Pumpkin syrup is a popular fall flavor added to coffee drinks at Starbucks. The pumpkin syrup has a sweet, spicy pumpkin pie taste that goes well with coffee, milk, and cream. Starbucks starts serving pumpkin drinks and foods every year in late summer through fall. The pumpkin syrup is what gives the pumpkin flavor to drinks like the Pumpkin Spice Latte and pumpkin cream cold brew.
What is Starbucks’ pumpkin syrup made of?
The main ingredients in Starbucks’ pumpkin syrup are sugar, condensed nonfat milk, pumpkin puree, natural flavors, annatto for color, and other minor ingredients like potassium sorbate and sodium acid sulfite as preservatives. So it contains real pumpkin puree to give it that authentic flavor. The syrup is sweetened with sugar and thickened with condensed milk.
Nutritional Information
One serving of 2 tablespoons (38ml) of Starbucks pumpkin sauce contains:
| Calories | 60 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, the pumpkin syrup is high in sugar with 13g per serving. It contains no fat and minimal protein. The calorie and carb content is moderately high since it is essentially a sweet, thick syrup. But it provides that sweet pumpkin flavor to coffee drinks without significant fat or sodium.
How is the Pumpkin Syrup Used at Starbucks?
The pumpkin syrup is used in Starbucks’ fall menu pumpkin drinks like:
– Pumpkin Spice Latte: Espresso and steamed milk flavored with pumpkin syrup and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
– Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee with vanilla syrup, pumpkin syrup, and pumpkin cream foam.
– Pumpkin Cream Nitro Cold Brew: Starbucks nitro cold brew with pumpkin syrup and pumpkin cream foam.
– Pumpkin Frappuccino: A blended coffee drink made with milk, pumpkin syrup, coffee, and ice. Topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
– Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte: Black tea with spices, milk, and pumpkin syrup.
Hot Drinks
For hot coffee drinks like lattes, the pumpkin syrup is pumped into the cup before the espresso shots. Then steamed milk and other toppings like whipped cream and spice is added on top to finish the drink. The syrup provides a smooth, sweet pumpkin flavor that complements the espresso.
Iced Drinks
For iced and cold brew coffee drinks, the pumpkin syrup is either pumped directly into the cold brew coffee or milk before being shaken or blended. Then ice is added to chill it. Cold foam can be spooned on top as an additional layer of airy, creamy pumpkin flavor in drinks like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.
Blended Drinks
For blended chilled drinks like the Pumpkin Frappuccino, the pumpkin syrup is blended together with strong coffee, milk or cream, and ice. This allows the syrup to distribute evenly for a smooth textured, creamy, and refreshing frozen pumpkin coffee beverage.
History of the Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Pumpkin Spice Latte was launched by Starbucks in 2003 and became an instant autumnal hit. It was the brainchild of Peter Dukes who was in charge of new espresso drinks at the time. He came up with idea of combining traditional pumpkin pie flavors with espresso.
The product developer Ali Teall then brought the drink to life by experimenting with recipes to get the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin and rich espresso. Some original R&D recipes used cooked pumpkin puree but they eventually perfected the commercial formula using a good quality pumpkin syrup.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte was first test marketed in Vancouver and Washington. After success in those test markets, it launched across the US and Canada the next fall in 2004. Ever since, it’s been a popular seasonal drink that now marks the arrival of fall for many Starbucks fans. As pumpkin spice culture exploded over the next decade, Starbucks PSL became the quintessential pumpkin coffee drink.
How Long is the Pumpkin Syrup Available?
Starbucks usually brings the pumpkin drinks and foods back on menus around late August or early September. They are then available for a limited time throughout the autumn season until supplies run out, which is usually in November or December.
The PSL is so popular now that there’s often buzz and hype surrounding its season debut again every year. Starbucks stores have run out of pumpkin syrup in past years since demand exceeded supplies. So be sure to get your pumpkin fix before the season ends!
