Review: Wendy's Pumpkin Spice Frosty Is The Perfect Fall Treat

For the legions of pumpkin spice lovers out there, it always seemed inevitable that this beloved autumnal flavor would find its way into one of the most cherished fast-food desserts. True to form, Wendy's didn't disappoint. Announcing with just a hint of suspense close to its launch date, the chain has graced its menu with a Pumpkin Spice Frosty for a limited stint this fall.

This addition marks another entry in Wendy's select roster of seasonal Frosty flavors, and to say we're elated would be an understatement. The long-awaited pumpkin spice variant is a tribute to the season, and it doesn't stop there. For those seeking a caffeinated kick with their seasonal flavors, it's also of note that Wendy's has also introduced a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew, ensuring that fans have more than one way to indulge their pumpkin cravings. While we're thrilled about this announcement, it does come with a caloric punch and a limited-time offering. Let's take a look at the Pumpkin Spice Frosty and see if it holds up to our expectations.

For anyone familiar with the Wendy's menu, the Frosty is hardly a stranger. Creamy, sumptuous, and with consistency that defies the norms of milkshakes and soft serves, it's a dessert that often demands a spoon. It's not quite ice cream, not quite a milkshake, but something enchantingly in between. Is a visit to Wendy's truly complete without at least a Jr. Frosty?

Wendy's has a knack for tuning into the changing seasons, offering limited-time flavors that resonate with the ambiance of the time. As leaves begin to take on amber hues and there's that unmistakable chill in the air, Wendy's unveils its latest masterpiece: the Pumpkin Spice Frosty. It encapsulates autumn in a cup.

This isn't just another Frosty with a hint of pumpkin. No, it's an ode to the flavors of fall. Every spoonful brings forth memories of pumpkin pie at family gatherings, complemented by the warm and familiar embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg. It's a harmonious blend of flavors, creating a symphony of nostalgia and comfort, and lovers of fall candles will love this one.

While some seasonal offerings lean heavily on their classic counterparts, blending new flavors with the old, the Pumpkin Spice Frosty stands proud and independent. It isn't a mere blend with the signature chocolate Frosty but a unique and bold statement on its own. For those seeking the embodiment of fall in a desert, this is it. It's fall, in Frosty form.

Starting September 12, the Pumpkin Spice Frosty graces the menu at all Wendy's locations. What's especially delightful is its pricing — identical to the regular Frosty. So, savoring this autumnal treat won't ask you to dig deeper into your pockets. Specifically, you can snag a Jr. size for just $1.29, opt for the classic at $2.39, go a size up with the medium for $2.89, or fully indulge with a large at $3.29.

For those looking for a deal, there are a couple of enticing offers on the table. If you're an Uber One member, mark your calendar for September 13 through 19. During this week, buying a Pumpkin Spice Frosty will get you another one absolutely free, and there's a serving of french fries in there to sweeten the deal. Though it's a limited-time offer, Uber One members who love pumpkin spice are in for a treat.

And there's more good news for Frosty aficionados. With the purchase of a Boo! Book, available until October 31 for $1, you'll receive five free Junior Frostys. And, yes, you can redeem these for the Pumpkin Spice Frosty, too.

The Pumpkin Spice Frosty, while an undeniable treat for the taste buds, does come with a slightly heftier calorie count than some people might expect. If that's something you want to be aware of, breaking it down by size: The junior rings in at approximately 210 calories, the small size climbs to 330, the medium rings in at 420, and those opting for the large can note the 550 calories. For comparison's sake, items like the cold brew are on the lighter side of the calorie spectrum at Wendy's.

The Pumpkin Spice Frosty, though a seasonal indulgence, definitely packs more of a caloric punch when compared to some other offerings from Wendy's menu. The medium Pumpkin Spice Frosty, for reference, also has 10 grams of fat, 11 grams of protein, 64 grams of sugar, and 200 milligrams of sodium, with the other sizes' nutritional contents changing respectively to their sizes. 

When stacking up the Pumpkin Spice Frosty against Wendy's other Frosty flavors, two main factors set it apart: taste and calorie count. A junior-sized classic chocolate Frosty clocks in at 190 calories, escalating to 310 for the classic, 390 for a medium, and peaking at 500 for a large.

Beyond mere numbers, the Pumpkin Spice Frosty joins an exclusive league of seasonal offerings. Fans may recall the delightful Strawberry Frosty that made a brief reappearance not too long ago before bidding its adieu. The winter of 2022 also saw a minty treat in the form of the Peppermint Frosty. Thus, the Pumpkin Spice edition is the latest entrant in a line of limited-time flavors, each vying for the top spot in the hearts (and taste buds) of Frosty aficionados. With its distinct flavor and rich autumnal notes, it offers a unique sensory experience, further diversifying the Frosty portfolio and challenging loyalists to pick a favorite.

The flavor is rich, assertive, and unabashedly devoted to pumpkin, which, in our opinion, is precisely how it should be. If you prefer subtlety in your treats, be warned: This Frosty is anything but that. It's luxuriously sweet, teetering on the edge of decadent, and it's clear that it's been crafted for those who consider themselves pumpkin spice enthusiasts through and through.

In terms of texture, the Pumpkin Spice Frosty mirrors the creamy, velvety smoothness that has become a Frosty hallmark. It's the kind of treat that feels indulgent from the first spoonful to the last, making each bite feel like a cozy embrace from autumn itself.

As for its appearance, the Frosty boasts a light, almost pastel, orange hue that perfectly matches the season. The color alone makes it visually appealing, inviting you to dive in even before you've had a chance to taste it. It's a quintessential fall taste encapsulated in a cup.

Your decision to sample this new Frosty flavor hinges primarily on your sentiments towards pumpkin and its accompanying spices. For those who eagerly anticipate the pumpkin-filled wonders that autumn brings, the Pumpkin Spice Frosty is an absolute must-try. It's a love letter to all things pumpkin, delivering the flavor and warmth of the season in every spoonful. Yet, herein lies a slight heartache: this Frosty's seasonality. Once you're smitten, the inevitable parting as the season ends will leave you counting down the days until its potential return. Such is the allure and agony of limited-time pumpkin delights.

However, a word of caution to the pumpkin skeptics: If the pumpkin spice craze has always felt more miss than hit to you, then this might not be your cup of tea (or, in this case, Frosty). Its taste can best be described as a creamy, frozen pumpkin pie delight, so if that doesn't tantalize your taste buds, you might want to stick to the classic chocolate.