Starbucks’ Banana Split Frappuccino Is the New Semi-Secret Drink You Need to Nab

I traveled to four of the most popular coffee chains that got ahead of the PSL game this season: Starbucks, Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, and Dutch Bros. Not only did I set out to find the best-tasting PSL (though taste is a huge factor), I also wanted to see how they measured up in terms of price. Coffee is not always cheap these days! Scroll on to discover the best PSL you can order, according to my taste test.

Starbucks

Order: Tall hot PSL

Cost: $5.75

If there’s one thing I can count on from a Starbucks PSL, it’s comfort. Maybe it’s the nostalgia in me, but that first sip is always soothing. Starbucks’ classic PSL is perfectly sweet, but there’s not a ton of spice. I do really enjoy how creamy the pumpkin spice flavor is – likely because they use a thick pumpkin sauce as opposed to a syrup.

I ordered a hot PSL in a tall size for my taste test (because I knew my stomach couldn’t, well, stomach three more standard-sized PSLs), though I wished I had requested a grande. Larger sizes at Starbucks are crafted with more espresso, so I didn’t get a ton of coffee notes from the tall swig that only had one shot. After a solid 5-minute sip session, I have to grant Starbucks’ PSL 3.5/5 stars. The lack of a caffeinated coffee punch and a wild abundance of orange (the drink’s color is quite jarring) left me no choice but to knock off some points.

Dunkin’

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $5.19

Dunkin’s PSL is definitely worth skipping. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a Dunkin’ girly through and through (their Dunkalatte is bangin’), but upon first sip of their PSL, I gagged – I can’t lie. Their PSL is way too sweet and literally just tastes like syrup. Transparently, I tasted a lot more vanilla than pumpkin flavor (and a hint of candle fragrance), which was disappointing, given the drink is literally called Pumpkin Spice Latte.

I felt like I needed to take a big breath and touch grass after drinking it. To top it off, the little espresso I detected the drink tasted very bitter and burnt. For the money I spent, I can definitively say it’s not worth it. It’s gonna be 1/5 stars for me, thanks!

Dutch Bros

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $4.85

Next on my taste test was Dutch Bros. I don’t often make a beeline to this coffee chain, but I was pretty loyal to them in college (for the Cocomo alone), so my hopes were fairly high. I ordered a small hot PSL – and it was definitely pumpkiny. Concerningly pumpkiny, even. Their pumpkin flavor read more savory than sweet in my opinion, which I think could offer a fun and refreshing sip when you’re tired of downing super-sweet drinks.

At this point in the taste test, I was tweaking hard from all the sugar and caffeine I had consumed, but the depth of flavor with Dutch Bros’ PSL ultimately impressed me. The best part was I wasn’t missing out on the espresso at all! The espresso was extremely prevalent even in the small-sized drink. I’m not sure I would order it again since my nearest Dutch Bros is 20 minutes from home, but it certainly earned my stamp of approval. That’s a 4/5 star rating for you, Dutch.

Krispy Kreme

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $2.59

Caffeine-Free Cold Drinks

Lemonade

Starbucks' lemonade may be caffeine-free, but it still packs a punch with a zesty sip.

Blended Lemonade

You can also order the lemonade blended, which combines the drink with ice for a slushy consistency. This is one of the easiest caffeine-free Starbucks drinks to order!

Peach Lemonade

For something sweeter, order the Starbucks lemonade with a splash of peach juice!

Blended Peach Lemonade

You can also get the Peach Lemonade in a blended version for an icier feel. This caffeine-free Starbucks drink is perfect for summertime.

Strawberry Lemonade

If you aren't keen on the peachy flavor, then Starbucks also has strawberry that you can add to lemonade to keep it caffeine-free.

Blended Strawberry Lemonade

Try ordering this beverage blended for a fun twist on the classic caffeine-free Starbucks drinks!

Milk

This one feels like a no-brainer, but not many people know that you can order straight-up cold milk (whole, 2%, skim, almond, oat) from the Starbucks register. If you're craving it on the go, you know where to find it.

