As fall approaches, the weather gets colder, the leaves change colors, and the days get shorter.  At the first sign of fall, people get excited, because now they are able to get their favorite seasonal drink, a pumpkin spice latte. Everyone loves that creamy synthetic pumpkin flavor.   What’s the deal with pumpkin spice lattes? Sure they’re festive but I promise there’s better autumn themed food. A venti pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks has 470 calories. A 16 0unce Coca Cola bottle has around 200 calories.  Your beloved latte has twice the amount of calories as that Coca Cola you refuse to drink.

Do you really know what’s in a pumpkin spice latte?  Well, let me break it down for you. This latte has no actual pumpkin.  Starbucks uses a flavored syrup that tastes like pumpkin. The syrup consists of high fructose corn syrup, and tons of artificial flavoring.  Forget the Halloween candy, this drink is a sugar bomb. In their Grande drink (16 oz), there are 50 grams of sugar. It’s recommended that men have 37.5 grams of sugar a day, and women have 25 grams.  

I get it, I love pumpkin anything.  What if I told you can get your dose of pumpkin goodness in a different healthier form.  This time of year, you can go to literally anywhere and get something pumpkin flavored. Stores are selling pumpkin flavored cookies, breads, ice cream, and pies; all of these pumpkin flavored products can have less sugar and artificial flavoring.  As the holidays approach, take a moment to access your food. Stay true to your New Year’s Resolution!