Healthnews’ In-House Expert Highlights Hidden Nutritional Pitfalls in Popular Seasonal Beverages

As autumn settles in, pumpkin spice lattes remain a beloved staple at coffee shops worldwide.

However, a recent analysis by Healthnews nutrition expert Sandra Vigelienė, BSc, reveals that these festive drinks from major chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Tim Hortons, Krispy Kreme, and McCafe may carry significant health concerns.

Key Insights:

  • High Calorie Content: The reviewed pumpkin spice lattes contain up to 490 calories per serving, primarily from saturated fats and added sugars. This exceeds the recommended daily discretionary calorie intake of 200–250 kcal for most Americans, making it challenging to maintain a balanced diet.
  • Excessive Added Sugars: Some beverages pack as much as 47 grams (about 12 teaspoons) of added sugar per serving. Dunkin’ Donuts tops the list, significantly surpassing the daily added sugar limit of 50 grams recommended by dietary guidelines.
  • Elevated Saturated Fats and Trans Fats: All the lattes are high in saturated fats, with Tim Hortons and Starbucks containing up to 11 grams per serving. Additionally, some drinks include trans fats, which health experts advise limiting as much as possible due to their association with heart disease.
  • High Sodium Levels: Most pumpkin spice lattes contain around 300 mg of sodium per serving. Krispy Kreme’s version has the highest, contributing to increased daily sodium intake and potential cardiovascular risks.
  • Excessive Caffeine Content: Certain large-sized drinks exceed the FDA’s recommended daily caffeine limit of 400 mg for healthy adults, potentially leading to adverse effects like anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations.
  • Unfavorable Ingredients: The analysis found that these beverages often contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, artificial colors (such as Yellow 6 in Scooter’s coffee), and preservatives. While regulated for safety, frequent consumption may pose health concerns.

To view the full report, please visit:

https://healthnews.com/reports/nutritionist-analyzes-pumpkin-spice-lattes-from-the-largest-coffee-chains/

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