McDonald’s is making a major change to its fall coffee lineup, and some longtime fans are not taking the news well.
According to TheStreet, McDonald’s is discontinuing its Pumpkin Spice Latte for fall 2026, bringing an end to the seasonal drink’s 13-year run. Instead, the fast-food chain is leaning into another classic fall flavor: caramel apple pie.
The decision has already sparked frustration among customers who were expecting to see their favorite pumpkin drink return to the menu.
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McDonald’s New Fall Drinks
Rather than offering pumpkin spice alongside a new seasonal flavor, McDonald’s is replacing it entirely with its new Caramel Apple Pie lineup.
The limited-time drinks combine caramel and apple flavors and are topped with salted caramel whipped cream and crumbled apple pie pieces.
The fall lineup includes:
- Caramel Apple Pie Frappe
- Hot Caramel Apple Pie Latte
- Iced Caramel Apple Pie Latte
- Caramel Apple Pie Iced Coffee
A McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed to Delish that Caramel Apple Pie will be the chain’s only fall coffee flavor this year.
“While Pumpkin Spice will not be part of this year’s lineup, we’re always exploring new ways to give fans seasonal flavors to enjoy,” the spokesperson said.
“We chose Caramel Apple Pie because it offers a fresh take on the familiar tastes of fall—and one we think fans will fall in love with.” But for some customers, a new fall flavor isn't enough to make up for losing pumpkin spice.
Fans Aren’t Ready To Say Goodbye To Pumpkin Spice
News of the menu change quickly prompted complaints on Facebook, with some customers questioning why McDonald’s couldn't simply offer both seasonal flavors.
“I don't see why we can't have both... Why it HAS to be one or the other,” one person wrote.
“The new one is okay. Not a favorite but not really bad either... I miss the pumpkin spice. I actually was really looking forward to it.”
Another customer said the Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee was their favorite, writing, “Wow this really stinks if it's true. Their Pumpkin spice iced coffee is/was my Favorite!!! They'll be sad that they didn't bring it back this year. As will I.”
Even some people who aren't particularly fond of pumpkin spice were disappointed by the decision.
“I'm not a big fan of pumpkin spice but that's unfortunate,” one person commented.
Others were much more dramatic about the change, with one customer declaring, “OMG. The world is coming to the end!”
The replacement drinks didn't exactly receive a glowing reception from everyone, either.
“The Apple drinks are gross. I’m bummed… forever a pumpkin spice girl,” one person wrote.
“Tried the apple. Hate it,” another said. Someone else who had already sampled one of the new drinks complained,
“I tried it and it’s too sweet for me. Not a fan.”
While McDonald’s is betting on caramel apple pie to become its new fall favorite, the backlash suggests plenty of customers aren't ready to give up their pumpkin spice tradition just yet.
