The fall solstice has passed and autumn has officially fallen upon the USC campus. The weather is cooling down, the leaves are changing color and pumpkin spice lattes are back.
Companies have spiced up their product lineups in preparation for the autumn season. Within walking vicinity of campus, Starbucks, Trader Joes and Dunkin Donuts have added themed drinks and menu items to their roster to get you in the autumn mood.
This year, Trader Joe’s announced 146 fall items on its website. From classics like their famous Apple Cider Donuts to new releases like the Mini Maple-Flavored Marshmallows, there’s something for everyone.
Priscilla Rico has worked at the USC Trader Joe’s location for six years. She recommends the Vanilla Pumpkin Scented Candle, Apple Cider Donuts and brand new Apple and Pumpkin Hand Pies. Rico added that the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is also quite popular amongst the students.
For the sweet tooths out there, Sophomore global business major Zafina Virani swears by the Pumpkin Spice Baton Cookies. She says having one makes her feel “nice and cozy,” and like it’s finally fall. Virani also recommends investing in a pumpkin room fragrance, which she sprays in her room to “fully embrace the season.”
At the Village Starbucks, USC students are fall-ing in love with new and returning fall seasonal menu items. The Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew are back, complemented by the new Iced Apple Crisp Oat Milk Shaken Espresso and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. Starbucks is also offering autumn food options, including the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and the Baked Apple Croissant.
Junior business major Kirsten Kim has only ordered one seasonal beverage so far, but says she highly recommends the drink she did give a chance, Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmeal Shaken Espresso. “I just thought the flavor was good. It gives warm, fall vibes,” said Kim.
Whether customers like it or not, the strong smell of pumpkin coffee now fills Dunkin Donuts locations as the organization jumps on the autumn bandwagon with the reintroduction of its Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte and Pumpkin Munchkin Donuts. The rolling out of the Ice Spice Munchkin Drink, a collaboration between Dunkin and rapper Ice Spice, is the key ticket item this fall season. This new frozen drink uniquely contains blended pumpkin munchkin donuts.
Whether you’re looking to get into the fall mood or simply support your favorite rapper, there’s certainly a seasonal item for everyone near campus.