Caffeine-Free Teas

Passion Tango Tea

The Starbucks Passion Tango Tea comes iced and brings forth flavors from apple, hibiscus, and lemongrass for a vibrant (non-caffeinated) bev! You can also order this caffeine-free Starbucks drink with a splash of lemonade for a very juicy balance.

Mint Majesty Tea

The herbal teas at Starbucks are free from caffeine, and our #1 fave is the Mint Majesty. It's used to make the Honey Citrus Mint Tea (AKA the Medicine Ball), providing a nice aromatic mint feel compared to other caffeine-free Starbucks drinks.

Peach Tranquility Tea

The Peach Tranquility is a bit on the sweeter side, and provides a great opportunity to warm up during the colder months.

Caffeine-Free Frappuccinos

Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino

Vanilla bean powder, milk, and ice are blended to create this whipped cream-topped Frapp. It's still sweet, but nixes the caffeine entirely.

Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino

This Frappuccino flavor is similar, except it's quite strong on the caramel, and has some interesting crunchiness to it from the little caramel bits that they shake in. Dessert-y caffeine-free Starbucks drinks FTW!

White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino

Additionally, you can order a crème Frappuccino with white chocolate (or more popularly, white mocha). You can also order this pick with regular mocha for a tasty caffeine-free Starbucks drink.

Caramel Brulée Crème Frappuccino

This Frapp is flavored with one of the best seasonal syrups, Caramel Brulée, and gets topped with whipped cream and little bruléed bits for a yummy caffeine-free Starbucks drink.

Peppermint White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino

Skip the caffeine rush and aim for a full-on sugar rush with this minty Frappuccino. Like the White Chocolate Crème one, you can also swap the white mocha for regular mocha.

Chestnut Praline Crème Frappuccino

Spiced praline crumbs adorn this frozen bev that's featured on the Starbucks winter menu.

Strawberry Crème Frappuccino

This fruity yet creamy Starbucks caffeine-free drink gives you a dose of strawberry puree and sweet cream.

Caffeine-Free Hot Drinks

Hot Chocolate

The Hot Chocolate and White Hot Chocolate are both easy and comforting caffeine-free Starbucks drinks to refer to during the winter.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

You can also order the hot chocolates with peppermint syrup for even more spirited caffeine-free Starbucks drinks.

Milk Steamers

Grab any kind of milk that Starbucks carries hot for a comforting, caffeine-free sip.

Vanilla Steamer

The Vanilla Steamer is just hot milk with vanilla syrup for that extra dose of flavor.

Chestnut Praline Steamer

You can get any Steamer with any sort of syrup, but the Chestnut Praline is a fan-fave when it comes to caffeine-free Starbucks drinks.

Sugar Cookie Steamer

The Sugar Cookie Steamer with almond milk is an elite Starbucks caffeine-free drink.

Steamed Apple Juice

Alternatively, order steamed apple juice for a less dense hot drink.

Caramel Apple Spice

This underdog drink is apple juice enhanced with cinnamon syrup, whipped cream, and a caramel drizzle.

​Every Show Needs A Villain — Enter Whitney Leavitt

While Taylor dealt with the fallout of the soft swinger scandal, Whitney Leavitt was dealing with her own scandal. She led the #MomTok group to believe she relocated to Hawaii when the scandal broke to get away from the noise, but Whitney shared that was a cover up, and the real reason her family relocated was because the rumors of her husband having a Tinder account (for their entire marriage) were true. So she basically admitted Taylor was her scapegoat to get out of town.

And while Whitney was hoping for the girls to rally around her during this truth bomb about her marriage, she felt her announcement was overshadowed by Taylor’s miscarriage news (who became pregnant shortly after), ultimately driving Whitney to not attend Taylor’s baby shower. All of a sudden, Whitney doesn't want to be involved with Taylor, and claims her and Taylor only have an online relationship instead of a real one… Umm I’m sorry what? This was the start of Whitney paving her way as the show's villain.

