No doubt one of the most popular flavors that takes this season by storm is that of Pumpkin Spice. Most people either love it or hate it. We here on the Food Adventures Crew vote that we LOVE it and our Gem City gives us plenty of options to indulge! So grab your hoodies, yoga pants and Uggs as we indulge in the areas best seasonal coffees and treats!

Starbucks, the founder of the “PSL”, serves up a great latte hot or iced!

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

— The Pumpkin Spice Latte (aka “PSL”) craze started back in 2003 when Starbucks first launched their newest flavor. Up until that time, their recipe remained unchanged. The result was Starbucks most successful seasonal item.. EVER. This year they launched their all natural flavorings for their PSL and this method proves to be superior.

— Many chains, including Saxbys, and local coffee spots have also created their own versions embracing the higher quality of all natural flavorings.

— Apple and Sriracha are the #2 and #3 most popular fall coffee flavors, respectively.

Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House took on the challenge to test out some of areas beloved javas. So if we seem a little hyper, you’ll know why!

MUST DRINKS!:

— STARBUCKS: Known as the creator of this seasonal phenomenon, we felt that starting off with them would be most fitting. Starbucks continues to serve up a quality latte proving that their changes to all natural ingredients was a good move! Hot or iced you’ll get your daily caffeine kick with a delightful seasonal twist!

— DOROTHY LANE MARKET: Hands down this latte blew us away as one of the best ones in the area! DLM also prides themselves on an all natural version. Made with real pumpkin and spices this is the quintessential version of “Autumn in a Cup”! In addition, we need to give a shout out to another hit seasonal drink of theirs, the DLM Maple Apple Cider made with their own DLM 100% maple syrup! As always, DLM never disappoints!

DLM’s all natural flavorings make us like this drink a latte!

— WINAN’S CHOCOLATES and COFFEES: This local chain has a Fall drink menu that will make you salivate! Their Pumpkin Pie Latte is more subtle in flavors but leaves your feeling warm and toasty. Other seasonal drinks that they offer are an Ultimate Apple Cider, Stuffed Chai Latte, Hot Buttered Toffee Latte, the Autumn Twilight, and a S’mores Latte! Add any of their amazing chocolates and you’ll be experiencing ultimate indulgence!

— GHOSTLIGHT COFFEE: Located in Historic South Park at 1202 Wayne Ave in Dayton, Ghostlight Coffee maybe not be a chain, but this java stop would no doubt hold it’s own in a coffee throw down! Their seasonal creation is a Pumpkin Coconut Latte made with their own syrup! And Food Adventures got the latest scoop that Ghostlight is currently creating a Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Latte that will kick off soon! While you’re there, grab a jar of Hawthorne Homestead’s “Lumberjack Pumpkin Butter”!

— THE BOSTON STOKER: One of our most coveted local coffee roasters takes a different spin on fall flavors! While Boston Stoker does not offer a pumpkin spice latte, this season they will whip you up an Orange Honey Latte or Cold Brew Horchata! One of our favorite things to do at Boston Stoker is to ask the barista’s what their favorite drink creation is. Hungry Jax got to experience a talented barista’s secret iced tea that tasted JUST like an apple pie! So don’t hesitate to go off the menu and trust the creative minds behind that coffee bar!

— SAXBYS: Yes yes, it’s another chain. But it’s important to honor the places that are taking pride in delivering a quality product. And Saxbys is doing just that. They too have jumped on the natural flavorings chain and their Pumpkin Spice Latte packs on the seasonal flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg!

We would be remiss if we didn’t highlight at least some of the seasonal pumpkin treats that are being served up in the area! So after you’ve grabbed your cup of joe, hit up these places to further your pumpkin spice addiction! So here are a few of our patented MUST EATS for a pumpkin spiced Food Adventure…

Pumpkin Cookie with Caramel Icing is one of the many seasonal treats at DLM!

MUST EATS:

— DOROTHY LANE MARKET: No one should be surprised that this local powerhouse also dominates in their bakery department. To compliment your latte, you can choose to indulge in their caramel frosted pumpkin cookie, pumpkin roll or even a pumpkin cupcake! And let’s not forget “Aunt Dorothy’s Pumpkin Pie” all made from scratch and in house!

— ASHLEY’S PASTRY SHOP: We’re frequent flyers at Ashley’s! And their seasonal treats just keep calling to us! Located at 21 Park Ave in Oakwood, this bakery has something for everyone! Their seasonal delights include pumpkin iced cookies, muffins, cakes, pies, rolls and even pumpkin cheesecake!

— BILL’S DONUTS: This well known Centerville donut shop has also embraced the pumpkin craze! You can choose form a cinnamon sugar pumpkin donut or a glazed pumpkin donut! Or do what we did and don’t choose at all and eat both…

Dunkin’ Donut’s Pumpkin Muffin is a seasonal favorite!

— DUNKIN’ DONUTS: While Dunkin’ does offer a pumpkin spice latte, we actually are even bigger fans of their pumpkin muffins! This moist muffin is topped with a cinnamon crumb topping and a drizzle of frosting. With some new locations in the area, we want to give a shout out to the longer established Dunkin’ Donuts location on Rt 741 buy the Dayton Mall! Their service is always top notch!

So there you have it fellow pumpkin spice lovers! So many options of seasonal drinks and treats in our area! Be sure to check these out and let us know what others you have grown to love! Lots of these flavors will go into the fall and some beyond Thanksgiving.

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