Every August, Starbucks fans become eager for the new fall menu to be released. This year’s lineup includes the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, and the Pecan Oatmilk Cortado. The fall bakery items include the Baked Apple Croissant, the Pumpkin Pepita Loaf, the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, the notorious Raccoon Cake pop, as well as the new addition of Italian Sausage Egg Bites.

Many feel strongly about the pumpkin spice flavors that arrive every autumn, so we decided to give some of the new bakery items a try.

We purchased the Pumpkin Pepita Loaf, the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin, as well as two Raccoon Cake Pops, and the total was $17.63. That makes the average cost per item about $4.40. Considering that all the workers do is heat these food items from the freezer, this price is quite outrageous. Putting the cost of the items aside, we were ready to try the items.

First, we tried the Pumpkin Cream Cheese muffin ($3.95.) The Starbucks website describes this delicacy as “A spiced pumpkin muffin topped with sweet cream-cheese filling and a sprinkling of chopped, spiced pepitas.” We both had very high hopes for this treat, and it did not disappoint. Cate loved the mix of the rich cream cheese frosting with the warm pumpkin muffin. She rated it an 8/10. June thought the texture was really soft, and the nuts, pumpkin, and cream cheese was the perfect combination. She rated it an 8/10.

Next, we tried the Pumpkin Pepita Loaf ($4.25.) The Starbucks website describes this loaf as a “gently spiced pumpkin bread topped with crunchy pepitas.” Cate thought the loaf was extremely dry and crumbly with nuts and oats on it. I expected it to be more festive and flavorful, but my expectations were sadly higher than the actual product’s deliverance was. She gave it a 3/10. The loaf just didn’t give much of anything to June. It was dry, and made a mess in her lap. She gave it a solid 3/10.

Last, but certainly not least, we tried the highly anticipated Raccoon cake pops ($3.45.) The Starbucks website describes this treat as “Vanilla cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in icing and finished with a raccoon-face design.” Although the face of her raccoon got a bit messed up from the warmth of the muffin in the bag, Cate thought it was still so delicious. Cate rated it an easy 10/10.  June was most excited for this cakepop, and for good reason. She loved it so much, and finished it in two bites. The design was just as good as the flavor, and June will definitely be repurchasing. She gave it a 10/10. 

In conclusion, out of the few Starbucks pastries we decided to try, we would recommend the Raccoon Cake pop the most, the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin next, and sadly, the Pumpkin Loaf last.