The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Spice Lattes: What Chain Has the Lowest Sugar Option?
When September rolls around, it’s time to break out the pumpkin spice. And what better way to indulge in the warming flavors of fall than with a delicious pumpkin spice latte? But, how do you know which pumpkin spice latte has the lowest sugar content? Pumpkin spice actually has anti-inflammatory properties, digestive benefits and can help support metabolic health thanks to the healthy compounds in its 4 main ingredients: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger.
Unfortunately, many pumpkin spice drinks can be a high source of added sugar. That’s why we’re comparing the sugar content of 8 pumpkin spice lattes from popular fast-food chains. From international coffee chains to beloved regional stops, our guide will help you choose the pumpkin spice latte with the lowest sugar option.
The Breakdown: Sugar Content of Each Pumpkin Spice Latte
We looked at the small-sized (12-ounce) hot pumpkin spice latte made with the default milk option (whole milk or 2% milk) at the following eight restaurants:
- Caribou Coffee: 52g total sugar ( Caribou Coffee Pumpkin Latte)
- Starbucks: 38g total sugar (Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte)
- Scooter’s Coffee: 38g total sugar (Scooter’s Coffee Pumpkin Spice Latte)
- Dunkin’: 38g total sugar (25g added sugar) (Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte)
- Peet’s: 33g total sugar (Peet’s Pumpkin Latte)
- McDonald’s McCafé: 33g total sugar (23g added sugar) (McDonald’s McCafé Pumpkin Spice Latte)
- Tim Hortons: 30g total sugar (Tim Hortons Pumpkin Spice Latte)
- Krispy Kreme: 25g total sugar(Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Latte)
Note:
- While McDonald’s and Dunkin’ provided their added sugar content, others did not. However, it is assumed that flavored pumpkin syrup and sweetened whipped cream are the sources of added sugar in other beverages.
- The total sugar amount includes natural sugars from the milk, honey, and other ingredients added to the latte. Added sugars are those above and beyond the natural content.
Conclusion
Overall, our comparison shows a significant variation in sugar content among pumpkin spice lattes. While some offerings are sweet treats, there are steps you can take to reduce the sugar load. From ordering fewer pumps of pumpkin syrup to selecting plant-based milk alternatives and skipping the whipped cream, our expert tips will guide you toward a healthier enjoy-your-PSL-on-the-go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sugar content important to consider?
Sugar content impacts your daily intake of this added sugar, which recommends not exceeding 36g per day. Consuming high amounts of added sugars can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
Which pumpkin spice latte has the lowest added sugar?
Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Latte contains 25g of added sugar, among the lowest in our ranking.
What are some hacks to reduce sugar in a pumpkin spice latte?
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