Starbucks Fall Drinks 2025 Review: Best & Worst by Calories

There are a few things you can count on every fall: cooler mornings, cozy sweaters coming out of the closet, and Starbucks completely flipping its menu to pumpkin, apple, and all things spice. The 2025 fall lineup landed in early September, and like clockwork, social media lit up with Pumpkin Spice Latte selfies and TikTokers ranking new drinks before most of us even had a chance to find our scarves. But here’s the thing: Starbucks fall drinks are delicious, sure, but they’re also loaded with sugar and calories. I don’t think anyone should feel guilty for enjoying them (life’s too short not to sip a PSL now and then). Still, if you’re drinking these daily, the calories and sugar can sneak up fast. So, I put together this honest review of the 2025 Starbucks fall drinks, ranked by calories the good, the bad, and the sugar bombs.

The Best Fall Drinks (Flavor Without the Overload)

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew 250 Calories (Grande)

If there’s one drink that nails the “just enough” vibe, it’s the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Cold brew on its own is smooth and naturally a little sweet, and when you add the pumpkin cream cold foam, you get that cozy autumn flavor without going overboard.

• Calories: about 250 for a grande
• Taste: Slightly sweet, spiced, and refreshing. The cold foam is the star, giving you pumpkin flavor without drowning the drink.
• Why it’s great: You still get the caffeine punch from cold brew, but you don’t feel like you’ve just had dessert for breakfast.

This is probably the best balance Starbucks has pulled off flavorful, seasonal, and light enough that you won’t regret ordering it more than once a week.

Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso 210 Calories (Grande)

This drink was hyped big time on TikTok, and after trying it, I can see why. Blonde espresso, oatmilk, apple brown sugar syrup, shaken over ice until it’s frothy and creamy.

• Calories: around 210 for a grande
• Taste: Apple and coffee might sound odd, but it works. The apple flavor is subtle and pairs nicely with the nutty oatmilk.
• Why it’s great: It’s one of the lowest-calorie fall drinks this year, and it doesn’t feel like you’re “settling” for something lighter.

If pumpkin isn’t your thing, this is your seasonal hero. It’s refreshing, light, and gives you autumn vibes without the sugar crash.

Plain Chai Tea 0 Calories

This one is kind of a cheat code, but I couldn’t leave it out. Starbucks chai tea bags (not the chai latte) are naturally calorie-free and packed with warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

• Calories: zero (unless you add milk or sugar)
• Taste: Bold and spicy like fall in a mug. Add a splash of steamed milk and cinnamon at the condiment bar for a DIY light chai latte.
• Why it’s great: It’s the lightest possible option, and you still get all the cozy spice flavors.

If you want something warm and festive but don’t want to think about sugar or calories at all, this is the way to go.

The Sugar Bombs (Still Delicious, But Heavy)

Pumpkin Spice Latte 390 Calories (Grande with Whip)

The PSL is Starbucks’ crown jewel of fall. It’s nostalgic, it’s iconic, and it’s basically the drink that launched “pumpkin spice season” back in 2003. But it’s also one of the heaviest calorie-wise.

• Calories: about 390 with 50g sugar in a grande
• Taste: Sweet, creamy, dessert in a cup.
• Hack: Order a “short” or ask for half the syrup pumps. You’ll still get the pumpkin kick without the sugar overload.

I’ll be honest I look forward to a PSL every year. But one is usually enough for me. It’s perfect on that first cold fall day, but not a daily drink unless you’re okay with dessert for breakfast.

Caramel Brulée Latte 420 Calories (Grande)

This one sometimes sneaks onto the fall menu as a holiday crossover. It’s buttery, rich, and sweet to the point where halfway through, you’re kind of over it.

• Calories: 420+ for a grande
• Taste: Like liquid caramel candy tasty for a few sips, but overwhelming fast.
• Why it’s tricky: It’s the highest-calorie fall option, and honestly, not worth it compared to other seasonal choices.

This is more of a “special occasion” drink. Get it once if you’re curious, but it’s not one I’d go back for often.

Chestnut Praline Latte 330 Calories (Grande)

The Chestnut Praline Latte doesn’t get as much attention, but it’s still a decent fall option. It’s nutty, lightly spiced, and feels cozy, but it’s pretty forgettable next to the pumpkin and apple drinks.

• Calories: about 330 for a grande
• Taste: Warm, nutty, and sweet, with a bit of holiday flair.
• Verdict: Tasty, but not unique enough to justify the calorie hit when other drinks pack more seasonal flavor.

If you want to try it, I’d suggest splitting a venti with a friend.

How to Lighten Up Any Fall Drink

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to skip Starbucks fall drinks altogether if you’re watching calories. A few small tweaks make a big difference:

• Go smaller: Order a short or tall instead of a grande or venti.
• Half the syrup: Just ask for fewer pumps the drink still tastes seasonal, but it’s not cloying.
• Skip the whip: That whipped cream topping adds 80–100 calories.
• Milk swap: Almond or oatmilk usually means fewer calories than 2% or whole milk.

These hacks let you enjoy the drinks more often without feeling weighed down.

My Honest Ranking of 2025 Fall Drinks

After trying the full lineup, here’s how I’d rank them:

• Best overall: Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew cozy, balanced, and not too sweet.
• Best lighter option: Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso low-calorie but still fun.
• Best once-a-season treat: Pumpkin Spice Latte iconic, but basically dessert.
• Most skippable: Caramel Brulée Latte too sweet for the calorie investment.
• Underrated pick: Plain chai tea zero calories and still full of fall flavor.

Final Sip

The 2025 Starbucks fall menu is as cozy as ever, but not all drinks are created equal when it comes to calories and sugar. If you want to sip smarter, go for options like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew or Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. If you can’t resist a PSL, enjoy it but maybe size down or tweak the sweetness. At the end of the day, fall drinks at Starbucks are about tradition, comfort, and treating yourself. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy the whole season’s lineup without turning your coffee habit into a dessert marathon.