The Horror: Starbucks Has a Pumpkin Spice Latte Problem
Image source: Starbucks
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is something of a cult beverage among Starbucks devotees, coming around just once a year for a limited time to spread autumnal cheer among coffee drinkers.
But as the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, something terrible is afoot: Starbucks stores are — gasp — running low on the flavored sauce used to concoct the precious potion, all due to sheer demand:
Baristas are hitting the street, searching for stashes of the flavored sauce at other stores. Customers denied their fix—which costs about $4 for a small cup, or “tall” in Starbucks speak—are tweeting about their dismay.
“My world almost ended this morning when the local Starbucks told me they were out of Pumpkin Spice Latte,” tweeted Jason Sizemore, 38 years old, of Lexington, Ky.
Cynthia Smalls, a barista at a midtown Manhattan Starbucks, said steamed customers have grown emotional on days her location runs out of pumpkin sauce. “They go crazy. The day we first found out we had a shortage, forget it,” she said.
Her own surprised reaction: “You guys do know it’s just a drink, right?” she said.
Starbucks officials told the Wall Street Journal there’s no actual widespread supply shortage, instead blaming “infrequent deliveries” to stores. In their urgency, some customers have turned to Starbucks’ instant version of the drink, but even that can be hard to come by:
Edmond Lorts, a 29-year-old freelance photographer in Austin, Texas, capitalized on demand for the instant treat. He started an eBay auction for a $6.95 box at $15. Within a day, someone picked it up at the buy-it-now price of $17. “I was blown away,” he said. “People go nuts for this for some reason.”
Ben Neal, 26, a librarian who lives in Bristol, Va., sensed the impending shortage of the instant version, and when his local store received a shipment of 10 boxes, he purchased three. He is rationing the packets, savoring only one or two a week, he said.
For those who’ve never tried it, the drink is described as tasting like a “sweet, liquid pumpkin pie—heavy on the nutmeg and cinnamon, with a hint of clove” — though there isn’t actually any pumpkin in it. Or, as Neal put it, “It just tastes like fall.”
Stay strong, coffee lovers. Hang in there.
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Comments (84)
LeadNotFollow
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 8:07pm…
This is another one of those stories, that’s just not worthy of being posted on The Blaze.
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repairsea
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 11:27pmAgree.
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basque
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 5:58amI agree.
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Mapache
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 7:08amI disagree. This Pumpkin Spice shortage is just another thing that Obama inherited from George Bush and the shortage is a racist attempt by the GOP to suppress voter turnout. Did you know the French in Colonial Haiti PROHIBITED the slaves from eating Pumpkin Soup!!
This is a further sign of the loony left unraveling.
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Poggle The Stick
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 9:59amPersonally, I don’t mind being informed of the stupidity of our world. I dig this kind of stuff on The Blaze (Every once in a while) since the Herald, my community newspaper, is so LIBERAL, and only it is full of the stuff like this usually. And, politics are as just as much retarded ANYWAYS, so why not back away from that crap and look at this for little glimpses at a time?
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ZengaPA65
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 11:30amEvery bit as “interesting” as what styrofoam looks like when it’s shot with a cannon in slow motion and the daily other idiotic juvenile stories, or every word that comes out of Meghan Kelly’s mouth that apparently warrants an article because the Blaze nerds spank their little monkeys over her. It’s probably fairly safe to guess that the majority of people working at the Blaze are a bunch of interns barely out of their teens if they’re even out of their teens because they’re work for cheap and still think Glen is anything more than a big fat overgrown emo version of Messy Marvin from the Hershey’s chocolate commercial.
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jcldwl
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 1:29pmMan people are so easy to fall prey to addictive habits. We all have them but thinking your life is gonna end because a particular starbucks flavor is in short demand. What is going on?
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antiprogressive
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 3:49pmfirst – zenga -
A little humor to one’s day never hurts.
second – the reason why people get wacked out about the lack of pumpkin spice coffee is probably much the same reason they riot for Nike’s and I5phones.
It’s all about APPEARANCES to them.
They NEED to be seen with the “cool” thing as they actually believe it will MAKE them cool.
Personally, I’ve never had a pumpkin coffe – but I’d try it on a bet.
I’ve only had ONE pair of Nike’s – I was 12.
And I still live on a landline – never had a cell phone.
And you know what – I have NO DEBT.
It’s similar to dating a model – it’s all about appearances to OTHERS.
People need to get a grasp on REALITY and think about the COSTS.
Much like the Govmt.
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1947
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 5:31pmGo to “Dunkin Donut”
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wykedraven
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 6:13pmI’m not so sure it’s a useless article. It holds a magnifying glass up to America. While the world burns, we lose it over coffee. Ugh, sometimes, I just get so scared for this nation.
