McDonald's discontinues fan favorite after 13 years

Fall is one of the most predictable seasons in the restaurant industry.

As temperatures begin to drop, major chains roll out limited-time flavors to bring customers back for familiar favorites. And few seasonal flavors have become as recognizable as pumpkin spice.

This fall, however, McDonald's is taking a different approach, discontinuing a longtime favorite nationwide.

Rather than following the most established flavor trend in fall beverages , the fast-food giant is turning to a flavor combination more closely tied to one of its own longtime menu staples.

McDonald's discontinues the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2026

McDonald's (MCD) has confirmed it is discontinuing its seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte from its 2026 fall menu, ending the beverage's 13-year tradition.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte was first launched at select McDonald's locations in 2013 before becoming available nationwide in 2016, according to the company .

The fast-food giant is replacing the seasonal drink with a new Caramel Apple Pie coffee lineup as it brings innovation to its beverage business.

The limited-time offerings combine apple and caramel flavors with McDonald's coffee and are topped with salted caramel-flavored whipped cream and crumbled apple pie pieces.

According to McDonald's , the lineup includes:

The new Caramel Apple Pie Coffees are available at participating McDonald's restaurants nationwide for a limited time.

The lineup gives McDonald's a different seasonal option as major coffee chains lean heavily into pumpkin-spice offerings during the fall.

Why McDonald's is discontinuing the Pumpkin Spice Latte

McDonald's has not simply replaced one seasonal flavor with another. The move is part of a broader, multi-year effort to expand its beverage business and create more occasions for customers to visit its restaurants.

The company has been investing in beverages as a growth opportunity, with its strategy extending beyond traditional McCafé offerings.

In March 2025, McDonald's introduced its Restaurant Experience Team , bringing together operations, supply chain, franchising, development, restaurant design, delivery, and Speedee Labs. According to the company, the goal is to streamline innovation and improve execution across its markets.

McDonald's also established three global Category Management teams focused on beef, chicken, and beverages/desserts, signaling a more specialized and data-driven approach to menu development .