It’s impossible to think about the fall season without imagining a warm mug of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). Every year, Starbucks unleashes its divine pumpkin-infused creation, whipping up a frenzy of caffeine-lovers waiting to get their hands on a cup of this famous treat. So, while there’s no denying that a PSL is absolutely irresistible to many, the question still stands: Does the Pumpkin Spice Latte actually contain coffee? And while some would gladly say yes, the answer may not be so straightforward.
In short, the short answer to this complicated question is yes and no; Starbucks PSLs typically contain espresso or brewed coffee in their recipe, however, the espresso can be absent from the recipe. The PSL is generally made with a coffee base for a heightened flavor complexity, however, due to the “syrupy sweetness” of the drink, a single shot of espresso may be excluded from the equation. It’s also worth noting that if you order a PSL with non-dairy milk, it will not have espresso, as the milk makes the beverage too light for the espresso to be added.
So, the real question here is this; if the PSL doesn’t have espresso in the recipe, what is going in its place? pumpkin spice syrup. The syrup contains a mixture of pumpkin puree, spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice, as well as sugar or other natural sweeteners. The syrup is then combined with espresso, dairy milk or non-dairy milk and a topping of whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. Even if the espresso has been excluded, patrons can still order their pumpkin spice beverage with one, two or even three shots of espresso to give it an extra jolt of caffeine.
According to Sarah Schloo, a barista working at Starbucks, pumpkin spice lattes without coffee still contain a decent amount of caffeine. She states; “Typically, the pumpkin spice lattes without coffee contain about 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaf coffee.” For comparison, a single shot of espresso contains about 75 milligrams of caffeine, and a 12 ounce brewed coffee can contain up to 165 milligrams of caffeine.
In addition to the espresso in the PSL, the milk is also a very important factor. Starbucks offers a variety of milk options to choose from, including low-fat milk, 2% milk, coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk. It is important to keep in mind, however, that certain milk alternatives may contain less caffeine than regular milk, so be sure to ask your barista which milk you should choose. Additionally, some customers may opt to go light or heavy on the syrup depending on how sweet they would like their PSL.
It is also important to remember that customizable drinks are possible at Starbucks, and those who do not want to consume caffeine can opt to omit the espresso, or substitute it with decaf espresso. Additionally, some baristas may be willing to add more or less syrup in the beverage depending on the customer’s preferences. At the end of the day, the decision on how to enjoy your PSL is completely up to you.
Variety of Milk Options
When ordering a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks, customers have the choice to select from a variety of milk options. The most common milk choice is either low-fat milk or 2%, however Starbucks also offers coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk. Depending on the milk option that is chosen, the overall caffeine content may be affected. Depending on how much caffeine you can handle or if you’re trying to cut out caffeine altogether, it’s important to understand the difference in caffeine content between different milk types. For instance, 12 ounces of 2% milk contains 166 mg of caffeine while an equivalent amount of soy milk contains 80 mg of caffeine. The caffeine content of the Pumpkin Spice Latte will depend on the type of milk used, so it’s important to be mindful of which milk is being requested.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is a complex blend of coffee, milk, and pumpkin spice syrup. It’s a combination of sweet and savory. The flavor profile consists of a variety of different spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. It’s said to be reminiscent of a pumpkin pie with a hint of coffee that adds a little kick. This flavor profile can be altered depending on the type of milk chosen, as well as the amount of syrup that is added. Some like to enjoy it with an extra shot of espresso to give it an extra kick, while some prefer it to be light on the espresso. It all comes down to the individual’s preference and the final flavor profile that is desired.
Health Benefits
In addition to its great taste, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte also has some health benefits associated with it. All of the spices in the latte, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice, are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, which makes it a healthier alternative to other coffee variations on the market. The syrup that is used also contains pumpkin puree, which is a great source of fiber. This helps to keep you feeling full longer and can aid in digestion. Even if the espresso or coffee is excluded from the recipe, the latte still contains some caffeine, making it a good choice for an afternoon pick-me-up. Furthermore, when it is consumed in moderation, it contains few calories and fat.
Nutritional Information
It’s no secret that the PSL is not the healthiest of drinks. A grande PSL made with 2% milk contains 380 calories and 14 grams of fat. Depending on the type of milk used, the PSL can easily exceed these numbers and reach a staggering 420 calories and 19 grams of fat. It’s important to remember, however, that the PSL can be customized to suit individual needs. For example, if the espresso is omitted, the calorie and fat count is reduced to 250 calories and 8 grams of fat. Additionally, if almond milk is used instead of regular milk, the calorie and fat count is reduced even further to 215 calories and 6 grams of fat.
Market Growth
There’s no denying that the demand for the Pumpkin Spice Latte has shot through the roof since it was first introduced in 2003. This has led to a steep increase in its sales each year, with one study indicating that 1 in 4 Americans had purchased the beverage at least once during 2017. The success of the PSL has also led to an increase in demand for other pumpkin-flavored items, such as pancake mixes and cereals, which have also seen a large spike in sales. This craze doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon, and more and more companies are releasing new pumpkin-flavored products each year to capitalize on the trend.
Controversy
Despite its overwhelming success, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has not been without its fair share of controversy. One of the primary criticisms that has been levied against Starbucks is that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is not particularly healthy and contains a high amount of sugar. The beverage also has come under fire for its use of artificial colors, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners. Additionally, some have voiced their concern about the environmental implications of the cup’s “throwaway” nature, as they are usually non-recyclable and end up in landfills.
Reduced-calorie Formulations
In an effort to combat the negative criticisms and to make their beverage more accessible to customers, Starbucks recently released reduced-calorie and low-sugar variations of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. These beverages contain fewer calories and less sugar, as well as natural colors and flavors. While these new variations of the PSL do not contain espresso, they do contain natural pumpkin spice syrup and coffee. This new formulation has been met with positive feedback from customers, who are relieved to have a healthier option that does not sacrifice on the taste or flavor of their favorite Starbucks beverage.