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tcseacliff
Posted on October 8, 2012 at 11:20amAh…WOW! what a waste of space. what, not enough REAL news? $4 bucks for a small coffee? that is the real story. rampant brain damage from drinking $4 coffee, news at 11! Hey blaze if I want stories like this , i will go to google news, but we come here for real important stuff, come on!
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DeathTongue
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:38pmI drink something called coca-cola. no shortages yet.
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HawkEyeTx
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:16pm~
I get my “Pumpkin Spice Latte” at my local Valero Service Station beverage bar in Texas for a heck of a lot less moo-la.
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ALfromVAl
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:14pmI don’t drink coffee, never liked the taste. I know post is as relevant as this story
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corbecket
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:24pmTruth be told, it doesn’t taste much like coffee anyway, and neither does a cup of Starbuck’s coffee after I get through adulterating it with the various ingredients next to the h&h and sugar. Coffee is just one of the ingredients in a “coffee” beverage.
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LaBelle
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:11pmBTW the pumpkin spice latte is out of this world delish. :-)
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rghtwngcrzy
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 11:42pmI agree! Orange, yellow and red is what fall looks like. Pumpkin spice latte is what fall tastes like.
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LaBelle
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:09pmOooh, I smell a marketing ploy here! Tell someone there’s a shortage and they’ll want it all the more. Brilliant!
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thekuligs
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 8:05pmThat is what I was thinking, although the last two times I tried to order a pumpkin cream cheese muffin they were out. Luckily, I can make my own.
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Moe1138
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:01pmPeet’s Coffee and Teas never runs out of my “drip”.
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Mapache
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 7:09amI believe there is a cure for that “drip”
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SaturdaysWarrior76
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 6:45pmSounds like the coffee at Starbucks costs about the same as a gallon of gasoline… geeeez louise!
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bdwatcher
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:41pmhehe, try about $4 for 12 oz… Much more expensive than gasoline.
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Liberalismsamentaldisorder
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 6:42pmI’m glad to see the US voting public is tuned in to the important issues of the day…
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Jenny Lind
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:46pmI guess you have to have small pleasures to keep sane anymore, but I refuse those liberals a dime of my money. I’m a warm vanilla milk gal at night when it’s cold.
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scrapadapolis
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 6:09pmPeople who don’t drink coffee black don’t like coffee.Thats why they have to doctor it.and I don’t trust anyone who don’t drink black coffee.Because what else in their lives do they mask?Besides their coffee..
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joejohey
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 6:48pmYou’re comment is just plain ludicrous! There are a lot of good trustworthy people out there, regardless of what they choose, or not choose, to put into their bodies. We all should be working towards perfection not complacency!
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NealPatrick
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 8:22amHa! Love it! Once you’ve had your cup of joe black, you won’t go back.
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lassiegirldawn
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 6:02pmIt’s what’s in the coffee that these idiots don’t realize that is making them zombies. Oh to have such a decision after what is going on in our country.
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Chromo200
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:51pmwe have a president that lies, cheats and is making our lives a mess, and these people’s world has come to a standstill due to flavored coffee. Wow and these people vote.
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JaxsonM
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:26pmJust made this Pumkin spice latte at home on this chilly afternoon. Delicious and as good, if not better, than Starbucks.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
2 servings
10 minutes prep
15 minutes start to finish
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
1 cup half and half (no carrageenan)
2 tbsp light brown sugar (or sweetener of choice)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup strong coffee
Brew coffee.
Blend the pumpkin, half and half, brown sugar, spices, and vanilla. Place in a sauce pan and heat on low until the milk is warm and frothy.
Pour half this mixture into a coffee mug, then fill the rest with strong coffee. Stir. If needed, add your choice of sweetener to taste. Sprinkle with nutmeg and you are done!
Entire Recipe:
487 Calories
29g Fat (52% calories from fat)
10g Protein
51g Carbohydrate; 6g Dietary Fiber
90mg Cholesterol; 122mg Sodium; 564mg Potassium
Per Serving:
244 Calories
14g Fat (52% calories from fat)
5g Protein
25g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber
45mg Cholesterol; 61mg Sodium; 282mg Potassium
Serving Idea: Add homemade whipped cream for an extra high fat delight!
Note: You can double or triple this recipe and keep it in the fridge for a few days. Every morning can be a delight with already prepared Pumpkin Spice Latte!
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RightUnite
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:38pmNice! Thanks for the recipe!
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TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 6:26pmYYYUUUUUMMMMMMMM, thank’s Jaxsonm!!
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Taquoshi
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 7:07pmThank you, JaxsomM! I happen to have some pumpkin availabe, along with the half and half. Will mix up a batch tonight.
