonald’s McCafé – a solid choice in a pinch, especially if McDonald’s is your only local coffee option like me.

Sweetest Treat: Dunkin’ – too sweet for me personally, especially with the caramel and whipped cream.

How to Order If You Like It Less Sweet

• Starbucks: 1–2 fewer pumps of pumpkin; keep blonde for smooth or switch to signature espresso for more bite; oat milk adds body without extra syrup. I’d like to try adding cinnamon dolce syrup for more spice, maybe.
• Dunkin’: Ask for less pumpkin swirl, skip the whip and/or caramel, and add a shot of espresso to boost coffee flavor.
• McDonald’s: Request light pumpkin (they can do it) and add an extra espresso shot if available. You could also add some sugar-free vanilla syrup to save on calories (if you’re into that kind of thing).
• Scooter’s: Order half sweet; they’re great about dialing it down. You can also add protein cold foam for a macro boost!

Want to make your own lattes at home? Here are my favorite tools for being my own barista:

• Nespresso Vertuo Pop+
• Milk steamer/frother
• The perfect-sized mug for home or travel
• Perfect iced coffee glasses

For more fall fun, check out my recommendations for fall decor, or my Festive Fall Finds and Spooky Season Benable lists!

Which chain nails the PSL for you—and how do you customize it? Tell me in the comments! 🍂