SEATTLE, 2015-9-8 — /EPR Retail News/ — What makes fall food and beverages taste so good?
Nancy Kershner, the renowned pastry chef behind the creation of Starbucks® fall bakery favorites, says it’s all about comfort.
“In fall, we think of ingredients such as pumpkin, cream cheese, cinnamon, crunchy pecans, brown sugar, honey and butter. These flavors are the perfect complement to Starbucks coffee any season, but particularly in the fall,” said Kershner. “Our fall food really speaks to the harvest season.”
Kershner, author of the book, “I Love Pies and Tarts,” joined Starbucks three years ago to lead product development for Starbucks bakery brand, La Boulange. At Starbucks, Kershner and her team have re-imagined longtime fall favorites Pumpkin Scone and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and created new ones with the decorated Pumpkin Sugar Cookie and Washington Apple Pound Cake.
Ellie Halevy, director of the Starbucks Food team, said that fall is one of the top seasons for bakery items at Starbucks.
“While fall is a nostalgic time of year, there’s also a sense of newness – be it in fashion or in menus,” said Ellie Halevy, director of Starbucks Food team. “Whether it’s back to work and school or back to eating inside with shorter days, fall marks a transition point for our customers.”
Fall Favorites
Pumpkin Scone: Made with the flavors of the season – pumpkin pie spices and cinnamon – and topped with delicious icing. Pairs with the bold, spicy flavor notes in Komodo Dragon Blend®.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin: Richly spiced pumpkin muffin topped with a sprinkling of chopped caramelized pumpkin seeds and cream cheese filling. Pairs with the full-bodied, cinnamon notes of Sumatra.
Washington Apple Pound Cake: A traditional pound cake with roasted apples from Washington state with sugar and a hint a cinnamon. Pairs with the refined acidity and soft spice flavor of Guatemala Antigua.
Decorated Pumpkin Sugar Cookie: This buttery sugar cookie pairs with coffees featuring distinct citrus notes, like Kenya.
New at Starbucks
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bistro Box: Starbucks newest Bistro Box features old-fashioned PB&J made with wheat bread, peanut butter and strawberry jam. Also includes mozzarella string cheese, vegetables, Greek yogurt ranch dip, apples and milk chocolate-covered raisins.
Sriracha: Whether punching up the heat on breakfast sandwich or adding an extra layer of zing to the classic egg salad sandwich, sriracha hot chili sauce adds a spicy kick to savory foods. Starbucks is offering its first-ever siracha sauce at participating Starbucks® stores in the United States, complimentary with the purchase of any food item.
Starbucks Fall Beverage Trio
Pumpkin Spice Latte: PSL is a perfectly handcrafted signature espresso beverage infused with pumpkin, creamy steamed milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove. The beverage is finished with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice. Available hot, iced or as a Frappuccino® blended beverage.
Salted Caramel Mocha: This customer favorite features espresso and steamed milk, blended with mocha sauce and toffee nut flavored syrup. Topped with sweetened whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a mixture of turbinado sugar and sea salt, this beverage pairs well with a crisp fall morning or cozy afternoon. Available hot or iced.
Teavana® Oprah Cinnamon Chai Tea Latte: A bold infusion of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves, blended with loose-leaf black tea and rooibos. Slightly sweetened and finished with steamed milk or cold milk poured over iced.
At-Home Coffee & Merchandise
Starbucks Card: Fall gift cards return to neighborhood Starbucks® stores in seasonal hues, including a Starbucks Card shaped like an autumn leaf.
Starbucks® Anniversary Blend Coffee: Originally created in 1996 as a special coffee to celebrate Starbucks 25th anniversary, this blend is so popular with customers that it has become an annual tradition ever since. Available in whole bean, K-Cup® Packs and Verismo® pods.
Coffee Artisans Mugs: Each of four abstract designs represents an element in the creation of coffee – from the harvesting of red coffee cherries to the moment it is brewed and served.
Starbucks VIA® Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte: A blend of Starbucks® coffee, pumpkin spice flavors, cane sugar and natural dairy to enjoy anytime.
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For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.
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