Einstein Bros. Bagels is bringing back its Pumpkin Bagel and Pumpkin Shmear for the first time in seven years. The chain, which calls itself America’s largest retail bagel chain, is rolling the fall favorite out in stages: digital-exclusive early access started August 19, a “Kids 7 and Younger Eat Free” day lands August 22, and the full 2026 fall menu goes nationwide August 26.
Part of our Fall Food and Drinks 2026 guide.
A Seven-Year Comeback
The Pumpkin Bagel and Pumpkin Shmear last appeared seven years ago, and Einstein Bros. says guest demand drove the return.
“Our guests have been asking Einstein Bros. Bagels to bring back the Pumpkin Bagel & Pumpkin Shmear, and now a whole new generation of guests gets to try it for the first time. This fall is about celebrating both nostalgia and new discoveries, and our seasonal menu really delivers with returning pumpkin favorites and all-new, shareable items that consumers are increasingly seeking out,” Jessica Serrano, chief marketing officer at Einstein Bros. Bagels, said.
How and When to Get It
The rollout runs in three steps. Digital-exclusive early access started August 19. On August 22, the chain runs a “Kids 7 and Younger Eat Free” day: with any purchase, kids 7 and younger get the Pumpkin Bagel and Pumpkin Shmear free by mentioning the “Pumpkin Kids offer” at checkout. That offer is valid in bakery at participating locations, one per child per day, up to five per transaction. On August 26, the full fall menu rolls out nationwide.
The Rest of the 2026 Fall Menu
Starting August 26, the fall lineup pairs the returning Pumpkin Bagel and Pumpkin Shmear with two new items. There is a $3 Pull-Apart Bagel and Shmear in two seasonal flavors, Pumpkin Crunch and Cinnamon Sugar, and a new Creme Brulee Iced Coffee for $1.99 in any size. The tear-and-share Pull-Apart bagels are built for dipping and sharing. The Pumpkin Crunch comes with Pumpkin Shmear, and the Cinnamon Sugar is paired with Honey Almond Shmear.
A Crowded Pumpkin Season
Einstein Bros. is far from alone this fall. HAN has tracked the season’s other pumpkin rollouts, including Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, Krispy Kreme’s fall collection, IHOP’s pumpkin pancakes, and Peet’s fall menu. For the full fall lineup and participating locations, Einstein Bros. points guests to einsteinbros.com.
