By Sarah Albert

It’s the drink we all know and love, the drink that symbolizes the essence of autumn itself, the drink we just can’t live without: Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). The “PSL” was released this year on September 8th, however special members were able to access it on September 4th. The release of the PSL this year was even more significant, as if that was even possible, because of the addition of a new, very special ing
redient. What is that ingredient you ask? Pumpkin.

Yes, it’s true, this year is the first year that even a trace of real pumpkin is used for the drink. So, what was in your previously beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte? Caramel coloring and spices. Although Starbucks guarantees the same warm, cozy, fall taste we all love, many longtime fans were outraged when they heard the big news. “I feel kind of blindsided that there was no actual pumpkin in it before. Almost like they lied to all of the customers,” said Julianna Brown, loyal PSL fan of 3 years. She is not the only one who feels this way. Many fans have been complaining of the loss of communication and even false advertising of the ingredients in the holy drink. “I feel betrayed by the Starbucks community,” remarked supporter of two years, Sarah Dolgin.

Other seem to be overjoyed! These fans are glad that Starbucks has taken the initiative to make such a drastic change after assuring fans the recipe wouldn’t be altered a few years back. The thought of drinking the delicious pumpkin spice beverage with real ingredients seems like a dream come true. Some supporters even find that the new ingredient makes the drink even more delicious. “The addition of real pumpkin greatly improved the taste and also makes me feel less guilty about myself after drinking it,” Sean Fischer, veteran PSL drinker, explained.

Even after all of this controversy, fans still love that first gulp of PSL, the first taste of fall, the spices, and that I-just-went-apple-picking feeling the pumpkin spice latte makes you feel. The truth is, the PSL will always symbolize the joys of falling leaves, apple cider donuts, and picking the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. The question still remains, but it’s up to you to find out whether the new PSL is a blessing sent from above or a crime to all of the Starbucks lovers.