I tried a drink that rivals Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte and it's perfect for tea-lovers

Pumpkin spice lattes are landing in coffee shops earlier than ever due to global popularity, but they remain a tricky drink to replicate at home.

Investing in the sugary syrups and coffee blends crafted by the likes of Starbucks is one way to recreate the delicious hot coffee beverage, which was first imagined in 2003 by Peter Dukes, director of espresso Americas for Starbucks, but most would agree it’s not the same.

Typically sold as a creamy, sweet latte, the warming flavour which blends cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, has been transformed into other blended beverages and sweet treats. Starbucks' Frappuccino and Pumpkin Spice Cookie are just a few on the market, but the autumnal drink is yet to deliver for those who prefer tea.

Brewing experts at Bird & Blend Tea Co. may have hit the mark with their exclusive Pumpkin Spice range, available online and in its 18 UK stores. Crafted in loose-leaf form, the Spiced Pumpkin Pie Chai tea promises to be the brand’s “most loved blend ever”. But how does it compare to coffee shop offerings?

As a self-proclaimed tea (and coffee) lover, I put their autumnal range, which also includes sweet matcha powders and sticky chai blends, to the test.

The thing I love most about pumpkin spice lattes is the blend of warming spices with creamy milk that’s often thick and foamy. Typically using syrup to flavour the coffee with autumnal tones, the drinks have a sweetness that makes them feel dessert-like.

But I rest assured I’m not alone when I say I begrudge the price tag of these seasonal treats. Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte, which is made with a spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, is £4.65 for a tall size. Factor in any added extras or consider icing the drink, and you’re looking at more than £5 a go.

Greggs' equivalent is £2.50 or £3 to have it iced, while Ole & Steen, and Pret A Manger are also among the major industry players who offer the drink for varying prices.

Membership and loyalty cards offer some incentive to buy drinks from leading coffee chains, but Bird and Blend's approach removes the need to even leave the house and a much smaller price tag. A 150g tin of the tea company's Spiced Pumpkin Pie blend costs £23 and contains 75 cups (less than 31p per serving).

Available as a standalone loose-leaf or tea-bag product, the blend is also featured in the Cosy Collection Box (£55), which includes a full 150g tin of Spiced Pumpkin Pie, two sample tins of Spiced Pumpkin Pie Matcha and Toffee Apple Matcha, 20g caffeine-free pouches of Baby Spice and Apple Cider Bobbing tea, plus 50g pouches of Spiced Pumpkin Pie Sticky Chai and a new Bonfire Toffee Sticky Chai blend.

So how do the tea blends compare to classic pumpkin-spiced lattes? Firstly, they're incredibly easy to make - all you need is boiled water, a tea strainer (if you buy the blend in loose-leaf form), and milk.

Bird and Blend Spiced Pumpkin Pie: Verdict

As for the Spiced Pumpkin Pie loose black and chai blend, the fragrance is incredible - like autumn in a cup. But it does have a unique quirk to it. Perhaps in the absence of the earthy brown espresso colour, this tea blend is more grey when you add a dash of milk to the cup.

I found the flavour nice and earthy with all the classic spices of a pumpkin spice latte included. It has a natural sweetness to it thanks to the addition of sugar sprinkles in the blend, but it's very subtle and complements the earthy warmth. There's no need to add cream or sugar syrup, unlike coffee shop drinks which stack up on calories (approximately 266kcal in a standard Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte).

It's the ultimate herbal alternative to get your autumnal fix as it is just as delicious enjoyed black for a more bitter aftertaste. You could add hot, foamy milk to strike a more latte-esque result. The sticky chai version, however, is the one to watch as the biggest rival to the classic pumpkin spice latte.

Best coffee shop alternative: Spiced Pumpkin Pie Sticky Chai

The sticky chai blend made with Bird and Blend's Spiced Pumpkin Pie flavour is spot on, with the addition of honey to thank for a lovely sweetness to the drink that the black tea blend lacks.

To make the drink, measure two heaped teaspoons of the chai blend into a saucepan with a cup of milk and stir until heated through (or heat in the microwave), being careful not to burn the milk. Gently strain the liquid into a mug and enjoy hot.

If I were to do a blind taste test I think I'd pick this one out as the true pumpkin spice latte, it is that good. All you need is whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg or cocoa powder to give the beverage that dessert-like edge. Plus, the handy pouch packaging makes this sticky chai blend easy to carry on the go, so you can whip up a hot autumnal drink anywhere you have access to milk, a microwave or a stove - whether it be in the office or even while camping.