Starbucks Misses Out for 21st Straight Year as These Chains Corner the Vegan PSL Market

Year after year, we hold onto hope that Starbucks will finally make its Pumpkin Spice Latte vegan. And yet, the PSL remains one of the few drinks at the chain that is virtually impossible to veganize. Unfortunately, its star ingredient, the pumpkin spice sauce, contains dairy. We’ve done a significant amount of sleuthing, but even the most experienced barista cannot offer a secret hack to get around this dilemma—you simply can’t make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks without the chain’s pumpkin spice sauce. So, we’re opting out and sticking with these vegan pumpkin spice drinks you can get at other cafés around the US.

Starbucks is not alone in pairing pumpkin with dairy. We searched far and wide and found that it’s a common trend amongst chains. 

Be aware that the pumpkin-based espresso beverages at Dunkin’ Donuts, Dutch Bros., and Caribou Coffee all contain dairy-based pumpkin syrups and sauces. Independent coffee shops may provide a more vegan-friendly atmosphere, but when pumpkin is involved, it’s always best to check the ingredients before ordering this cozy fall beverage. We wish you the best of luck in your vegan pumpkin spice-seeking journey.

Vegan pumpkin spice drinks you can get at coffee chains

In 2020, all UK Starbucks locations put a vegan version of the PSL on the menu, complete with a dairy-free topping. Unfortunately, the coffeehouse chain hasn’t made any moves to do the same here in the US. That being said, a handful of coffee chains across the country actually offer vegan-friendly, pumpkin-y drinks for fall.

Peet’s Coffee

1 Peet’s Coffee Pumpkin Latte

Peet’s has reliably served PSL-starved vegan patrons for years with this iconic beverage. It’s made with espresso, your dairy-free steamed milk of choice, and a vegan-friendly pumpkin syrup that’s reminiscent of pumpkin pie. The beverage is topped with a sprinkle of warm baking spices. Because no whipped cream is involved, all you have to do is ask for plant milk. 

The chain carries the Pacific Foods brand of almond, oat, and pea milk. We recommend getting it with oat or pea, as they have a natural creaminess that complements fall beverages. It’s also available as an iced or chai latte.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

2 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Pumpkin Latte 

If you order the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Pumpkin Latte hot, just swap out the dairy milk for your preferred plant milk (soy, almond, oat, or coconut) and ask for no whipped cream. If you opt for the iced variety, ask your barista to use the pumpkin syrup instead of the powder, which, unfortunately, contains dairy. Another tasty option? The Pumpkin Layered Latte, which is new for 2025 and features creamy Oatly oat milk, pumpkin syrup, cinnamon, and Ethiopian and Bali Blue Moon Cold Brew.

@thepointatexton/Instagram

3 Whole Foods Coffee Bar Pumpkin Latte

The coffee bar at Whole Foods is often overshadowed by the tantalizing array of vegan-friendly food stations, but it’s an excellent option to quell a pumpkin latte craving. The syrup is vegan-friendly, and plant milk is always available (check your local store for options). Take advantage of the cinnamon shaker to add a bit more spice to this sweet drink. Not to mention, you can find plenty of vegan-friendly pumpkin spice treats throughout the supermarket itself.

Store-bought vegan pumpkin spice drinks

Although options for vegan-friendly pumpkin spice lattes in cafés are limited, there are ways to get your fix at home, such as flavored beans, canned lattes, and syrups. Here are your options for at-home, caffeinated vegan pumpkin spice beverages.

Starbucks

1 Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee

It may not be a canned or bottled latte, but Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee still provides warm, cozy fall flavors in a mug. This pre-ground coffee features notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which pair well with a little bit of brown sugar and your preferred variety of dairy-free milk. See our guide to barista milks for our recommendations for plant-based milks that pair well with coffee and espresso. You can also froth up any of these milks and pour them over the coffee for a more decadent drink.
Shop Starbucks Shop Amazon

Starbucks

2 Starbucks Non-Dairy Pumpkin Spice Flavored Creamer

In lieu of plain or lightly sweetened vegan milk, you could pair your pumpkin-spiced coffee with pumpkin spice-flavored creamer. Starbucks’ dairy-free pumpkin spice creamer features a creamy oat and almond milk base, plus fall’s favorite dessert flavors—pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It may not froth, but this non-dairy creamer adds a velvety richness to your coffee, and a splash of it goes a long way.
Shop Target

3Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Oat Milk

Get a big glass of ice ready for this pumpkin spice barista blend oat milk from Califia Farms.  It’s not too sweet, but pumpkin-y enough to satisfy your craving for a vegan PSL. We recommend combining it with coffee and dairy-free whipped cream for the full PSL experience.
Shop Amazon Shop Califia

Nutpods

4Nutpods Dairy Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Nutpods’ Pumpkin Spice creamer is fall in a cup. The drink blends warm seasonal spices with almond and coconut; it’s ultra-velvety, rich, and the perfect way to add a touch of autumn vibes to your morning coffee.
Shop Amazon Shop Nutpods

5 Laird Superfood Pumpkin Spice Coconut Superfood Creamer

Laird’s beloved Coconut Superfood Creamer gets a seasonal twist with this fall flavor. Blended with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove, it delivers a warm, spiced kick that turns any cup of coffee into a cozy autumn treat. Creamy, flavorful, and plant-based, it ticks all the PSL boxes.
Shop Amazon Shop Laird

Although Starbucks is holding out on us as far as vegan-friendly PSLs go, you’re certainly not up the river without a paddle. These pumpkin-spiced espresso drinks, bottled lattes, and coffees are sure to get you in the mood for fall.