Starbucks’ pumpkin spice menu returns Aug. 25 — how to get the most value from your order

# What returned and when Starbucks brought back its full pumpkin-flavored lineup on Aug. 25. The rollout includes the Pumpkin Spice Latte and iced version plus several pumpkin-cream and pumpkin-style options and a pumpkin cream cheese muffin.

# Which pumpkin items are available Expect the familiar favorites plus a range of other drinks: iced pumpkin cream shaken espresso, pumpkin cream cold brew, iced pumpkin cream matcha, iced pumpkin cream chai and the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. A pumpkin cream cheese muffin is also available.

# How to make your pumpkin purchases go further Follow three pragmatic steps to increase value on each visit.

• Sign up (or use) Starbucks Rewards. Green members earn 1 Star per $1 on purchases and bonus Stars when reloading the Starbucks balance. You can redeem Stars beginning at 25 Stars for small modifications up to $1.

2) Pay with cards that reward dining

• Starbucks transactions code as restaurant purchases. Choose a card that offers elevated returns on dining to earn extra points or statement credits when you pay or reload. The article cites the American Express Gold Card for 4 points per dollar on restaurants and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card for up to $25 in monthly dining statement credits that can be triggered by reloading a Starbucks account.

• Link Delta SkyMiles and Marriott Bonvoy to your Starbucks Rewards profile. If you've flown on Delta in the previous 12 months, you can earn 1 Delta SkyMile per $1 spent and get double Stars on a day you take a Delta flight. Marriott's Starbucks partnership can deliver double Stars on qualifying purchases during eligible Marriott stays and occasional bonus Marriott points during Marriott Bonvoy promotional weeks.

# Practical scenarios If you plan to buy a pumpkin drink frequently, prioritize these actions in this order: enroll in Starbucks Rewards, link Marriott and Delta if you qualify, then pay or reload with a card that yields bonus dining rewards or offers monthly dining credits. Reloading your Starbucks balance can both earn bonus Stars and trigger card dining credits in some cases.

# Notes on timing and availability

# Bottom line