GB News

Here are some **real-life case studies, comments, and examples** of how customers and media are reacting to Greggs’ Pumpkin Spice offerings (and the autumn menu more broadly). These show what people like, dislike, expect — and how “pumpkin spice” functions in public perception. — ## Case Studies ### 1. Early Return & Price Reactions * **Leicester Mercury / National media coverage**: Greggs announced that the Pumpkin Spice Latte was going back “early” (before the typical autumn onset) in 2024, which created enthusiasm among customers who saw this as a marker that autumn was arriving. ([Leicester Mercury][1]) * **Price increase commentary**: The Daily Record noted that the 2024 Pumpkin Spice Latte was £2.20, which was \~25p more expensive than the previous year. Some customers praised the return, but there was grumbling from others about inflation and cost of living making treats more of a stretch. ([Daily Record][2]) **Takeaway:** The timing of the return is perceived as a ritual, so bringing it earlier boosts excitement. But price sensitivity is real: small rises draw attention and can dampen the delight. — ### 2. “Value vs Premium” Comparisons * **Media comparisons to Starbucks etc.**: Reports frequently pointed out that Greggs’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is significantly cheaper than Starbucks’ equivalent. For example, in 2025 Greggs’ hot PSL is about £2.75, iced about £3.10, while Starbucks’ versions tend to be well above £4 for comparable sizes. Greggs’ pricing helps it appeal to cost-conscious customers who want seasonal flavours without the premium chain markup. ([The Sun][3]) * **Taste tests / comparison articles**: In a “I tried pumpkin-spiced lattes at Starbucks, Pret, Greggs …” piece (Bristol Live), one of the testers said of Greggs: “A nice latte but it did not really taste like pumpkin spice. However it was the cheapest of them all as well, priced at just £2.40 – which I would say is pretty good value.” ([Bristol Post][4]) **Takeaway:** Many customers accept a slightly less strong or refined flavour in exchange for affordability. Value is a strong part of the brand’s appeal. — ### 3. Mixed Taste Reactions * Some people love Greggs’ pumpkin spice items; others think the spice is too mild, or that it “doesn’t taste enough like pumpkin.” For example: * A user reviewing the Pumpkin Spice Doughnut said: *“It’s delicious. Quite subtle taste to the filling but still great.”* ([GB News][5]) * Another commenter wasn’t so impressed: *“probably the only thing I’ve hated. Tastes like cinnamon.”* ([GB News][5]) * On Reddit, many echo that the “pumpkin spice” flavour is more about spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove than pumpkin itself. Some like that; others find it less satisfying if they’re expecting a strong pumpkin pie taste. ([Reddit][6]) **Takeaway:** There’s a balance: flavour expectations vary. Some customers want intensity; others are content with a “hint” of spice. Greggs seems to lean toward a milder version, which pleases some and disappoints others. — ### 4. “Instagrammable” / Social Media Buzz * Greggs’ autumn menu rollout gets a lot of traction on social media. Posts showing first pumpkin spice lattes, doughnuts, or autumn menu items get shared widely. The “official” Greggs announcements are met with enthusiastic comments: “this is the best day ever”, “pumpkin spice season is amongst us that only means one thing… Autumn.” ([Leicester Mercury][1]) * On Reddit threads, many users say they were excited just by the photos or menu descriptions, even before tasting. The visual / seasonal signaling seems to be a big part of the draw. ([Reddit][6]) **Takeaway:** Even for those who are lukewarm about the flavour, the *idea* of pumpkin spice serves as a trigger for engagement. It’s a signal that autumn (with its other associations: warmth, comfort, cosy) has arrived. — ### 5. Operational & Format Examples * **Over Ice / Iced Version**: Greggs introduced the iced Pumpkin Spice Latte in selected shops, to extend appeal beyond hot-drink lovers and accommodate warmer early autumn days. This format also shows responsiveness to weather and seasonal boundaries. ([Greggs][7]) * **Nutritional Info**: The regular Pumpkin Spice Latte (364.5ml) has 204 kcal, 25g sugars. Some customers have commented on the sweetness / sugar content, either warning that it’s a “treat” rather than a daily thing, or wishing for lighter versions. ([greggs.co.uk][8]) — ## Examples of Comments & What They Indicate Here are some direct comments from customers / media, followed by what they suggest about the role of pumpkin spice in Greggs’ offering: | Comment | Interpretation / Insight | | ————————————————————————————————————————————————– | ————————————————————————————————————————————————- | | *“It might still be summer, but it’s time to spice things up… Pumpkin Spice Latte is back…”* (Greggs’ own announcement) ([Belfast News Letter][9]) | Greggs uses the anticipation & emotional pull of seasons to generate interest. Returning PSL = cultural cue that autumn’s here. | | *“Pumpkin spice season is amongst us that only means one thing… Autumn.”* ([Leicester Mercury][1]) | For many customers, the PSL functions as a kind of ritual: its return is emotional and symbolic, regardless of flavour specifics. | | *“A nice latte but it did not really taste like pumpkin spice. However it was the cheapest of them all…”* ([Bristol Post][4]) | Price can compensate for weaker flavour. If a product is cheap, people are more forgiving. Also shows that “flavour authenticity” is a trade-off. | | *“It’s delicious. Quite subtle taste to the filling but still great.”