Starbucks Customers Turn Pumpkins into Coffee Cups in Bizarre New Fall Trend

Pumpkin spice season just got a little more literal. Across social media, people are showing up to Starbucks with small, hollowed-out pumpkins and asking baristas to pour their drinks directly inside. The stunt is part of a growing fall trend; part aesthetic, part chaos, and reactions are mixed among both customers and employees.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HellthyJunkFood (@hellthyjunkfood)

Pumpkin Mugs: Cute or Complicated?

The idea stems from Starbucks’ policy that allows customers to bring their own reusable mugs. Influencers and fall enthusiasts are taking that to a new level by turning real pumpkins into makeshift coffee cups, all in the name of seasonal content. One social media user explained, “It’s just a fun way to celebrate fall.”

But not all Starbucks workers are as enthusiastic. Some baristas are on board and even take photos for customers, while others refuse, citing food safety concerns or the potential mess. “We’re not supposed to touch the pumpkins,” one employee said, “but if they hand it over clean, we can pour the drink in.”

A Messy Mix of Fun and Frustration

Not everyone is charmed by the trend. Several commenters online have begged people to skip the stunt, saying it slows down the line and creates unnecessary hassle. Still, for many social media users, the aesthetic payoff is worth it, even if it means buying a pumpkin just for one photo.

If you want to try it yourself, baristas say it doesn’t hurt to ask nicely. Just don’t expect your latte to taste any more like fall than it already does.