Pumpkin spice products at Starbucks, Walmart and others cost more, study finds

Want a pumpkin spice latte? This may have a cost.

Pumpkin-flavored products cost more than their non-pumpkin alternatives, according to a new study from LendingTree.

Last month, LendingTree researchers gathered the prices and sizes of 116 grocery and coffee products to estimate the “average pumpkin spice tax.”

Data was collected from retailers including Whole Foods, Dunkin’, McDonalds, Starbucks, Target, Trader Joe’s and Walmart.

Consumers pay ‘pumpkin spice tax’

LendingTree found that, on average, pumpkin-flavored products cost 7.4% more than their non-pumpkin alternatives.

They also found that trail mix had the largest price gap between pumpkins and other products. Target’s Favorite Day Monster Trail Mix costs $4.00 for 14 ounces, or $0.29 per ounce. Meanwhile, Favorite Day Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix costs $5.49 for 10 ounces, or $0.55 per ounce, a difference of 92.2%.

However, the latest “pumpkin spice tax” of 7.4% remains the lowest in the study’s history, well below 14.1% in 2022 and 8.8% in 2020.

Inflation is cooling; but prices remain high

Despite these results, continued inflation keeps the price of goods high.

“Even though inflation has slowed overall, prices remain very high, straining people’s budgets and forcing them to prioritize their spending,” Matt Shulz, LendingTree’s chief credit analyst, said in a statement. “For some people, paying more for pumpkin-flavored products might be a bridge too far.”

According to another LendingTree study on food prices, the overall amount cost of grocery cart was up 3.1% or $2.60 from three months earlier. That means the average grocery cart cost $86.18, up from $83.58 last July.

RELATED: Here’s what a typical grocery cart costs today — and it’s higher than last year

This was also reflected in the latest study: They found that a coffee frappuccino at Starbucks cost $6.25, up from $5.45 when LendingTree conducted its study in 2022. Meanwhile , a pumpkin spice frappuccino cost $6.75, down from $6.25 in 2022.

Tips for managing PSL budget

To help you fit the pumpkin spice tax into your budget, LendingTree recommends getting your priorities in order.

“As much as we love pumpkin-flavored products, rising prices should not be ignored,” Schulz continued. “If your budget has gotten tighter as inflation has taken hold over the past few years, know that you may need to consider holding back a little.”

He said you can also consider consolidate your debts with a low interest rate personal loan. This can reduce the amount of interest you pay each month on your debts, allowing you to pay them off a little faster and maybe even free up a few extra dollars to splurge on a pumpkin spice treat every once in a while .

LendingTree also said to keep an eye out for discounts and rewards. Have a loyalty card or store credit card may be useful. For example, if you’re a Starbucks PSL fan, you can keep an eye out for triple star days: these points can be redeemed for discounts or free items.

Or if you’re really looking to save money, consider going the DIY route.

“Getting your pumpkin fix doesn’t always mean restaurants and cafes,” Schulz said. “Make your own pumpkin bread. Brew your own pumpkin-flavored coffee at home. Although prices for these products in stores are still more expensive than in years past, they are often much better than you will pay at your favorite bakery or café.”