* (about the doughnut) ([GB News][5]) | Subtlety is acceptable and even preferred by some. More spice isn’t always better. | | *“Probably the only thing I’ve hated. Tastes like cinnamon.”* ([GB News][5]) | Some expected pumpkin or more complex flavour; when they get mostly cinnamon (or spice blend), it disappoints. | | *“One £1.65 item was the best I’ve ever had but I gave up on another”* — from a review of the autumn menu (Daily Star) ([Daily Star][10]) | Mixed menu reactions: some items delight, others not so much. Even within autumn offerings, there’s variation. | — ## What These Case Studies Tell Us: Lessons & Implications Combining the examples above, here are insights into how pumpkin spice functions as a menu strategy for Greggs (or similar chains), what works, and what to watch out for. 1. **Timing & Ritual Are Key** The return of pumpkin spice is anticipated. Launching it early, with fanfare, reinforces brand-loyal customers and draws in people who buy into seasonal culture. It becomes a cue for other autumn things: jumpers, changing leaves, festive bakes. 2. **Affordability is Central** Many customers openly compare Greggs to premium coffee chains. The PSL works as a way to offer a flavour trend at accessible price. If the “premium chains” version of PSL costs £4-£5, Greggs offering it for \~£2.50-£3 draws in people who want the flavour without premium pricing. 3. **Flavour Expectations vs Reality** Not everyone expects the same. Some want strong pumpkin spice; others are happy with mild spice + comfort. People who expect pumpkin pie might feel disappointed if they mostly taste cinnamon etc. So managing expectations (in menu description, photography, marketing) matters. 4. **Format Variety Helps** Offering hot *and* iced, pairing with pastries (e.g. doughnuts), using “seasonal” items beyond drinks — all expand the usage occasions. It stops pumpkin spice from being a drink-only novelty. 5. **Social & Emotional Value > Pure Product Quality** Often comments don’t focus intensely on excellence; they focus on feeling: “autumn has arrived,” “finally,” “this makes the season feel real.” Even when flavour is mild or derivative, the emotional impact is strong. 6. **Risk of Fatigue or Perceived Gimmick** Some comments show fatigue: “just tastes like cinnamon,” “the pumpkin spice is unnecessary,” “not very pumpkiny.” If a brand leans too much on seasonal flavours without variation or authenticity, the market may start to shrug. Rotating or enhancing the flavour (more depth, new formats, pairing with other seasonal ingredients) helps. — If you like, I can pull together **two mini case studies** of specific stores or regions (e.g. London vs rural UK) for 2025 to show how sales and reactions differ. Would you prefer that? [1]: https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/greggs-confirms-early-return-pumpkin-7504182?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Greggs confirms early return of pumpkin spice latte – Leicestershire Live” [2]: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/food-drink/greggs-pumpkin-spice-latte-officially-27833060?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Greggs Pumpkin Spice Latte is officially back and fans are going wild for it – Daily Record” [3]: https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/36537139/greggs-launches-menu-for-autumn/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Greggs launches menu for autumn including brand new bake and pumpkin spice treat” [4]: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/i-tried-pumpkin-spiced-lattes-8790308?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘I tried pumpkin-spiced lattes at Starbucks, Pret, Greggs and more – one really was like autumn in a cup’ – Bristol Live” [5]: https://www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/food/greggs-new-menu-pumpkin-spiced-drinks?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Greggs updates its menu with 8 new items including return of fan-favourite drinks – ‘what a time to be alive!'” [6]: https://www.reddit.com/r/greggsappreciation/comments/1f4q953?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Autumn menu just dropped. What’s your favourite thing from it?” [7]: https://www.greggs.com/news/the-pumpkin-spice-latte-is-back?utm_source=chatgpt.com “It’s nice, it’s pumpkin spice… and now it’s on ice” [8]: https://www.greggs.co.uk/menu/product/regular-pumpkin-spice-latte-1001487?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Regular Pumpkin Spice Latte” [9]: https://www.newsletter.co.uk/read-this/greggs-pumpkin-spice-latte-return-date-revealed-3818049?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Greggs Pumpkin Spice Latte return date revealed” [10]: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/life-style/tried-greggs-new-autumn-menu-33682819?utm_source=chatgpt.com “I tried Greggs’ new autumn menu — one £1.65 item was the best I’ve ever had but I gave up on another – Daily Star”

GB News, UK News

Here are some real-life case studies, comments, and examples of how customers and media are reacting to Greggs’ Pumpkin Spice offerings (and the autumn menu…