Reasons People Love the Pumpkin Drinks
There are several reasons why pumpkin drinks like the PSL have become a craze:
Nostalgia
Pumpkin flavor is nostalgic for many people since it reminds them of Thanksgiving pumpkin pie and other fall traditions. Sipping a warm PSL can evoke those cozy feelings.
Seasonal Treat
It’s a special seasonal treat that’s only available for a couple months out of the year. The limited availability makes it more exciting and indulgent.
Comforting
The creamy, smooth sweetness of the pumpkin paired with coffee is very comforting and satisfying.
Pumpkin Obsession
Pumpkin spice has become trendy in American culture since it’s associated with autumn. The flavor combination is now popular in everything from baked goods to candles.
Caffeine Delivery
It delivers the energy boost many need from coffee along with the quintessential flavors of fall. The espresso balances out the sweetness.
Customization
Customers can customize their PSL or other pumpkin drink to their preferences with options like milk type, toppings, and pumps of syrup.
Instagram Worthy
The flavors are nostalgic and satisfying while the whipped cream and spices make it very photogenic.
Pumpkin Vs. Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavors are both popular autumn flavors but they are slightly different:
Pumpkin
Pumpkin itself has a mildly sweet, nutty, earthy flavor that is most noticeable in dishes containing fresh or pureed pumpkin. The Starbucks pumpkin syrup contains some real pumpkin puree for authentic flavor.
Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin spice refers to the traditional spices used in pumpkin pie: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. The “pumpkin spice” blended drinks contain these warming spices in addition to pumpkin flavor. The spices add an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Together
When combined, the pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavors complement each other. The blend of creamy pumpkin and aromatic pie spices creates the quintessential taste of fall that so many crave all season long!
Variations and Customizations
One fun aspect of the pumpkin drinks is how easily they can be customized to your preferences:
Milk Choice
The milk steamed into the drink or used in Frappuccinos can be customized:
– Nonfat milk: Lower fat option
– 2% milk: A bit richer but still light
– Whole milk: Creamiest option
– Non-dairy milks: Soy, almond, oat, coconut
Amount of Syrup
You can ask for the number of pumps of pumpkin syrup to be adjusted based on your taste:
– Regular: Pumpkin Spice Latte has 4 pumps for a tall
– Extra syrup: Makes it sweeter for those with a sweet tooth
– Less syrup: Good for those who want it less sweet
Toppings
Some fun topping options include:
– No whip: For those who want to skip the whipped cream
– Extra whip: Heaps of fluffy whipped cream on top
– Pumpkin pie spice: Extra dash of cinnamon spice flavor
Iced or Hot
Most pumpkin drinks can be made either hot or iced. Iced pumpkin lattes are refreshing in warm weather while hot PSLs provide comfort when it’s chilly out.
Frappuccino vs Latte
Frappuccinos are blended to be thick and icy while lattes are creamy. Choose your texture!
So don’t be afraid to order your pumpkin drink just how you want it! Baristas are used to accommodating different customizations.
How to Make Your Own Copycat Version
You can recreate a PSL or pumpkin cream cold brew at home with just a few ingredients:
Pumpkin Spice Latte
– 1 shot espresso or strongly brewed coffee
– 3/4 cup steamed milk
– 2-3 tablespoons pumpkin puree
– 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Combine coffee, milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, and spice in a blender until smooth. Pour into your favorite mug and top with whipped cream.
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
– 1 cup cold brew concentrate
– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– Ice
– Vanilla sweet cream foam:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Mix together cold brew, pumpkin, condensed milk, and spices. Pour over ice. Top with sweet cream foam.
Nutrition Benefits of Pumpkin
While the pumpkin syrup is high in sugar, real pumpkin does actually contain some beneficial nutrients:
Vitamin A
Pumpkin is extremely high in vitamin A, an antioxidant that supports eye and immune health. Just 1 cup provides over 200% of the RDI for vitamin A.
Vitamin C
Pumpkin provides vitamin C, another important antioxidant. 1 cup has over 20% of the RDI.
Potassium
Pumpkin is a good source of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure by balancing fluids. 1 cup has 12% of the RDI.
