Starbucks has run out of pumpkin spice latte syrup in some shops – and customers are fuming
STARBUCKS has run out of its iconic pumpkin spice latte syrup in a number of stores across the UK.
The American coffee chain confirmed to The Sun that there is a “temporary shortage” due to “high demand” ahead of Halloween.
Customers in London, Essex and Scotland have complained about the shortage.
One customer said: “Three Starbucks I’ve been to in the past week and none have the pumpkin spice – what’s the point in advertising it if you don’t have it anywhere??”.
Others have reported that staff have been offering a DIY version of the syrup, using hazelnut and cinnamon syrups instead.
It appears that the shortage started in early October – but Starbucks claim that there is “no nationwide” issue and it’s just a “handful of stores” affected.
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A Starbucks spokesperson said: “The Pumpkin Spice Latte continues to be one of our most popular and requested beverages that customers look forward to every year.
“We can confirm there is no national shortage and only a handful of stores are experiencing temporary shortages due to high demand.”
Starbucks has 1,146 stores in the UK.
The pumpkin spice latte is part of the chain’s autumn menu, which began on September 1.
It costs £3.65 for a tall pumpkin spice latte – 10p more than last year. The grande version is £3.95, while the venti one is £4.25. Prices vary across the UK.
The tall version has 300 calories, grande has 390 calories and the venti has 470.
Starbucks first launched the drink in autumn 2004 in the US.
Other chains such as Greggs and Pret have also launched their own version of the drink.
Meanwhile there could be a shortage of pumpkins over Halloween as a summer drought hit crops.
And beer could be in short supply over the World Cup and Christmas as drivers and factory workers could go on strike.