I tried Dunkin’ and Starbucks’ pumpkin spice lattes – Dunkin’ was the clear winner but I would still choose Starbucks

IT’S finally fall — or at least that’s what coffee shops will have you believe.

Dunkin ’ launched its fall menu on Wednesday, about a week after Starbucks pushed its earliest fall launch ever.

Daniel O'Connor

Daniel O'Connor

So I set to work, trying both chains’ iconic pumpkin spice lattes side by side.

I’m typically a Dunkin’ fan, but after trying Starbucks’ PSL , I needed to see for myself which was best.

Given the product names, it would be fair to assume the two products were basically the same.

But they both had advantages and disadvantages, with Dunkin’ coming out on top in my book.

However, I still might choose Starbucks over Dunkin’ next time I get a craving for pumpkin.

THE COMPARISON

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between Dunkin’ and Starbucks’ PSLs is the price.

A medium iced Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte from Dunkin’ cost me $5.74 before tax.

At Starbucks, where the equivalent size is a venti, I shelled out $7.95 — again, before tax.

Prices vary by location, however.

On taste, Dunkin’s is much sweeter, possibly thanks to the three pumps of vanilla syrup and three pumps of pumpkin that come with the signature drink.

Starbucks’ is a lot pumpkin-spicier, thanks to six pumps of pumpkin sauce.

However, the sweetness does not match the sugar content.

Starbucks’ 480-calorie latte has 65 grams of sugar, while Dunkin’s 420-calorie latte has 55 grams of sugar.

That may be thanks to Dunkin’s sugar-free vanilla pumps.

So that means Dunkin’ wins big on price and narrowly on nutrition, but what about the vibes?

While I think Dunkin’s latte has a better flavor, it doesn’t taste much like coffee — it’s more like a dessert than a breakfast pick-me-up.

Meanwhile Starbucks’ latte is a bit more coffee-forward in its flavors. The more complex pumpkin spice flavoring enhances the coffee flavor, rather than masking it.

That’s why despite Dunkin’s drink tasting better and being better for your gut and wallet, I might take Starbucks’ drink over Dunkin’s in the future.

Dunkin’ has created a drink that’s pleasantly sweet with a hint of pumpkin pie flavor, while Starbucks offers a more robustly pumpkin-y beverage that you can start your day with.

Whichever I go back for, it won’t be for a while. It’s going to be 92 degrees today in New York, so I’ll be sipping my summer refreshers for a little while longer.

DUNKIN’ LAUNCH

Dunkin’s fall menu has seen the return of many classics and some new items.

The chain has launched a new “Dunkalatte,” a drink featuring coffee milk, a classic Rhode Island beverage that recalls the chain’s New England roots.

It also offers an Almond Spice flavor, mixing pumpkin spice with toasted almond flavors.

The new drink comes as some have said Pumpkin Spice could be dethroned as the reigning queen of fall flavor.

There are new food options, too. Dunkin’ locations across the country are now offering the Pumpkin Donut, Apple Cider Donut, Loaded Hash Browns, and Maple Sugar Seasoned Bacon.

Dunkin’ also released a new Spiked Pumpkin Spice drink, an adult version of the classic treat.

Trader Joe’s has been looking for samplers to test fall foods.

Some called out Starbucks’ early sale of some pumpkin goods in July .