Background
Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL for short, is one of the most beloved seasonal drinks of all time. After being released in 2003 as a Fall offering, PSL has become Starbucks’ most popular drink. The famous beverage is composed of espresso, steamed milk, and popular spices like cinnamon, clove, and of course—pumpkin. The latte is popular among hardcore caffeine drinkers and non-coffee drinkers alike.
Ingredients
The official ingredients of the Pumpkin Spice Latte—including the syrup and topping—include: sugar, condensed nonfat milk, dicalcium phosphate, pectin, annatto extract, natural and artificial flavors, salt, potassium sorbate, and pumpkin spice topping [whipped cream (cream, MONO and Diglycerides, carrageenan), sugar, ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg]. While the menu item does contain a few spices and is topped off with some pumpkin spice topping, the big question is whether or not Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte has coffee in it.
Does Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Contain Coffee?
The short answer is: yes. The classic Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte contains espresso, which is coffee. The standard size (12 fl. oz.) beverage contains two shots of Starbucks espresso, which makes a total of 95 mg of caffeine.
Health Considerations
Though the Pumpkin Spice Latte does have coffee in it, it’s important to note that this beverage contains more sugar than caffeine. The standard size of the Pumpkin Spice Latte contains 50 grams of sugar, while the tall size contains 39 grams of sugar. People who are health-conscious may prefer to opt for a lower sugar drink, like an iced tea or an Americano.
Customizations
It is possible to customize the Pumpkin Spice Latte to make it healthier. Starbucks offers sugar-free syrups such as Cinnamon Dolce and Vanilla. Additionally, people can choose to order their latte with non-dairy milks like almond and coconut, which are lower in calories and fat.
Customer Opinions
Customers have mixed opinions about Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. While some love the drink and its seasonal availability, others criticize the latte for being too sugary and lacking coffee flavor. One opinion from a coffee enthusiast states: “I like the coffee flavor minus the overly spiced artificial sweetness. When I order a PSL, I can definitely taste the coffee, but it’s competing for my attention with all of the spices, so the coffee flavor is more subtle. I’d much prefer to have the coffee taste more prominent in this drink”.
Alternatives
To avoid adding excess sugar into your coffee, you can make a Pumpkin Spice Latte at home. All you’ll need is espresso or strong coffee, almond or oat milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Many recipes suggest adding some type of sweetener to the latte, but this is not necessary. Additionally, many non-dairy creamers are available with a pumpkin spice flavor.
Specialty Drinks
In recent years, Starbucks has expanded their exclusive pumpkin-flavored products, offering a variety of food items and specialty drinks. If a customer is seeking something beyond the original Pumpkin Spice Latte, some favorites include Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte, Pumpon Spice Frappuccino, and even a pumpkin-scented Vanilla Latte.
Nutrition Considerations
Given the sugary content of the beverage, it is important to be aware of the nutritional value of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Generally speaking, a grande size of the drink contains 380 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 52 grams of sugar. The drink also contains calcium, potassium and sodium—but in relatively small amounts.
Caffeine Comparison
If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, there are better options than the Pumpkin Spice Latte. This drink contains two shot of espresso, which amounts to 95 mg of caffeine. The same amount of espresso found in the latte can be ordered as an Americano, which only contains 25 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 0 grams of sugar. Additionally, a cup of cold brew coffee has 205 mg of caffeine in a grande serving and only has 5 calories and 0 grams of sugar.
Non-Coffee Pumpkin Spice Drinks
If you’re looking for a pumpkin spice-flavored beverage without coffee, there are many other products available at Starbucks. This includes Iced Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa, and even a special Nitro Cold Brew with Pumpkin Cream. All of these options contain significantly less caffeine than the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Decaffeinated Alternatives
For those looking for a decaffeinated version of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, the Espresso Light does the trick. This beverage contains only 2 mg of caffeine, making it a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of PSL without the caffeine. Additionally, decaffeinated tea, iced coffee, and coffee-free drinks such as the Apple Chai Latte or the Coconut Pineapple Honey Frappuccino are all caffeine-free options.
Brewed at Home
If you’re looking to get your PSL fix without having to leave the house, you can easily brew the beverage at home. All you’ll need is ground coffee, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and allspice. Depending on your preferences, you can add some type of sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or sugar-free syrup. Additionally, you can use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk to make the drink vegan-friendly.
