McDonald's Ditches Pumpkin Spice Latte for Caramel Apple Pie

McDonald's has made the surprise decision to drop its Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) from their fall menu for the first time in a decade. The PSL, which was never as popular at McDonald's as it was at Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, will be replaced by Caramel Apple Pie.

Caramel Apple Pie is reportedly the only fall coffee flavor that McDonald's plans to release this year. In a statement, a spokesperson confirmed that while Pumpkin Spice Lattes won't be part of this year's lineup, the company is always exploring new ways to give fans seasonal flavors to enjoy.

The PSL has been a popular drink for 20 years, with 86% of consumers having at least tried one in their lifetime. However, according to Datassential, only 37% of coffee establishments sold Pumpkin Spice Lattes last year, compared to 99% more that sold Apple Pie flavors and 49% more that sold Caramel Apple.

Clare Conaghan, a trendologist at Datassential, believes that apples may be the next autumn staple. 'It's apples, but caramel apple specifically, as perhaps something that could take over or add to pumpkin spice,' she said.