Starbucks pumpkin bread is a popular fall treat made with real pumpkin and delicious spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. But with its sweet flavor and bread-like texture, many coffee drinkers wonder just how many calories are in a slice of this cozy bakery treat. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the calorie and nutritional information for Starbucks’ pumpkin bread, look at how it fits into a balanced diet, and provide tips for enjoying this seasonal favorite without overdoing it on calories. Whether you are looking to curb cravings without derailing your diet, or simply want to know what you’re consuming, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the calories in Starbucks pumpkin bread.
Calories in Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Starbucks offers their pumpkin bread in uniform 1.5 ounce slices. According to Starbucks’ nutritional information, each slice contains:
– 330 calories
– 13 grams of fat
– 5 grams of saturated fat
– 390 milligrams of sodium
– 49 grams of carbohydrates
– 2 grams of protein
– 24 grams of sugar
So in a typical slice of pumpkin bread from Starbucks, you are getting 330 calories.
To put this calorie count in perspective, here is how a slice of Starbucks pumpkin bread fits into recommended daily calorie intake:
– For a 2,000 calorie diet, one slice of pumpkin bread is 16% of your total daily calories
– For a 2,500 calorie diet, one slice equates to 13% of daily calories
– For a 1,500 calorie diet, a single slice makes up 22% of total calories for the day
As you can see, while certainly a treat, one slice of pumpkin bread won’t break the calorie bank and can fit into a balanced daily diet. However, it is quite easy to overdo it on the sweet bread, especially when visiting Starbucks where the aroma alone can trigger cravings! We will explore some tips for enjoying pumpkin bread without going overboard later in this article.
Pumpkin Bread Nutrition Information
Now that we know the basic calorie content, let’s take a more in-depth look at the nutrition information in Starbucks Pumpkin Bread:
Total Fat
Each slice contains 13 grams of total fat, which is 18% of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Out of the total fat content, 5 grams come from saturated fat. Too much saturated fat has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, so this is something to watch out for if you are concerned about heart health.
Carbohydrates
With 49 grams of total carbohydrates, Starbucks’ pumpkin bread is quite high in carbs. It also has 24 grams of sugar, accounting for nearly half of those carbohydrates. All those carbs and natural sugars definitely contribute to the bread’s sweet flavor and soft texture!
Fiber
There are 2 grams of dietary fiber in each slice. Fiber plays an important role in digestive health and making you feel full. So while 2 grams is not a huge amount, it is a good source of fiber for a sweet bakery treat.
Sodium
You’ll also get 390 milligrams of sodium, approximately 16% of your recommended daily sodium. For healthy adults, this amount of sodium is fine for an occasional indulgence. But it’s something to watch out for if you are limiting salt intake for medical reasons.
Protein
With only 2 grams of protein per slice, Starbucks pumpkin bread is not a great source of this important macro-nutrient. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. So you might want to pair your pumpkin bread with a protein-rich food like Greek yogurt or eggs.
Vitamins and Minerals
Since pumpkin is one of the main ingredients, Starbucks’ pumpkin bread provides some key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and iron. However, it has minimal amounts of each. Ultimately, it’s the indulgent flavor rather than the nutrition that people crave in this seasonal favorite.
Pumpkin Bread Calories in Different Starbucks Items
Starbucks offers pumpkin bread on its own as a bakery slice, as well as incorporated into a variety of seasonal pumpkin-flavored drinks and snacks. Here is a run-down of calories in Starbucks pumpkin items:
| Starbucks Pumpkin Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 slice pumpkin bread | 330 calories |
| Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin (1 muffin) | 460 calories |
| Pumpkin Scone (1 scone) | 420 calories |
| Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte (16 oz) | 380 calories |
| Grande Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew (16 oz) | 270 calories |
As you can see, the basic pumpkin bread slice clocks in lower than the muffin, scone or even a Pumpkin Spice Latte. So while it’s still indulgent, you can feel better about the calorie impact of enjoying your pumpkin bread plain rather than as part of a layered coffee drink or bakery item.
Tips for Enjoying Starbucks Pumpkin Bread without Overdoing Calories
Starbucks’ pumpkin bread is hard to resist, especially as the weather turns cooler and you see it temptingly displayed at your local shop. Here are some tips to enjoy this seasonal treat without going overboard on calories:
Opt for a slice rather than a whole loaf
Buy a single slice rather than a whole loaf of bread. It’s easier to control portions when you commit to just one serving. A whole loaf can lead to multiple slices in one sitting!
Share with a friend
Split a slice with a friend or colleague and enjoy it as a snack. This allows you to still indulge while limiting your personal calorie intake.
Skip extra toppings and bakery items
Enjoy pumpkin bread plain or simply toasted. Resist the urge to order it as part of a larger bakery item or topped with sweet sauces and whipped cream.
Pair with protein
Bring your pumpkin bread slice home and enjoy it alongside a protein-rich food like Greek yogurt, eggs, or nut butter for more balanced nutrition.
Savor slowly
Take small bites and really savor the pumpkin bread. More mindful eating will satisfy your craving with less volume.
Watch your portions the rest of the day
Account for the indulgence by adjusting your other meals and snacks as needed. You might opt for a lighter dinner after enjoying pumpkin bread earlier.
Split with a friend
Buy one slice and split it with a friend or partner so you each get half. Portion control and someone to enjoy it with!
Make it an occasional treat
Limit yourself to enjoying Starbucks pumpkin bread a couple times per week rather than every single day.
Healthy Ways to Satisfy Your Pumpkin Craving
While an occasional splurge on Starbucks pumpkin bread won’t derail your diet, there are also some healthier ways to get your pumpkin fix:
Make your own pumpkin bread
Bake a loaf at home using less sugar and butter to cut down on calories. Load up on pumpkin flavor and spices instead.
Try an alternative bread
Look for lower calorie bread options with added protein like Ezekial bread. Toast up a slice and add pumpkin butter.
Enjoy a pumpkin smoothie
Blend real pumpkin, Greek yogurt, milk, cinnamon, and ice for a protein-packed beverage.
Make a pumpkin overnight oats
Mix pumpkin puree into overnight oats along with chia seeds, nuts and cinnamon for a fiber- and protein-rich morning meal.
Whip up pumpkin pancakes
Make fluffy pumpkin pancakes for breakfast or brunch. Top with fruit, nuts and just a drizzle of maple syrup.
Add pumpkin to oatmeal
Stir pumpkin into your morning bowl of oatmeal along with fall spices for extra flavor and nutrients.
The Bottom Line
Starbucks’ pumpkin bread is a popular seasonal indulgence, with each slice providing 330 calories and 13 grams of fat. While certainly a treat, it can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Skip the excessive toppings, watch your portions, pair it with protein, and find ways to work the flavor of pumpkin into healthier recipes to get your fix without going overboard on calories. With a little mindfulness, you can enjoy all the flavors of fall without derailing your nutrition goals.
