Pumpkin Spice Returns While Chains Test Creative New Flavors

Summer's getting to its end, and the pumpkin spice season has already begun at quick-service restaurants. Several major chains launched their fall flavors early this year, giving fans their seasonal favorites ahead of the traditional autumn rollout.

Krispy Kreme introduced four pumpkin offerings. The beloved Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed Doughnut made its one-week-only appearance, while three other items stick around through fall. The lineup includes the Original Glazed Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and beverages like Pumpkin Spice Latte available hot, iced, or frozen with whipped cream and spice dusting. Fans can also grab hot or iced Pumpkin Spice Coffee.

IHOP returns its Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, a limited-time favorite that's been a hit since debuting in 2008. The popular stack averages 1 million pancakes sold annually, featuring pumpkin batter flavored with pumpkin pie spices and topped with whipped cream. Diners can order it as a combo with bacon or sausage links, two eggs, and hash browns.

But not everyone's rushing toward fall. Taco Bell's keeping summer alive with Mountain Dew Baja Midnight, a new purple drink blending passion fruit with the original's tropical lime. Available in fountain and frozen formats, it's the first flavor expansion of the permanent Baja Blast line after the chain focused heavily on beverage innovation this summer.

Meanwhile, some chains are getting downright creative. Smoothie King's testing the unusual Heinz Tomato Ketchup Smoothie in select cities including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and Miami. The $5.70 drink combines acai sorbet, apple juice, berries, and ketchup for what's described as a sweet, fruity smoothie with a tangy finish.

Chick-fil-A's introced its first seasonal soda with Cherry Berry & Sprite, mixing the classic beverage with cherry, blueberry, and cranberry flavors. The chain's also previewing fall with its Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich.

Other notable additions include Cava's first-ever meal offering with its Hot Harissa Meal, complete with limited-edition pita chip plushies. Big Chicken launched Shaq Snacks, featuring chicken tenders on garlic toast with various toppings. Golden Chick rolled out Spicy Golden Tenders systemwide with proprietary Lotta Zing seasoning, while Round Table Pizza introduced Bacon & Cheddar Twists available through January.

by Alex Bailey | August 31, 2025 | SHARE