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COFemale
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 8:20pmYou can always by Pumpkin Spice Kisses from Hersey. I bought some and melted some in my coffee to make a pumpkin spice flavored coffee. It was yummy too. Will have to try the recipe though.
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Pomona
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 9:31pmThanks so much, I have to try this…sounds wonderful.
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RedDawn2012
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 11:01amThat’s a lot of work for a cup of coffee! I put a Folger’s coffee bag into a cup of spring water and microwave for two minutes, add a dollop of coconut Coffeemate, and I’m good to go. If I can find some liquid or powdered pumpkin spice, I’d use that with a bit of French vanilla Coffeemate. Cost? About 40 cents for a 15 oz cup (almost a “Grande”). Add a nickel for some whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if you must. Almost Starbucks at 1/10th the cost!
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CulperGang
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:26pmNever trust an establishment that sells “small” and calls it tall to make it sound “big.” THEY ARE HUSTLERS. How do you know it is real ‘coffee’ not some artificial “gmo” concotion, if they can’t even be honest about the size? The only thing Starbucks is good for is the use of their bathroom.
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RedDawn2012
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 11:07amC’mon, even Walmart has better bathrooms! It’s the free internet and the cushy seating (if you can get it). Bitter bad coffee, for sure. I get GREAT coffee at Burger King (right next to Starbucks) and drink it in Starbucks along with a pastry or sandwich. It’s Starbucks coffee (Seattle’s Best), but somehow it’s not bitter when BK makes it, and for seniors it’s only 50 cents. Win, win!
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phillycornerboy
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:22pmAmerica will never recover our greatness if this is the quality of our men. i mourn for our country.
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Tri-ox
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:17pmYeah, and, it doesn’t help that Big Mo likes to bathe in the stuff (it’s delivered to the White House by the tanker full).
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Watermain
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:15pmObama lies his a* off about anything and everything on a daily basis and people are pissed because they can’t get their fix at Starbuck’s…we are surely doomed.
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linmar
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:12pmHi everyone – the flip side of this….I have 2 daughters paying their way thru college while working at Starbucks. So go easy please :)
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Rob
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:11pmMorons spending big bucks for COFFEE!
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LeadNotFollow
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:05pm…
“My world almost ended this morning when the local Starbucks told me they were out of Pumpkin Spice Latte,” tweeted Jason Sizemore, 38 years old, of Lexington, Ky.
I would bet money, that this Jason guy is a Liberal and an Obama voter. Conservatives don’t get this bent out of shape over a Latte.
Okay folks, this type of lunatic is what we are dealing with on election day. Get out and vote for Romney, please.
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RJJinGadsden
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:32pmYeah, when my mug from home runs out of coffee and I have to stop for a refill, I get a bit torqued when they are out of fresh black coffee. But my world does not come to an end, and I just drive to the next place that looks to have coffee.
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COFemale
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 8:32pmWanna make a $1000 bet? I have left a store when they were out of what I wanted. The Pumpkin Spice Latte would be one of them. When I have a hankering for something and the store is out, I do not buy a substitute. You owe me $1000. Now pay up.
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Joe_The_Patriot
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:00pmI bet most of these starbucks drinkers have no idea who’s running for president or the VP currently is.. But I’m sure they know everything snooky did today….
what a bunch of jerk bags…
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COFemale
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 8:23pmUm Joe_THE_IDIOT. I go to Starbucks on occasion and I probably know more about politics than you. It is not just Liberals who visit Starbucks.
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HotFixIt
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 4:59pmI have a starbucks around the corner from where I live… never been there. I think I will keep it that way.
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JAPhoto
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 6:59pmSmart indeed…..
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JAPhoto
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 4:55pmTastes like pumpkin pie?? I will have the pie then, thank you.
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The_Basseteer
Posted on October 7, 2012 at 11:51amCOSTCO, in the Fall, has pumpkin cheesecake, there are 7 Deadly sins…it’s #8.
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CaptRory
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 4:50pmPeople love their legal drugs. Caffein, Tobacco, Pumpkin Spice… apparently…
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Rational Man
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 4:47pmIf Starbucks went out of business, I would never know unless I read about it on The Blaze.
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forthepeople
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 4:52pmI’m selling my Stock Monday !
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Rob
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 5:31pmWhen they first opened I decided to order a cup of their coffee…when I was told $4 for a cup… that was my last time.
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COFemale
Posted on October 6, 2012 at 8:28pmRob you are lying. A regular cup of coffee is not $4. That is the flavored version and generally the venti size cup. A standard large cup of coffee is about 1.69. So face it you have never been in a Starbucks.
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