Often affectionately referred to as the “PSL,” this popular Starbucks drink can be served hot or cold, and typically becomes available at the end of August each year. That’s when the pro–pumpkin spice and anti–pumpkin spice camps resume their annual debate on social media. With CNBC estimating that 424 million PSLs have been sold worldwide since it was introduced, in 2003, it seems people may be more “pro” than “no” when it comes to the PSL. Flavor preferences aside, registered dietitian-nutritionists are sure to be anti-PSL because of the beverage’s less-than-stellar nutritional profile. A Grande (16 ounce [oz]) Pumpkin Spice Latte made with 2 percent milk and topped with whipped cream rings in autumn at 390 calories, 50 grams (g) of sugar, and 14 g of fat (and not the good-for-you kind), according to the Starbucks website. Here, the traditional PSL gets a health glow-up with no loss of scrumptiousness. You can take comfort knowing that your homemade latte gets its signature orange color from real pumpkin and not a pumpkin sauce that lists sugar as its first ingredient. This tasty seasonal sip may even convert PSL naysayers!
