From Woman's World · Lauren Schuster · · 1m
What's Really in Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Pumpkin spice lattes contain no pumpkin but a spice blend that creates a cozy sensation.
In brief
Pumpkin spice lattes contain no pumpkin but a spice blend that creates a cozy sensation. Pumpkin spice lattes use a spice blend without pumpkin that provides a cooling sensation and potential health benefits. Originally reported by Woman's World.
What is actually in pumpkin spice
Most pumpkin spice syrups and flavorings contain no pumpkin at all.
“I want you to think about pumpkin spice latte as not necessarily spiced pumpkin, but a spice for pumpkin.”
Why the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte changed in 2015
Starbucks added pumpkin puree to its iconic flavor syrup starting in fall 2015.
“From the drink’s 2003 debut through 2014, the Starbucks pumpkin spice latte contained only spices and flavorings. There was no actual pumpkin in the syrup.”
The science behind why pumpkin spice feels so good
Eugenol in clove creates a cooling sensation that pairs with warmth for a cozy feeling.
“We have a compound called eugenol which is a terpene. It’s a very cooling and cooling sensation in your mouth.”
Health benefits hiding in your fall latte
Spice compounds act as natural antioxidants and may lower inflammation and improve cognitive health.
“These flavor compounds, these volatile compounds that also have known health benefits.”
Natural versus artificial flavors in a pumpkin spice latte
Synthetic eugenol can be nearly identical to natural eugenol from clove.
“You really can’t tell the difference between eugenol in clove that was synthesized in a laboratory in a food grade manner versus an extract from the actual clove.”
The big picture
Pumpkin spice lattes use a spice blend without pumpkin that provides a cooling sensation and potential health benefits.
