When it’s coffee, it’s Starbucks. This is how many in the world start their work day—with a morning coffee from their favorite Starbucks down the block. There are, however, a few other interesting recipes that Starbucks offers, which are a tad healthier and help cut down a bit on your caffeine intake. Here, we look at the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte’s calories and other useful nutrients that this tasty and spicy seasonal beverage contains.
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte Calories for Different Sizes
Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) is available around fall when pumpkin and nutmeg and other spices are available in abundance. With a standard recipe across the world, this immensely popular drink is handcrafted each time you order one.
The calorific value of this beverage depends on the size you choose. In case you are planning to drop by your favorite Starbucks for a treat, check out the two options that we suggest for each size of your favorite drink. We’ve mainly focused on almond and coconut milk rather than dairy.
Calories in a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte
| GRANDE 16 OZ. | CALORIES | CALORIES FROM FAT | Total CARBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Spice Latte, Almond, No Whip | 230 | 50 | Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugar 38g |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte, Coconut, No Whip | 260 | 70 | Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugar 44g |
Calories in a Tall Pumpkin Spice Latte
| TALL 12 OZ. | CALORIES | CALORIES FROM FAT | Total CARBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Spice Latte, Almond, No Whip | 180 | 40 | Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugar 28g |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte, Coconut, No Whip | 200 | 50 | Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugar 33g |
Calories in a Short Pumpkin Spice Latte
| SHORT 8 OZ. | CALORIES | CALORIES FROM FAT | Total CARBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Spice Latte, Almond, No Whip | 120 | 25 | Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugar 22g |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte, Coconut, No Whip | 130 | 35 | Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugar 19g |
Calories in a Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte
| VENTI 20 OZ. | CALORIES | CALORIES FROM FAT | Total CARBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Spice Latte, Almond, No Whip | 290 | 70 | Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugar 47g |
| Pumpkin Spice Latte, Coconut, No Whip | 330 | 90 | Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugar 55g |
Other Nutrients in Pumpkin Spice Latte
PSL has proteins, calcium, and vitamin A. But it also packs a big punch on the caffeine dosage, sugar, and sodium.
Which Is the Healthiest Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks?
Based on the ingredients and what goes into each, PSL is loaded with calories and those who watch their calorific intake are going to be surprised to see the whopping amounts they take in if they get a treat of this popular drink.
We’ve listed the two best options in each size to keep the calories and the sugar intake to a minimum. If you must go and have this one to mark the change of seasons and the start of your holidays after summer, choose the one with almond milk and no whipped cream in any size you want, and you can still enjoy this delicious drink and without feeling guilty of devouring calories in the hundreds.
Starbucks’ PSL is also available in whole milk, nonfat milk, 2% milk, and soy milk options as well. The cream can be whipped or non-whipped, and depending on the choice, the calorific and nutritional values change.
Final Word on Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte
Starbucks and this particular beverage have had their fair share of controversies with allegations like toxic added colors like caramel color IV and the use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
However, apparently, the US FDA considers this color safe and this beverage is sweetened with sugar and not HFCS.
Sometimes, you can just throw your health-conscious caution to the wind and pick the most calorific drink and just have a blast. Otherwise, be sure to practice moderation or avoid having these beverages daily.
Sources:
“The Nutritional Breakdown of Your Pumpkin Spice Latte”, October 4, 2016; https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Starbucks-Pumpkin-Spice-Latte-763582, last accessed September 14, 2017
“Pumpkin Spice Latte” Sizes and Various Nutrition Information
https://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/espresso/pumpkin-spice-latte#size=183887&milk=64&whip=NA, last accessed
David Mikkelson, “Is Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte Full of Toxins?”, August 27, 2014; http://www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/pumpkinspicelatte.asp, last accessed September 14, 2017
“Questions & Answers on Caramel Coloring and 4-MEI”, https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredient
spackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm364184.htm, last accessed September 14, 2017
