Fall is a lot more than pumpkin spice

By Cayla Soriano 

Assistant Copy Editor 

As the leaves begin to fall and the days start to get shorter, fall is creeping around the corner, and autumn’s signature flavors have made their comeback. Restaurants all around are beginning to load their stores up with sweet treats just for you. I’ve roamed around and made note of new and returning signature flavors in your favorite fast-food chains. Here are some restaurants with seasonal items for you to grab on your next trip out: 

Starbucks 

To start off strong, the first big hitter on the list is Starbucks. This year is Starbucks’s 20th year of selling pumpkin spice, but that isn’t all that they have in store for us this year. Starbucks has introduced a new world of apple crisp to the menu. For those who are a fan of the apple spice scent, you can now taste the crispiness of the apple with the new Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Macchiato. For chai lovers, there is the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai. For cold brew fanatics, the hit Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew has returned for another autumn season.

IHop 

Ihop is widely known for their extra fluffy pancakes, and they’ve come back with a bang introducing new seasonal flavors. Ihop has a diverse seasonal menu that anyone can enjoy. Starting with the classic Pumpkin Spice Pancake Stack and the new Gingersnap Apple French Toast. If that wasn’t sweet enough, you can top it off with the new Red Passion Fruit Splasher, Gingersnap Milkshake and Gingersnap Hot chocolate.     

Panda Express 

Who knew Panda Express would participate in the trendy and delicious fall flavors? For my Panda lovers, Panda Express has created something special to add onto their limited (one item) seasonal menu, and the new item is the Apple Pie Roll. The Apple Pie roll is an apple spice mixture filled in a fluffy pastry that is topped in cinnamon sugar.  

Jamba 

Jamba is kicking off the holiday season with their returning Pumpkin Smash Smoothie. This is a plant-based smoothie made of oatmilk and a pumpkin spice base. There are also other options for regular dairy products to use in your beverage. The nice thing about Jamba smoothies is that you can add vitamin boosts to your smoothie if you’re looking for something a little more health conscious than your average seasonal items.  

Dairy Queen 

If you’re looking for a real sweet treat, Dairy Queen has come out with some new seasonal flavors for their all-time famous blizzards. Something that caught my eye specifically was their Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat. This is a different take on a fall seasonal treat, but it is worth the try anyway! Another item menu that has returned to Dairy Queen is their staple fall treat, Pumpkin Pie Blizzard.  

Dunkin’ 

Dunkin’ has indulged in the pumpkin spice flavors for their menu this fall. Anything you want from their menu; they will have it in pumpkin. Dunkin’ has brought back their signature Pumpkin Spice Donut, Pumpkin Munchkins and the Nutty Pumpkin Coffee/Latte. A good way to start off the pumpkin season on a high note. (If you’re not comparing it to Starbucks.) 

Chick-Fil-A 

Last but certainly not least, Chick-Fil-A has introduced a couple of new seasonal items to their menu. Starting off with their new Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, Chick-Fil-A has surprised the chicken lovers with something completely different than what they usually offer. This sandwich combines the classic Chick-Fil-A flavors with a sweet and spicy kick to it. To wash the sandwich down, you can try the new Caramel Crunch Milkshake. This ice cream dream is made with creamy butterscotch caramel flavors, blondie crumbles and topped with whipped cream and a cherry.