Tis the season for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, summer hasn't even ended but that didn't stop Starbucks from releasing the popular fall drink. It first made an appearance on the Starbucks menu back in 2003 and since then PSL lovers anticipate the day it comes back. Its basically fall in cup plus coffee.
The seasonal drink is basically coffee plus some some added fall flavors such as pumpkin spice, nutmeg and expresso shot and of course milk. The added flavors are what make this drink special without them it would just be a regular latte.
Heres what is in the popular PSL
One 16-ounce serving (grande size) of a pumpkin spice latte provides:
390 calories
14 grams fat
0.5 grams saturated fat
230 mg sodium
52 grams total carbohydrates
50 grams sugar
14 grams protein
15% Daily Value vitamin A
30% DV calcium
After seeing the ingredients you may be wondering if this is even healthy, or how many points is this cup of Autumn going to add up too. Well in short NO it is not the healthiest thing on the menu. Loaded with tons of sugar the Grande size 16oz drink averages 50 grams of sugar. The recommended daily intake for sugar consumption according to the American Heart Association is anywhere between 25 to 36 grams of sugar
To help paint a picture of just how much sugar is in a Grande PSL, it would be the same as 96 M&M's or 13 Chips ahoy cookies
Drinking the PSL not only has high sugar intake but it also is high in calories. on average of 390 calories for a grande size drink, which may not be the best to have if you are trying to drop the LB's plus it can also cause other illnesses.
Here are some health benefits according to EatingWell:
The latte is made with milk, which is loaded with bone-health-supporting nutrients.
The 14 grams of protein provided by this drink can offer a satiety factor, possibly helping people eat less later in the day.
Espresso is a natural source of antioxidants and micronutrients, including niacin. Drinking coffee is linked to improved heart health and a reduced risk of certain cancers.
Spices like cinnamon and ginger add antioxidants and give a PSL its unique flavor.
Some of the added spices may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Still want to enjoy the taste of Fall but don't want all of those calories and sugar then its simple you can still have a Skinny PSL.
here are some ideas accorinf to EattingWell
Order a nonfat latte with no whipped cream or pumpkin sauce, and ask for a sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top.
Order a pumpkin spice latte, but request half the "pumps" (of the sugary pumpkin sauce) to help cut the added sugar in half.
If you can't do without a PSL exactly how it was created, order the smallest size available.
Or you can also use the same recipe and try to recreate it at home.
Enjoy the holiday and join the trend of the Pumpkin Spice Latte sure it has a high calorie and sugar intake but enjoying the taste of fall should be felt by everyone. So next time your in the mood for something "Fall" you might jsut want to try the PSL maybe try the healthier alternatives so you wont feel as guilty.
Are you going to try it?
SOOURCE: EATINGWELL