Pumpkin Spice Is It All that Nice?

 
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It’s the time of year when pumpkin spice lattes are all the rage. This signature fall drink is offered at Starbucks as well as many coffee shops. While pumpkin and spices offer many health benefits, most pumpkin spice lattes are high in sugar and processed ingredients. 

 

The original recipe at Starbucks did not contain pumpkin, but instead spices associated with pumpkin pie and caramel food coloring. Now, the recipe has been reformulated to include natural flavors and made with pumpkin purée without the caramel coloring. Even with the more natural ingredients, the grande (16 oz) pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks is packed with 380 calories and 50 grams of sugar. This includes 120 calories and 30 grams of sugar from pumpkin spice syrup. If you are wanting to get your pumpkin spice latte fix and want to be conscious of your calories and cut down on sugar, here are some options:

·      Order a short (8 oz) = 210 calories and 26 grams of sugar

·      Order a tall (12 oz) = 300 calories and 39 grams of sugar

·      Order a grande with almond milk instead of 2% milk = 300 calories and 30 grams of sugar

·      Order a grande brewed coffee with two pumps of pumpkin spice syrup = 65 calories and 15 grams of sugar

 

While ordering a nonfat and no whipped latte is an option to reduce calories, the amount of sugar will remain about the same. 

 

To enjoy your pumpkin spice latte more frequently without worrying about calories and the sugar content, below is a recipe to make at home.

 

Ingredients:

½ cup skim milk 

½ cup hot brewed coffee

2 Tbsp. canned pumpkin purée

½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice

¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 tsp. maple syrup 

 

Directions:

1.     Combine milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice in a microwave safe bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and microwave approximately 2 minutes or until the milk is hot. Whisk vigorously until the milk mixture is foamy.

2.     Pour coffee into a mug and add the foamed milk. Drink and enjoy!

This provides 95 calories 15 grams of sugar

 
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