It's official. Fall is here (or maybe it's winter). It's time for all things cozy, like over sized sweaters, scarves, boots and of course, pumpkin spice lattes! It's true, I admit that I am one of those people who is all over the pumpkin spice bandwagon. Pumpkin spice lattes, pastries, covered almonds, ice cream, you name it, I love it. With all this deliciousness in the air, it's no surprise that Mcdonald's and Tim Horton's have added a pumpkin spice line up to their menu. Unfortunately I'm here to share the truth, the not so great and the even less surprising news about Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
As I sit here drinking a pumpkin spice latte, it is with great sadness that I must report that there are no redeeming qualities for our fall favorite beverage. Most Pumpkin Spice lattes are high in sugar, calories and processed ingredients. My best advice when it comes to Pumpkin Spice beverages is to look at them as an occasional dessert and not a daily indulgence.
Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
First up on the chopping block is the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. The ingredients in a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte are sugar, condensed milk, pumpkin puree, 2% or less of fruit and vegetable juice for color, natural flavors, annatto, salt and potassium sorbate (preservative).
I'm happy to see that there are some natural ingredients in Starbucks lattes, however it's only been since 2015 that Starbucks started adding real pumpkin to this beverage. I wish I could get excited and tell you that at least the health benefits of pumpkin redeem this drink, however through my research it doesn't sound like a significant amount of real pumpkin is even used, and it's more as a means to make the ingredient list look good because now it contains real pumpkin.
When you really think about it, 380 calories is quite the throw away. Starbucks has a huge meal menu of items which are under 350 calories. Instead of having your pumpkin spiced latte, you could enjoy a Cheese Danish for only 300 calories. Or, if you were really after something sweet, a Cake Pop only has 170 calories.
If you are feeling like you would like to try to make your Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced latte healthier you can do so by skipping the whipped cream and use 2% milk. This will cut down on some of the fat, however you are still consuming almost 50 grams grams of sugar.
(Above photo: nutritional information in Starbucks Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte)
(Right photo: nutritional information in Starbucks Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte, 2% milk, no whipped cream)
McDonald's Pumpkin Spice Latte
Up next is McDonald's Pumpkin Spice Latte. Out of the three, this one is my lest favorite and I wouldn't go for it again. The ingredients are Fructose, Water, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Nonfat Milk, Annatto Extract (Color), Caramel Color, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Xanthan Gum, Salt, Sucralose. Notice anything missing on this list? PUMPKIN!?! I think Mcdonald's missed the memo that people like real food. The only redeeming quality that the Mcdonald's Pumpkin Spice Latte has is that you can get it in a small to save on calories. A small Pumpkin Spice Latte is 270 calories, and you cut your carbs and sugar by about 10. Unfortunately there are no changes that could be made here to make this a treat that could be enjoyed on a daily basis
(Above Photo: nutritional information in McDonald's Pumpkin Spice Latte)
Tim Horton's Pumpkin Spice Latte
Finally, Tim Horton's Pumpkin Spice Latte is up for examination. Of the three Pumpkin Spice Latte's, Tim's has the fewest calories and least amount of fat. However, calorie-wise, it’s the same as eating a chocolate glazed doughnut. Sugar-wise, it’s like putting 8 1/2 teaspoons of sugar in your medium-sized coffee. While we all want to save a few calories where we can, I'm sorry to report that the Tim's Pumpkin Spice Latte does not compete with Starbucks in taste. You can tell it is the lower calorie option. Despite being the "healthier" option of the three, I still wouldn't recommend making it a regular indulgence.
(Right photo: nutritional information in Tim Horton's Medium Pumpkin Spice Latte)
Now that I'm pumpkin spiced out for the season, I'm able to report that while Pumpkin Spice Latte's are delicious, they are not something to be enjoyed every day. They are a dessert or a treat, and you should enjoy them sparingly. However, when you do indulge, make sure to enjoy every sip.
Cheerfully,
Serial Dieter 911
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