# What's Really in Pumpkin Spice Latte?

> Pumpkin spice lattes contain no pumpkin but a spice blend that creates a cozy sensation.
- Title: What's Really in Pumpkin Spice Latte? · Woman's World
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: pumpkin spice latte, spice blend, clove, eugenol, terpene, antioxidants, inflammation, What's, Really, Pumpkin, Spice, Latte
- Source: Woman's World — https://womansworld.com/food-recipes/holiday-seasonal-recipes/what-is-pumpkin-spice-the-science-behind-your-fall-latte
- Author: Lauren Schuster
- Published: 2026-10-15T22:30:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pumpkin spice latte, spice blend, clove, eugenol, terpene, antioxidants, inflammation
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Pumpkin spice lattes use a spice blend without pumpkin that provides a cooling sensation and potential health benefits.