NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:Starbucks teases return of Pumpkin Spice Latte on social media: When might it come out?

September is NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Centeralmost here, which means the annual return of fall-colored leaves on trees, football season and for Starbucks customers, pumpkin spice-flavored beverages.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte, commonly referred to as the "PSL," was first introduced to Starbucks menus in 2003, according to the company, and has since become an iconic part of fall for many coffee drinkers. With it nearing the end of August, many loyal PSL fans are wondering when the drink will make its return in 2024.

Over the last several days, Starbucks has been teasing the unveiling of its 2024 fall menu, which includes the Pumpkin Spice Latte, on social media. The coffee chain has posted multiple short clips on Instagram with fall-themed references, such as leaves and candy corn.

On Tuesday, the brand posted a video of a light blue telephone and a red drink transforming into a pumpkin-shaped telephone and a white cup after a person lights a candle, which could suggest the brand's summer menu will soon transform into the fall menu. The caption for the post is, "Pick up, pumpkin."

What we know:When does the Pumpkin Spice Latte return to Starbucks?

When will the Pumpkin Spice Latte be available at Starbucks in 2024?

Here's when Starbucks has launched its fall menu in the past few years:

• 2023: Thursday, August 24
• 2022: Tuesday, August 30
• 2021: Tuesday, August 24
• 2020: Tuesday, August 25
• 2019: Tuesday, August 27
• 2018: Tuesday, August 28

Based on the trends above, the two most likely dates the Pumpkin Spice Latte will be available in 2024 are either Thursday, Aug. 22 or Tuesday, Aug. 27.

A Starbucks employee in Virginia did tell USA TODAY earlier this month that the fall menu is expected to drop Aug. 22. Other leaks have suggested the same date.

What is in the Pumpkin Spice Latte?

The "PSL" is made with espresso and steamed milk with real pumpkin flavor, plus cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. The whipped cream topping also has pumpkin pie spices, the company says. You can order it hot, cold or blended.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].