Pumpkin Spice Is Back Early At This NJ Convenience Store

WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ - QuickChek is dropping its pumpkin-flavored wave of products well before the leaves of fall hit the ground.

The Whitehouse Station-based convenience store is rolling out their limited-time-only lineup of fall flavors before many of their largest competitors like Wawa and Starbucks. Available as self-serve, hot or iced coffee, QuickChek says the Pumpkin Spice infused with nutmeg, cinnamon, clove and ginger spice is available now at all of the chains 154 locations across New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.

Coffee lovers will also be able to grab the pumpkin spice flavor in a 64-ounce brew box. A full pumpkin-themed menu will be available at certain locations beginning on Aug. 25.

"Some people may argue it is too early for pumpkin-flavored food and drinks, but we wanted to be the first to market for true fans of the official start of fall," Blake Segal, senior vice president of QuickChek, said. "Launching our Pumpkin Spice Coffee has become a tradition at QuickChek and we are excited to offer our loyal customers an early taste of their seasonal favorite."

The debate over when summer officially turns to fall has gone beyond the traditional calendar and spilled into pop culture over the last few decades, with the introduction of the pumpkin spice latte by Starbucks in 2003. The Seattle-based giant tells fans their iconic beverage will hit stores on Aug. 26, along with a batch of other items like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, and Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte. New to the offerings this year are the Pecan Oatmilk Cortado and Italian Sausage Egg Bites.

While QuickChek may be first to the streets with rolling out the fall flavor, Starbucks is still staking its claim as a leader in taking it to an even wider audience. Beginning in early August, the Starbucks ready-to-drink line is coming back to grocery stores, national retailers, convenience stores, and gas stations. The seasonal lineup includes everything from the Iced Espresso Pumpkin Spice Latte to the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, and more.