Fast forward to a girls trip for Mayci Neeley’s birthday, Whitney felt the group’s friendships haven’t been authentic. “Let’s be honest,” she told Mayci, “have we all ever been genuine, real friends? Or has there always been an agenda? Has there always been some sort of transaction needed?” Tell me if I’m wrong, but Whitney hasn’t been a true friend if she feels a transaction is needed and feels like some of these friendships don’t exist IRL, but I digress.

After the girls trip, Whitney thought it would be in her best interest to unfollow the women on social media and abruptly leave the group chat, but later expresses how nobody called and asked why she left...Unfollowing your friends and leaving the group chat feels so high school and attention seeking IMO. At this point of the show, I was questioning what I was watching, but I couldn’t turn it off.

In the series finale, Whitney made the not-so-shocking decision to not attend her best friend Mayci’s launch party, claiming she “wasn’t in the space and needed some time from the group.” Hasn’t Macyi always had Whitney’s back through everything, and now she’s not going to show up for her? Aren’t one of the #Momtok’s core values to support each other and have one another's back? Whitney I need answers!!

​The Soda Obsession

Let’s move on to another revelation in the show that I can’t stop thinking about. So you may or may not have caught that in every episode, the women mention their love of soda or have a giant soda in hand. My immediate thought was "what is up with this soda obsession?" Well, Mormons do not drink alcohol or hot beverages, as they have been told by God “Hot drinks are not for the body or belly.” Therefore Mormons like to indulge and treat themselves to a soda. Which is why in Utah, you’ll find Soda shops on almost every corner.

For these women, nothing brings them more joy than a soda. And no they aren’t slamming back a Diet Coke or Dr. Pepper. They’re drinking dirty sodas, which consist of a classic soda mixed with syrups or creams.

As shown in the show, Demi Engemann has a very specific Swig order which consists of sparkling water, sugar free coconut syrup, sugar free vanilla syrup, sugar free raspberry syrup, sugar free pineapple syrup and coconut cream.

I am desperate to try her drink. Does Swig ship? Or can someone please open a location in Miami?

​The Cereal Brand Heard Around The Country

During episode 3, we found out Demi Engemann confided in Whitney Leavitt during a girls trip about some intimate details regarding her sex life with husband Bret Engemann. Well, Whitney shared those details with other women in the group and the series producers. Whitney told producers, “What can I say? The fruity cereal has to do with taste,” in an interview during the episode, while smirking about it like a true villain.

Fast forward to later in the episode during Demi's Galentine’s Day celebration, Whitney thought it would be a funny prank to gift Demi a box of Fruity Pebbles and have her open the gift in front of the group (and the cameras), making this intimate detail of Demi’s marriage more public. But the prank of course, does not go the way Whitney had planned because Demi is not happy. I am so curious to know what Whitney thought Demi’s reaction would be?

And if Demi did send out texts about the intention of the evening, that was a low blow on Whitney’s end to gift her a box of Fruity Pebbles onscreen. And honestly, it's a bit hypocritical coming from Whitney, who's been preaching she wants to create a safe space with #Momtok. It’s a little sus.

​What Happened in Vegas?

One of the more dramatic moments of the series happens in Vegas…of all places! The group celebrates Layla’s birthday in a very non-traditional Mormon way, at Chippendales. It's revealed Jen Affleck’s husband Zac Affleck (yes — related to Ben Affleck — first cousins once removed) has a controlling and misogynistic ick to him when he questions her character and threatens to divorce Jen if she goes to the Chippendales show. Which 1) she knew nothing about, considering the show was a surprise and 2) she didn’t even stay to see the show!

In a very authentic display of friendship and sisterhood, the women really rally around Jen, voicing their concerns, and ultimately their disgust, for her husband. (This man even talked badly about her friends and their marriages, woof.) We don’t often see acts like this on reality TV. This felt very real and raw, and we must protect Jen at all costs.

The series ended with a few unanswered questions, #1 being will #MomTok survive this? And with this show being one of Hulu’s most-watched unscripted shows, we’re waiting patiently for Hulu to announce a second season.