Every autumn, pumpkins take center stage. They’re carved into glowing jack-o’-lanterns, roasted for pies, transformed into soups, churned into lattes, and even repurposed into candles, room sprays, and soaps. In many ways, pumpkins have become the unofficial mascot of the season—carrying the weight of fall’s flavors and traditions on their thick orange shoulders. But SONIC Drive-In, known for its fun, playful approach to food and drink, is taking a stand on behalf of these overworked gourds. This fall, SONIC is giving pumpkins some well-deserved rest by offering customers a refreshing alternative: the new Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee and Salted Caramel Croissant Bites.
The move is more than just a product launch—it’s a humorous campaign that nudges fans to consider that fall flavors don’t have to revolve exclusively around pumpkin spice. As SONIC puts it, it’s time to “Save a Pumpkin” and embrace another flavor profile just as rich, comforting, and seasonally satisfying.
A Playful PSA with a Serious Message
To highlight the new offerings, SONIC has created a tongue-in-cheek public service announcement (PSA). The spot stars Alexandra Madison and Jon Bouff, a filmmaking and comedy duo known for their witty internet content and podcast hosting. Together, they break through the “pumpkin overload” narrative with their lighthearted yet pointed message: fall has a new flavor hero, and it’s Salted Caramel Toffee.
In the PSA, Madison and Bouff humorously lament the endless pumpkin-flavored and pumpkin-inspired products that flood shelves every autumn—ranging from coffee and baked goods to, more absurdly, deodorants and body washes. The skit reminds fans that pumpkins deserve a more dignified role than being churned out endlessly as pumpkin spice lattes or transformed into novelty items. Instead, they argue, pumpkins should be spared from this seasonal frenzy, while SONIC steps in with an indulgent caramel-forward alternative.
Giving Back to Pumpkins and the Planet
But SONIC isn’t just stopping at jokes. The brand is pairing its fall campaign with real-world impact by donating $15,000 to Agricity’s Pumpkins for the People program. This nonprofit initiative has a three-fold mission:
- Rescuing edible pumpkins that would otherwise go to waste and redirecting them to food donation programs.
- Diverting discarded jack-o’-lanterns to composting facilities, helping keep them out of landfills.
- Raising awareness about food waste, especially during the holiday season when pumpkin use peaks.
Through this partnership, SONIC underscores that while its playful campaign is designed to entertain, the brand also recognizes the environmental and social issues tied to seasonal food waste. By encouraging pumpkin preservation, SONIC is positioning its new fall flavors not as competitors to pumpkin, but as a way to ease the burden on one of autumn’s most beloved crops.
Meet the New Flavor Duo
SONIC’s fall menu additions are crafted to bring customers a balance of indulgence, comfort, and affordability—hallmarks of the brand’s seasonal treats.
1. Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee
This refreshing beverage begins with smooth, cold-brew coffee poured over SONIC’s famous nugget ice. The cold brew is infused with rich salted caramel syrup and a layer of buttery toffee flavor, creating a sweet-meets-salty balance that fans of caramel won’t be able to resist. The drink is topped with creamy cold foam and finished with a sprinkle of crunchy salted toffee pieces, adding texture to every sip. At just $2.99 for a 20-ounce size, the Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee is positioned as an affordable fall pick-me-up that doesn’t compromise on indulgence.
2. Salted Caramel Croissant Bites
For those who want something to pair with their coffee, SONIC has introduced Salted Caramel Croissant Bites. These flaky, golden-brown pastries are baked to perfection and dusted with a sweet caramel sugar blend. The result is a warm, handheld snack that’s ideal for dunking into coffee or simply enjoying on the go. Offered as part of the SONIC $1.99 Menu, a pack of four bites costs just $1.99, making them both a treat and a value.
Together, the coffee and croissant bites form what SONIC calls the ultimate fall flavor duo—a pairing that competes directly with pumpkin spice but offers a fresh twist on seasonal indulgence.
SONIC’s Take on Seasonal Flavors
“Fall flavors don’t have to mean pumpkin spice on repeat,” said Barb Williams, Vice President of Category Management at SONIC. “With the new Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee and Salted Caramel Croissant Bites, SONIC is stepping in to give pumpkins a much-needed break, all while giving guests something just as craveable. Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee is the perfect sweet and creamy pick-me-up. And when paired with Croissant Bites, it’s the ultimate fall duo for guests who want their daily boost with a side of indulgence.”
Williams’ statement reflects a broader trend in the food and beverage industry: while pumpkin spice still reigns as a seasonal classic, consumers are increasingly interested in variety. Salted caramel, with its blend of sweetness and subtle saltiness, has been gaining traction as a flavor profile that works equally well in beverages, desserts, and snacks. By pairing it with the richness of toffee and the comfort of croissants, SONIC is positioning itself as a leader in redefining fall’s flavor landscape.
Availability and Access
SONIC is making its seasonal menu items accessible and exciting through a staggered release. Starting August 25, the Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee and Croissant Bites will be available exclusively through the SONIC App, encouraging fans to download and engage digitally with the brand. This early-access strategy not only rewards loyal app users but also builds anticipation ahead of the nationwide launch.
On September 1, both menu items will roll out at SONIC locations across the country, ensuring everyone has the chance to try them as the fall season kicks off in full swing.
Redefining Fall Beyond Pumpkin Spice
SONIC’s “Save a Pumpkin” campaign and new fall menu items aren’t about replacing pumpkins entirely—they’re about expanding the seasonal flavor palette. By blending humor, philanthropy, and irresistible food innovation, SONIC is inviting customers to rethink what fall flavors can be. Whether fans sip on the velvety Salted Caramel Toffee Iced Coffee, snack on warm Croissant Bites, or both, they’ll experience autumn in a fresh, fun, and flavorful way—without overworking the pumpkin patch.
So, this season, when the shelves are overflowing with pumpkin spice everything, SONIC offers an alternative: skip the pumpkin latte, give pumpkins a break, and savor salted caramel toffee instead. After all, fall is about comfort, indulgence, and a little creativity—and SONIC is making sure everyone can taste that difference.\