Fiber
Pumpkin contains 3 grams of fiber per cup. The fiber helps slow digestion and promote fullness.
So while pumpkin spice drinks shouldn’t be considered a health food, the pumpkin itself does provide important benefits when eaten whole as well!
Caffeine Content
The caffeine content in a Pumpkin Spice Latte or other pumpkin coffee drink depends on the type and amount of coffee used:
– A tall PSL made with 1 shot espresso contains about 75mg caffeine.
– A grande PSL with 2 shots has about 150mg caffeine.
– A venti PSL prepared with 2 shots has about 150mg as well.
A typical 8 ounce cup of brewed coffee has around 95mg caffeine on average. Pumpkin spice flavored cold brew or nitro cold brew can have over 200mg per 16 ounce serving.
Those sensitive to caffeine may want to ask for half-caff or decaf versions. Kids should avoid or limit caffeine consumption.
Price and Availability
The Pumpkin Spice Latte and other pumpkin drinks are available seasonally at Starbucks locations worldwide usually from August through November. Availability can vary by location.
Pricing will depend on size and customizations but on average:
– A tall PSL is around $5-6
– A grande PSL is around $6-7
– A venti PSL ranges from $7-8
The pumpkin cream cold brew, nitro cold brew, and Frappuccino tend to be slightly more expensive averaging around $6-9 depending on size.
Prices at Starbucks in airports, hotels, and other locations may be even higher. But many find it worth the splurge for that coveted taste of fall in a cup.
Popularity and Culture
The pumpkin spice latte and similar drinks have grown to become a cultural phenomenon and essential part of autumn for so many over the past two decades.
For fans of fall flavors and cozy vibes, it’s about more than just the drink itself – it represents the feeling and nostalgia of the changing season. Seeing the pumpkin drinks on menus marks the unofficial start of cozy sweater weather and autumn traditions.
Starbucks is credited for sparking the pumpkin craze since the debut of the PSL in 2003. Since then, pumpkin flavor has exploded in popularity and become a symbol of autumn.
The pumpkin spice trend is often poked fun of in memes and jokes online. But ultimately it reflects how powerful scent and flavor can be for connecting us to memories, emotions, and warming traditions like comforting sweets, crisp air, and gatherings with loved ones.
For many, fall just isn’t fall without enjoying a pumpkin coffee or tea on a cool day while leaves drift down. It’s no wonder Starbucks starts planning for the next pumpkin launch almost as soon as one Pumpkin Spice Latte season ends!
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Starbucks’ pumpkin syrup and drinks:
Is the pumpkin syrup used year-round or only seasonally?
Starbucks pumpkin syrup is only available seasonally, usually from August through November each year.
Are the fall pumpkin drinks available hot, iced, or blended?
Most pumpkin drinks like the PSL can be ordered hot, iced, or blended depending on your preference. Exceptions would be hot-only espresso drinks like lattes and cold-only drinks like the pumpkin cream cold brew.
Does the pumpkin cream cheese muffin contain real pumpkin?
Yes, the Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffin does contain real pumpkin in addition to cinnamon streusel topping.
Is the pumpkin in the drinks canned pumpkin puree?
The type of pumpkin isn’t specified but it’s likely a commercial puree made from pie pumpkins. The syrup provides authentic flavor without using fresh pumpkin.
Can you purchase bottles of the pumpkin syrup to make drinks at home?
Unfortunately Starbucks does not sell or make their flavored syrups available for retail purchase. But copycat pumpkin spice sauce recipes can be found online to recreate the flavors.
Does Starbucks’ pumpkin spice contain nuts or peanut ingredients?
No, Starbucks confirmed their pumpkin spice blend does not contain any nut-based ingredients, so it is safe for those with nut allergies.
Is the whipped cream vegetarian and gluten-free friendly?
Yes, the whipped cream used on drinks is dairy-based without cream ingredients, so it is both vegetarian and gluten-free.
I hope this thorough overview answers all your questions about pumpkin syrup and drinks at Starbucks! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.
