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Pumpkin spice tax pushes latte fans to brew at home

The New York Post says a home recipe can beat pumpkin spice prices at coffee shops; the fall drink now comes with a surcharge attitude.

On air: Kenji Moonfield and Hank Ledger on The Five O'Clock
Published 5:42 PM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Photo: Theo Crazzolara · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

▶ As it aired · Your Money

Watch it as it aired: Kenji Moonfield and Hank Ledger on this story, from The Five O'Clock at 5:42 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are New York Post's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: Theo Crazzolara · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

Photo: Pumpkin spice latte — Photo: Theo Crazzolara · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

At a glance

First reported by New York Post: “Pumpkin spice inflation forces latte addicts to DIY their own drinks. One surprising tip makes it easy — and can save you thousands.”
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 5:42 PM ET on The Five O'Clock, by Kenji Moonfield and Hank Ledger.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

New York PostPumpkin spice inflation forces latte addicts to DIY their own drinks. One surprising tip makes it easy — and can save you thousands.

What BBN said about it

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe New York Post says the pumpkin tax is real, and it is coming for your latte.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThe fix is brewing it at home, and they say it can save you thousands.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA tax. Who collects it, and do I get a receipt?
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentIt's not a real tax, Hank. It's the coffee shop raising the price because the leaves turned orange and you'll pay anyway.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo a tax with no government. I've been paying that for years and calling it Tuesday.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThousands, though. A latte every day adds up to a used couch by spring. You are basically drinking furniture.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorDrinking furniture.

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